Digital vs. IT: Which profiles are in the highest demand?
04 de December de 2020
04 de December de 2020
With the ever-growing rise of digitization, there are two fields that have taken on a particular importance: Digital and Information Technology. The digital sector focuses more on digital marketing and comprises more functional profiles. In contrast, the IT sector, is made up of more technical profiles and specializes in areas such as programming and computing.
While different, the two sectors can be seen as the opposite sides of the same coin, enabling companies to operate in the online sphere. As a result, in recent years and especially since the pandemic, they have taken on a key role in all organizations.
So, which profiles are in the highest demand in the two sectors? What type of companies required their services most? We find out in another session of the Conversations with Headhunters, led by María Ruiz-Mateos and Celia Lozano, specialists from the recruitment form Spring Professional.
Which way is the market heading?
By way of introduction, the recruiters asked which way is the market heading. In response, they presented 3 key factors for understanding the evolution of the digital and IT sectors in the business world.
The 5 ICT trends
First of all, it is important to know that there are 5 trends that shape much of today’s digital world: Big data, Cloud, Cybersecurity, 5G and Artificial Intelligence. These 5 areas account for the vast big majority of investments and have the greatest impact on the market, so this is where they are looking for professionals.
Social obligation to digitalize
“For a long time now, companies have been forced to embrace digital transformation”, explained the experts. This is because the context requires new processes, new products and new ways of selling. In response to this need, some companies have moved faster, while others have lagged behind.
“This transformation has changed the way we shop, as people have gradually discovered the benefits of shopping online”, they continued. “This have led to huge growth in marketplaces, right from Amazon to other such as Zara. Moreover, there has been a rise in investment in advertising, which has stimulated the emergence of new advertising agencies and startups”.
Consequences of Covid-19
The third key factor for understanding which way the market is heading is the consequences of Covid-19, which we should not underestimate. “The situation has made us change our mindset”, emphasized the recruiters. “Many companies had already embraced a digital focus, but others have been forced by the pandemic. Companies have had to reinvent themselves. Many of them that only sold in physical stores have started using social media and investing in online advertisements, etc. What has been the result? More digitization”.
Digital Vs. IT
Having explained the context, the recruiters turned their attention to the profiles and competences in the highest demand, as well as the companies that need them most.
Technical and functional profiles
The two profiles are necessary and important. As mentioned above, technical profiles are more associated with the IT field and they particularly specialize in programming and computing. Meanwhile, digital profiles are generally more functional, focusing on areas more related to marketing, such as positioning and expanding the brand in the online sphere.
“The digital profile is not as sought after as the IT profile and it is strongly based on contacts. Unlike before, digital profiles are expected to offer a bit more, to know a little programming or understand the adaptability of websites to a mobile format, among other skills”, explained the experts.
In contrast, in the case of the IT sector, there is a lot more movement. “For instance, we are always in contact with programmers and developers through LinkedIn and we strive to build a really good relationship with them all”, explained the recruiters.
Types of company that require these profiles
All kinds of companies are looking for digital and IT profiles, from market research firms and big corporations to giants such as Amazon.
“One interesting area in the banking sector”, explained the experts. “While it is a very traditional and even archaic sector, there is now great digital demand to create apps for payments and digital processes. Santander and BBVA, for instance, have become the big digital leaders.
Key competences
Lastly, the recruiters listed the competences that they consider most crucial in digital and IT profiles: