Coursera Unveils Top 10 Tech Skills in High Demand for 2025
By Abbas Badmus,
Global online learning platform, Coursera, has released its much-anticipated Job Skills of 2025 report, revealing the top 10 tech skills expected to be in high demand by 2025.
The insights, drawn from over five million enterprise learners and more than 7,000 institutional customers, underscore the pressing need for organizations to bolster their tech capabilities, with cybersecurity emerging as a top priority.
According to the report, cybersecurity and risk management skills are projected to experience the fastest growth, reflecting the urgent demand for professionals to fill critical roles in the face of escalating cyber threats.
“Six of the top 10 skills—including incident management & response, threat management and modeling, and SIEM—are direct pathways to meet these needs,” Coursera stated.
“These skills also align with the fastest-growing roles on our platform, such as Cybersecurity Specialist, Chief Information Security Officer, and Cybersecurity Analyst. The increasing number of cyberattacks is driving this urgent need for security expertise.”
Top 10 Tech Skills of 2025
The report highlights the following skills as essential for tech professionals aiming to thrive in 2025:
1. Incident Management & Response
It refers to the structured process of identifying, managing, and addressing incidents that could disrupt business operations, information security, or IT systems. It aims to minimize the impact of incidents, restore normal operations as quickly as possible, and prevent recurrence.
2. Threat Management & Modelling
It involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks or threats to an organization, system, or individual. It is a structured process used in various industries, including cybersecurity, physical security, project management, and risk management.
3. Security Information & Event Management (SIEM)
Is a technology solution that provides real-time analysis of security alerts generated by hardware, software, and network devices. It combines two primary functions: Security Information Management (SIM) and Security Event Management (SEM).
4. Computer Security
Computer Security, also known as cybersecurity, is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access, theft, damage, or disruption. It involves the implementation of technologies, processes, and practices to safeguard digital assets from cyber threats.
5. Vulnerability Management
Is the process of identifying, assessing, prioritizing, and mitigating security vulnerabilities in an organization’s IT infrastructure. It is a critical component of cybersecurity, helping organizations reduce their attack surface and enhance their overall security posture.
6. Network Planning & Design
It refers to the process of designing a communications network that meets the current and future needs of an organization or region. It involves a structured approach to ensure efficient, scalable, and cost-effective network performance.
7. Network Management & Monitoring
Network Management & Monitoring are crucial components of maintaining an efficient, secure, and reliable network infrastructure. Here’s an overview of what they entail:
Network Management
Network Management refers to the processes, tools, and techniques used to administer, operate, and maintain a network’s infrastructure. It ensures that the network runs smoothly, efficiently, and securely.
Network Monitoring
Network Monitoring is a subset of network management focused on observing and analyzing network activity to detect anomalies, maintain performance, and prevent outages.
8. Software Documentation
Software documentation is the written text or illustrations that accompany software, explaining how it operates or how to use it. It is an essential part of the software development lifecycle and serves multiple purposes, such as guiding users, developers, and stakeholders.
9. Infrastructure Security
Infrastructure Security refers to the practice of safeguarding critical systems, assets, and facilities that are essential for the functioning of societies and economies. It involves protecting physical and virtual infrastructure against threats, vulnerabilities, and disruptions caused by malicious attacks, natural disasters, or other risks.
10. Data Analysis Expressions (DAX)
Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) is a powerful formula language used for data modeling and analytics in Microsoft tools such as Power BI, Excel Power Pivot, and SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS). It is designed to perform advanced calculations, aggregations, and manipulations on data within tabular models.
Addressing the Cybersecurity Skills Gap
Rav Ahuja, Global Program Director at IBM, highlighted the critical need for cybersecurity professionals, citing a 75% increase in cyber attacks during Q3 2024.
“More than half of public organizations report that a lack of skills and resources is their biggest obstacle to achieving cyber resilience,” Ahuja said. “Upskilling in areas like SIEM can make job seekers highly attractive to employers.”
With a shortage of nearly five million cybersecurity professionals globally, Ahuja emphasized the vast career opportunities awaiting students and job seekers willing to develop these skills.
“As cybercriminals grow more sophisticated, the demand for cybersecurity experts will continue to rise, making these skills essential for long-term career success,” he added.
The Role of AI in Future Skill Development
Coursera’s CEO, Jeff Maggioncalda, noted that the workforce is also rapidly embracing Generative AI (GenAI) alongside cybersecurity and data ethics.
“AI adoption is accelerating, and the need for risk management and cybersecurity skills is more critical than ever,” Maggioncalda said. “As cyber threats become more frequent and complex, these skills will play a pivotal role across industries.”
The Job Skills of 2025 report paints a clear picture: as technology evolves, professionals with cybersecurity expertise and AI literacy will lead the way in shaping the future workforce.
