The 5 Hardest Jobs to Fill in 2012

According to Inc.com, talent is in short supply, especially in these five areas. (Photo credit: iStock)

Software Engineers and Web Developers

Demand for top-tier engineering talent sharply outweighs the supply in almost every market especially in San Francisco, New York, and Boston.  Major in:

• Computer Information Systems
• Network Security & Electronics
• Corporate Communication & Technology

Product Management

The person in this role interfaces with customers and defines product strategy and use cases.  It will be a challenge to find people with experience in these high-growth industries: consumer web, e-commerce, mobile, software as a service, and cloud computing.  Major in:

• Computer Information Systems
• Marketing
• Management
• Applied Engineering Management

Analytics

Analytics is becoming a central hub across companies where everything (web, marketing, sales, operations) is being measured and each decision is supported by data.  Analytics and business intelligence professionals almost act like internal consultants who help determine what should be measured and then build out the capability for a company. Major in:

• Marketing
• Management
• International Business
• Public Relations

Creative Design and User Experience

After engineers, the biggest challenge for companies is finding high-quality creative design and user-experience talent.  A highly compelling user experience keeps people engaged with their product and it is tough to find people who have this type of experience (especially with mobile devices including tablets) and a demonstrated track record of success.  Major in:

• Graphic Communications Management
• Marketing
• Public Relations
• Communication Studies

Marketing

Companies are looking for expert online marketers who know how to create a buzz of inbound marketing or viral traffic through the web, social media, and content discovery. Major in:

• Marketing
• Public Relations

Published on December 19, 2011