Despite the rise of AI and programming languages like Python, Excel remains the most in-demand skill in Silicon Valley job listings, highlighting its continued importance in data management and business operations even amidst fierce competition for AI talent.
Tech companies are increasingly turning to freelance talent to address skills gaps and meet industry demands, with a 2024 Fiverr survey revealing that Q3 is the most stressful quarter, prompting 89.7% of tech executives to consider hiring freelancers. In-demand high-paying tech skills for freelancers include data science, data modeling, software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). To stand out, freelancers should focus on developing niche technical skills and consider joining exclusive talent platforms such as Arc, A.Team, Fiverr Pro, Turing, and Toptal.
Damon Packwood, founder of Gameheads, a nonprofit teaching tech and video game design skills, is providing free classes, mentorship, equipment, and soft/hardware to hundreds of high school and college-aged students from low-income communities. Packwood recognized the need to switch gears when he noticed that his students were getting their resources from the computer. He encourages entrepreneurs to broaden their view of partnerships and to do the thing that they would do for free.