2025 Ultimate Guide for Elevating Your Tech Career
The year 2024 was a turbulent one for the technology industry, marked by massive layoffs, the controversial return-to-office (RTO) mandates, and the advancement of AI tools. As a technical recruitment agency, we’ve saw firsthand how these trends have reshaped employment and career building
Massive layoffs
We saw mass layoffs at global tech giants Google, Amazon, Facebook and many other smaller tech firms. According to layoffs.fyi, approximately 149,870 staff members were let go from over 520 tech companies.
Layoffs started in 2023 with Elon Musk laying off 80% of twitter’s staff. Musk said in an interview that Twitter now has only 1,500 employees, down from under 8,000 who were employed at the time of his acquisition.
Key reason tech companies provided for the layoffs was to focus on core tech and streamline operations in this time of rapidly developing AI
Return to Office Mandates (RTO)
In the middle of 2024, companies mandated remote staff to return to office and commute daily to work. Essentially, to return to pre-covid levels of business engagement and corporate activity. RTO mandates were met with fierce oppositions from employees who had worked from home since 2019.
Some believed RTO leads to worker attrition and loss of productivity due to long commuting times for workers, with added pressure on their salaries because they had to pay for new work clothes and transportation
Companies calling for RTO on the other hand believed an onsite workforce will improve office morale, boost idea sharing and lead to equity as workers on site resented those who worked from home
Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools such as Co-Pilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Beautiful AI etc presents career risk for certain professionals. It’s estimated that about 90% of all online written content will be AI generated in 2025 leading to a fall in demand for writers.
The growth of AI will lessen the weight/prestige of straightforward jobs that has no room for nuance and emotional intelligence. Jobs such as accounting, insurance underwriting, quantitative stock trading is ripe for AI disruption
Given the above listed global trends, tech workers are arming themselves with added skills and certification to remain relevant in the space.
Based on trends in 2024, here are the top 10 certifications that were highly valued in the software engineering value chain/ecosystem. These certifications are tailored to enhance skills, increase credibility, and align with the fast-evolving demands of the industry:
1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Amazon is a tech behemoth, one of the largest technology companies globally and a leader in Cloud Services. Amazon Web Services (AWS) has grown exponentially since its inception and its current revenue exceeds revenues from the Amazon store. As of February 2024, there were more than 1.31 million active AWS Certifications, which is an 18% increase from the previous year.
- Why it matters: Cloud computing is central to software engineering, and AWS dominates the cloud market. This certification validates skills in designing scalable, secure systems on AWS which is the industry leader for cloud computing
2. Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
Kubernetes appeared on the Tech Jobs in Ghana radar earlier in 2024 when it emerged as a standout tech most clients appreciated from their developers especially in building proper CI/CD pipelines. Over 200,000 people hold a CKA
- Why it matters: Kubernetes has become the standard for container orchestration, and software engineers often deploy microservices with Kubernetes.
3. Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Azure Solutions Architect has grown steadily as cloud computing becomes the norm. The key players in this space ie Amazon, Microsoft and Google continue to make strides in developing cloud computing products that is fast becoming the industry standard. Azure Solutions Architect expert is no different.
- Why it matters: With Azure’s growing market share, this certification helps engineers design secure and scale cloud-based solutions on Microsoft Azure.
4. Google Cloud (Professional Cloud Developer)
Google Cloud is popular in Africa because many Software Engineers already take advantage of Google’s fundamental training programs. Google has a plethora of fundamental Cloud Developer courses for anyone who’s interested in dipping their toes in cloud technology. The average salary for a Google Cloud Professional Cloud Developer in the United States is $147,253 which is among the highest paying IT certifications
- Why it matters: Google Cloud Platform (GCP) powers many high-traffic applications, and this certification verifies expertise in building scalable and highly available applications on GCP.
5. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Cyber security is a cornerstone of digital transactions, companies are shelling out big funds to employ cyber security professionals to avert attacks on computer systems and protect customer funds and data. The CISSP issued by International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) is fast becoming a favourite for engineers venturing into the cyber security space. As of March 2024, more than 165,000 people worldwide hold the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification
- Why it matters: Security remains a top priority in the software engineering ecosystem. CISSP proves advanced knowledge in designing and implementing secure software systems.
