Want a career in automation? Here are the skills you’ll need

If you want to establish a solid career in automation make sure that you have a decent understanding of these six skills.

Automation careers, that is, jobs developing, testing or implementing the software and tech used for automation, can be incredibly broad, making it a little more difficult to determine which skills could give you the greatest chance of success. STEM professionals aiming for an automation career require a blend of technical and non-technical skills and here are six that should not be disregarded. 

Maths

This may not be what you want to hear if maths is not your strong suit, but a sturdy foundation in this field is necessary for many of the career routes leading to a job in automation. Additionally, many third-level degrees require maths as a Leaving Cert subject, making it an entry requirement. 

The systems commonly used in automation largely depend on a range of advanced maths, for example algebra and calculus which can be essential to algorithms, modelling and further optimisation, so open up those maths books and get going.  

Programming languages 

As we delve further into the AI age and use artificial intelligence to perform tasks that we otherwise couldn’t have, some are of the opinion that coding may not be a crucial skill when you can deploy an AI agent in place of a human. However, many, myself included, view AI as a collaborator rather than a replacement, meaning those considering a career in automation should prioritise learning a programming language.

Proficiency in languages such as Python, Java and C++ will always be useful, but professionals should also make an effort to learn languages specific to their position. For example, those employed in robotics should have an understanding of additional languages such as Lisp, Matlab or Pascal. 

Mechanical and electrical engineering

Because automation careers centre around the development, testing and implementation of automated systems, anyone planning to work in this field will depend on an education in mechanical and electrical engineering. 

To better understand how a model works, how to solve the problems that arise and how performance can be optimised for maximum efficiency, professionals will need to have a sound understanding of electrical and mechanical principles.

DevOps  

DevOps can be a good avenue through which STEM professionals enter an automation career and is therefore a valuable skill to have. Because a huge aspect of DevOps deals largely with automation, monitoring, testing, configuring, networking and infrastructure, upskilling in this area with an automation career in mind is a worthwhile albeit lifelong commitment. 

Areas to focus on in order to upskill include the various DevOps tools and technologies, cloud platforms, continuous integration and continuous deployment tools and infrastructure as code, among others. While it might sound like a lot of work in comparison to other skills in this list, a background in DevOps can open up opportunities for STEM professionals in the automation space. 

Control systems

Control systems in automation are the mechanisms that command, execute and regulate behaviour in additional systems. Simply put, it is the means through which those devices can become automated, rather than requiring the input of a human being. 

An understanding of how control systems operate is crucial and particular focus should be paid to network infrastructure, cybersecurity, IoT integration and software programming to ensure a well-rounded skillset that can be applied to both broad and specific areas. 

Soft skills

Soft skills are often overlooked when it comes to upskilling for STEM-based careers, however, they are crucial, especially as the landscape evolves and more and more departments depend on cross-collaboration. Skills such as leadership, communication, adaptability, curiosity, public speaking and problem-solving are just some of the many soft skills professionals need if they want to thrive and progress in automation. 

There are dozens upon dozens of skills that could benefit STEM professionals as they work towards a career in automation, so, if you have already mastered the above skills, why not do some more research and see what is new and trendy. While it may be a passing fad or one of the more traditional abilities, it is rare that time spent learning a new skill is a waste, so why not get cracking today? 

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