People are usually looking forward to the next big technological revolution.

The
re s always a great deal of excitement as we envision what the world will look lik
e in the future and the role technology will play in that world. Most experts ag
ree that if you want to identify the next thing that will transform the world we
live in, look no further than the Internet of Things (IoT). The idea is to have
items and objects with embedded sensors that connect to the web, enabling them
to communicate with us and each other, making for a more convenient, always conn
ected lifestyle. In fact, the IoT has already begun, but true mainstream penetra
tion likely won t be achieved until 2020. When that happens, you can expect things
to change dramatically, with the IoT adding nearly $2 trillion to the global ec
onomy by that time. That means IT pros and those prospective IT workers better g
et ready now to learn the skills needed in a world where the Internet of Things
is dominant.
Big Data Knowledge
The major force likely to drive the Internet of Things is big data. IoT devices
will work by collecting vast amounts of data and analyzing them, ensuring fast c
ommunication and quick solutions. Even if your field doesn t seem like it would ma
ke use of big data, chances are if you ll be using an IoT device, you ll need to hav
e at least some functional knowledge of big data. If you re developing IoT devices
, you ll want to design them with data in mind first so they can function properly
and efficiently. This skillset is particularly useful and valuable since right
now there is a shortage of people with big data talents. At the same time, havin
g knowledge of technologies often used with big data, like flash storage, is ano
ther useful skill to have.
Communication
While this skill isn t necessarily tied directly into technology, it s still an esse
ntial part of making the Internet of Things work for your current or future comp
any. Those with good communication skills can break down complicated concepts an
d ideas like the IoT so those who maybe aren t tech savvy can understand and apply
them. Good communicators can also make the business case for using IoT devices,
which goes a long way in convincing business executives of the value of the Int
ernet of Things and how it lines up with company goals.
Artificial Intelligence Development
As of right now, IoT devices require user input and programmer code to function.
In the future, that might not be the case thanks to advances in artificial inte
lligence. IT pros that know the ins and outs of AI and how it can be applied to
IoT devices will be tremendously valued within organizations. AI will likely be
needed as IoT devices begin to make more complicated decisions. The goal here is
to automate as many things as possible and have devices that respond to human i
nteractions without the need for a ton of new code, and that s simply not going to
happen until AI becomes a prominent feature.
Security Knowledge
One of the biggest concerns surrounding the IoT is security. With so much data b
eing collected about individuals, consumers will want to know that information i
s being protected. That s why you ll want to develop security skills that will ensur
e data can be securely managed at all stages of collection and processing with t
he IoT. You ll need to know how to conduct vulnerability assessments and how to en
sure wireless network security if you want to be a valuable part of developing f
or the IoT.
Collaboration

The versatility of the IoT is one of the main reasons it is estimated to add so
much value to the economy. IoT devices can be used in nearly every industry, whe
ther through development, adoption, or a combination of both. IT pros that know
how to collaborate with people in different industries will suddenly find themse
lves in a more prominent position within the company. With this in mind, you ll ne
ed to make sure your training is diverse enough that it can be applied to numero
us different businesses.
The Internet of Things truly looks like it will be the revolution many experts h
ave predicted. Starting now to learn the skills needed in such a world can lead
to a big boost to your IT career. It will take work and a lot of dedication, but
the result will be a more secure job outlook and more opportunities in the futu
re.