6. Docker Certified Associate
Similar to Kubernetes, Docker is an important containerization tool relevant for CI/CD pipelines. The growth of DevOps in software engineering inadvertently leads to increase in demand for DevOps engineers who are adept with CI/CD practices. 26% of people who earn the DCA certification report getting a job promotion.
- Why it matters: Containerization with Docker has become critical for CI/CD pipelines, modern software development, and deployment.
7. HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate
Engineers want to scale quickly, Terraform provides infrastructure as code for programmers to build tech products and deploy within the infrastructure safely and efficiently. Terraform also plays an active role in Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and helps Engineers scale code efficiently. Over 55,000 certifications have been issued
- Why it matters: Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is essential for automation and scalability. Terraform certification validates the ability to use Terraform to provision infrastructure across cloud platforms.
8. Project Management Professional PMP
Great Project Managers are hard to find therefore the best ones are often highly paid and sought because projects needs to be delivered on time and on budget. According to the PMI Earning Power: Project Management Survey (2023), PMP holders earn an average of 33% more across 21 countries. Additionally, 61% of PMP-certified individuals reported a salary increase of at least 5% over the past year, demonstrating the ongoing financial benefits of obtaining the certification.
- Why it matters: Effective project management is critical in the software development lifecycle, especially for delivering projects on time and within scope.
9. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 17 Developer
Java is one of the most desired programming languages in the world and engineering experts in the field are sought after. Due to its scalability and the growth of android platforms, experienced Java Engineers are required for building applications and enterprise systems. Oracle reports that there are over 2 million certified individuals in their program
- Why it matters: Java remains widely used in enterprise software and backend development. This certification showcases expertise in Java programming.
10. Certified AI Engineer by Microsoft (Azure AI Engineer Associate)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a growing trend and opportunities will only grow within the space. Every app, website and digital tool is AI powered. The growth of the sector requires AI Engineers to build and deploy AI Solutions. For those just starting out in the field, entry-level Azure AI Engineers can expect to earn between $80,000 and $110,000 annually in the United States
Why it matters: AI and machine learning are at the forefront of technological innovation. This certification focuses on implementing AI solutions using Azure AI services.
Honorable Mentions:
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): Key for teams practicing Agile methodologies.
- CompTIA Security+: Entry-level certification in software security.
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer: For cloud-focused automation engineers.
- MongoDB Developer Associate: Validates skills in NoSQL databases for modern app development.
The year 2025 presents a fresh opportunity for tech professionals to upgrade their skills and aim to be useful within the industry. Areas of Focus in 2025 for tech workers looking to expand their knowledge base and increase their salaries
- Cloud Computing
- Data Science/Analytics
- Cyber Security
- Cloud computing
Companies need data to make efficient decisions which requires capturing many data points and building large databases. Large data needs to be secured properly in the cloud to make data backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity easier and less expensive.
As more companies realize the importance of investing in cloud infrastructure, demand for cloud professionals can only rise. Using cloud platforms is a sustainable way for startups to scale services without tacking on the cost of data centers. Worldwide end-user spending on public cloud services was estimated to grow to $724.5 billion in 2024 according to Gartner
Research by Motion Recruitment shows a 14% increase in opportunities for cloud computing careers and a $190,000 average salary for advanced cloud experts in the United States
Source: Motion Recruitment
Cloud Computing Self Study Guide 2025
| COURSE | LEVEL | FEES | CERTIFICATION | LINK |
| Generation Ghana AWS Cloud Intensive | Beginner | Free | Yes | Generation Ghana AWS Cloud Intensive |
| ALX AWS Cloud Computing Programme | Beginner | $5 (monthly) | Yes | ALX AWS Cloud Computing Programme |
| Amazon Web Services (AWS) Educate | Beginner | Fee | Yes | Amazon Cloud Skills for Educate |
| Cloud Developer Professional Certificate | Intermediate/Advanced | $49 (Monthly) | Yes | Preparing for Cloud Certification |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert | Intermediate/Advanced | $670 (Average training fee) $83 (For Exam) | Azure Solutions Architect Expert | |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate/Professionl | Intermediate/Advanced | Training $700 $300 (For Exam-Professional) $150 (For Exam-Associate) | Yes | AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate AWS Certificed Solutions Architect Professional |
- Data Science/Data Analytics
As companies store massive datasets using cloud computing, they have to make sense of the data in improving business metrics such as client satisfaction, revenues, product lines etc. Data scientist and analysts have become core members of any solid engineering team.
