World Youth Skills Day 2024: Top 10 most in-demand work skills in 2024

As technologies continue to emerge with their rapid adoption, Upwork, an American freelancing platform, indicates that data science and analytics are experiencing rapid growth. At the same time, generative AI modelling and machine learning are the fastest-growing skills within this domain.

Thriving in the future of work necessitates a proactive approach to navigate volatility and adapt to these developments, with a focus on developing the skills and competencies anticipated to be in high demand in the coming years.

Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn Career Expert and Senior Managing Editor noted: “Gen Z professionals are hungry for knowledge and skills and are motivated to invest time in learning. By learning a variety of skills beyond just job-specific ones, they’ll be ready to thrive in the fast-paced future, especially as AI quickly transforms how we work.”

Additionally, new research by LinkedIn also reveals that Gen Z individuals are acquiring skills at a faster rate compared to other generations, aiming to future-proof their careers. So, on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day on July 15, which emphasises the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship, here are the most in-demand skills projected for 2024.

In-demand and fastest-growing work skills for the future of work:

As the global workforce faces the need to reskill, with the World Economic Forum estimating that half of all employees will require upskilling in the next five years, companies are actively seeking talent with the most in-demand and fastest-growing skills. According to a recent report by Upwork, the following are the top 10 most sought-after skills across various industries.

(Source: WEF)

Data Science and Analytics Skills: Top 10 most in-demand skills for 2024

1. Data Analytics
2. Machine Learning
3. Data Visualisation
4. Data Extraction
5. Data Engineering
6. Data Processing
7. Data Mining
8. Experimentation and testing
9. Deep Learning
10. Generative AI modelling

Data Science and Analytics Skills: Top 3 fastest-growing skills for 2024

1. Generative AI modelling 
2. Machine Learning
3. Data Analytics

Coding and Web Development Skills: Top 10 most in-demand skills for 2024

1. Full-Stack Development
2. Front-End Development
3. Web Design
4. Mobile App Development
5. Back-End Development
6. Ecommerce Website Development
7. UX/UI Design
8. Scripting and automation
9. CMS Development
10. Manual Testing

Coding and Web Development Skills: Top 3 fastest-growing skills for 2024

1. Scripting and automation
2. Database Development
3. Web Design

Sales and Marketing Skills: Top 10 most in-demand skills for 2024

1. Social media marketing
2. SEO
3. Sales and business development
4. Lead Generation
5. Telemarketing
6. Search engine marketing
7. Marketing Automation
8. Email Marketing
9. Marketing Strategy
10. Campaign Management

Sales and Marketing Skills of 2024: Top 3 fastest-growing skills for 2024

1. Marketing Automation
2. Sales and business development
3. Email Marketing

Accounting and consulting skills: Top 10 most in-demand skills for 2024

1. Accounting
2. Bookkeeping
3. Recruiting and talent sourcing
4. Financial Analysis and Modelling
5. Management Consulting
6. HR Administration
7. Instructional Design
8. Business Analysis and Strategy
9. Tax Preparation
10. Financial Management/CFO

Accounting and consulting skills: Top 3 fastest-growing skills

1. Personal Coaching
2. Financial Management/CFO
3. Bookkeeping

Customer service and admin support skills: Top 10 most in-demand skills

1. General Virtual Assistance
2. Data Entry
3. Digital Project Management
4. General Research Services
5. Dropshipping and order processing
6. Market Research
7. Executive Virtual Assistance
8. Manual Transcription
9. Development and IT project management
10. Medical Virtual Assistance

Customer service and admin support skills: Top 3 fastest-growing skills of 2024

1. Business project management
2. Medical Virtual Assistance
3. Supply Chain and Logistics Project Management

Design and creative skills: Top 10 most in-demand skills for 2024:

1. Graphic Design
2. Video Editing
3. Presentation Design
4. Illustration
5. Image Editing
6. 3D Animation
7. Video Production
8. Product and Industrial Design
9. Cartoon and Comic Illustration
10. Logo Design

Design and creative skills: Top 3 fastest-growing skills

1. Packaging Design
2. Music Production
3. Videography