Network and infrastructure roles are evolving rapidly as enterprises embrace emerging technologies like AI-driven network operations, multicloud networking, zero trust network access (ZTNA), and software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN). Recent industry research highlights shifts in hiring patterns, required certifications, and emerging skills necessary for today’s network professionals and IT teams.
CompTIA’s New Certifications
CompTIA has made significant strides in addressing the skills gap with its latest offerings:
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SecurityX Certification: Designed for experienced security architects and senior security engineers, this expert-level certification focuses on the skills required to implement enterprise security solutions across complex environments. CompTIA is also set to release its CloudNetX certification soon.
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Entry-Level Courses: CompTIA’s new starter courses for network and security certifications provide foundational knowledge for newcomers to the tech field. The courses cover essential skills in network support and device security, priced at $499 each.
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Tech+ Certification: Aimed at beginners, this certification provides a broad understanding of tech concepts, including security and emerging technologies.
The push for AI skills is evident, with nearly half of enterprises enhancing their workforce due to AI investments. During the assessment of current tech hiring scenarios, staffing strategies include upskilling existing employees for roles directly related to AI.
AI’s Impact on IT Workforce
AI is credited for boosting job growth in the IT space. According to the Motion Recruitment 2025 Tech Salary Guide, 48% of organizations are planning to educate their staff on AI applications, while 19% indicated potential downsizing. There’s been a marked increase in roles related to AI, with traditional job categories evolving to meet new technology demands.
An emerging challenge is the reduction of fully remote jobs, which has shifted from an average of 1.1 days in the office per week to 3.4 days, pushing for a balance between remote and in-office work.
New Certifications for OpenTelemetry
Developed by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation and Linux Foundation, the OpenTelemetry Certified Associate (OTCA) certification is tailored for engineers looking to enhance their skills in observability technologies—a crucial aspect as organizations shift to distributed systems.
The Skills Shortage
Amidst these developments, the industry faces critical skill shortages, particularly in cybersecurity and AI. A Skillsoft survey noted organizations struggle to fill positions in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI/machine learning roles. With 90% of companies indicating skill gaps may impact their goals, IT decision-makers are urged to reassess their current workforce capabilities.
Job Market Trends
The IT job market remains steady, with CompTIA noting an increase in tech employment, albeit at a slower rate than previous years. Tech salaries are on the rise, with the median IT salary crossing the $100,000 mark, reflecting a growing demand for skilled tech professionals. Companies are increasingly offering competitive compensation packages to attract and retain talent, particularly in cybersecurity and cloud computing.
The evolving landscape of IT jobs demonstrates a clear need for continuous skill development and strategic planning to meet the challenges of an advancing technological world. For future opportunities and insights, professionals are encouraged to pursue certifications that enhance their skills in emerging technologies.