The findings and recommendations of Data professionals are used in making critical business decisions. McKinsey Global Institute found that big data can increase a retailer’s profit margin by 60%, and “services enabled by personal-location data can allow consumers to capture $600 billion in economic surplus,”
Northeastern University findings suggests a 41.9% increase in job growth for Data Analytics/Science related jobs till 2031
Data Science/Analytics Self Study Guide
| COURSE | LEVEL | FEES | CERTIFICATION | LINK |
| Generation Ghana Data Analyst | Beginner | Free | Yes | Generation Ghana Data Analyst |
| ALX Data Analytics ALX Data Science | Beginner | $5 (monthly) | Yes | ALX Data Analyst Programme ALX Data Science Programme |
| Data Science Math Skills Issued by: Duke University | Beginner | Free | Yes | Data Science Math Skills |
| Data Science Professional Certificate Issued by: IBM | Beginner | Free | Yes | IBM Data Science Professional Certificate |
| Data Analytics Certificate Issued by: Google | Beginner | Free | Yes | Google Data Analytics Certificate |
| Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate Issued by: Microsoft | Intermediate | Tutor and Exam Fees | Yes | Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate |
| Data Science & Analytics Certificate Issued by: eCornell (Cornell University) | Advanced | Paid | Yes | eCornell Data Science & Analytics Certificate |
Cyber Security
Companies are willing to shell out big money as customers rely on digital platforms to handle transactions as online payments is currently a standard norm. An attack from a hacker can cause a company millions in fees and opens themselves up for lawsuits. Therefore companies are investing in strong cyber security systems to divert attacks. The American Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for information security analysts will grow 32% from 2022 to 2032
Cyber Security Study Guide
| COURSE | LEVEL | FEE | CERTIFICATION | LINK |
| Cybersecurity Essentials Issued by: Cisco Networking Academy | Beginner | Free | Yes | Cybersecurity Essentials |
| Introduction to Cyber Security Issued by: EC-Council | Beginner | Free | Yes | Introduction to Cyber Security |
| CompTIA Security+ Certification Issued by: CompTIA | Intermediate | Exam Fee | Yes | CompTIA Security+ |
| Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Issued by: EC-Council | Intermediate | Tutor and Exam Fees | Yes | Certified Ethical Hacker |
| Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Issued by: (ISC)² | Advanced | Exam Fee | Yes | CISSP Certification |
Other Areas of Opportunities
Beyond these growing segments of tech, highlighted above, growing opportunities abound in these up and coming fields
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Over the past years companies like Facebook has invested heavily in Augmented Reality and changed its name to Meta based on projected growth of augmented reality. Apple released vision pro in February 2024 to play an active role in the space. The global augmented reality (AR) market size was valued at USD 31.97 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 88.4 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 31.5%. Hardware segment is expected to witness highest CAGR of 60.4%
- Software Development for Green Technology
Electric cars, wind farms, solar energy demand continues to grow exponentially as many companies go green and put efforts into Environmental, social and Governance (ESG) practices. Engineers and Product Managers who’re focused in building sustainable tech solutions will be in demand.
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and UX Engineering
In this age of wearable technology where modern vehicles are more computer parts than mechanical parts, the world needs professionals to design and program these parts for human use. Auto, marine, electronic and manufacturing industries heavily rely on such technical professionals to work in these industries. UX engineers and HCI specialists command competitive salaries, often ranging from $80,000 to over $120,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
- Quantum Computing
Quantum computing uses quantum bits (qubits) to perform complex calculations faster than traditional computers. For small businesses, quantum computing can optimize delivery routes in logistics, saving time and reducing costs. For example, a bakery can use quantum algorithms to efficiently plan deliveries, minimizing fuel expenses and improving customer satisfaction.
The quantum computing market is projected to reach $65 billion by 2030, indicating rapid growth and significant investment in the field. Quantum computing professionals can expect high salaries, with quantum software engineers earning between $115,000 to $150,000 annually, and quantum researchers earning between $80,000 to $120,000 per year
Heading into 2025, staying competitive means mastering in-demand skills for career enhancement and progress
