Top 5 Skills US employers look into!

the u.s. remains a top destination for indian students seeking career growth, particularly in technology, healthcare, finance, and engineering. in 2022, 77% of 320,000 h-1b visas were issued to indians, followed by 72% of 386,000 in 2023. the trend continues, with a record 331,000 student visas granted in 2024. to succeed, aspiring professionals must strategically acquire technical expertise and soft skills to stay competitive in the evolving job market.here are the top five skills u.s. employers seek in their employees:1. soft skills: communication, collaboration, and problem-solvingwhile technical skills are vital, soft skills have become equally important in today's work environment. employers often prioritize candidates who can communicate clearly, collaborate across teams, and approach problems with creativity and critical thinking. specifically, adaptability, a willingness to learn, strong collaborative skills, effective communication, and the ability to work with ambiguity are highly sought after. a self-starter mindset is also vital for maintaining productivity in dynamic and diverse teams.2. data science & artificial intelligence (ai)the demand for professionals skilled in data science and ai is unparalleled. as industries increasingly rely on data to drive decision-making, companies need individuals who can understand and manipulate complex data sets. this includes proficiency in data visualization, statistical analysis, and machine learning, among other competencies. fields like healthcare, finance, e-commerce, and manufacturing are particularly keen on hiring data scientists and ai experts. crucially, ai skills are becoming universally important, regardless of industry. professionals should learn how ai can enhance everyday work tasks, improve productivity, and streamline processes.short-term programs offered by prestigious u.s. universities are an ideal option for students to acquire hands-on experience with tools such as python, r, and sql. additionally, engaging in workshops like ai technology workshop series: llms and prompt engineering and ai workshop for product managers provides valuable practical experience.3. project & program managementas businesses continue to scale and diversify, effective project and program management skills are becoming essential. professionals who can lead teams, manage resources, and deliver projects on time are in high demand. employers value candidates with proficiency in frameworks like agile, scrum, and lean, which enable efficient project execution and innovation.upskilling in project management through targeted programs allows professionals to develop leadership abilities and technical skills essential for complex management roles.4. cybersecurity & cloud computingin the digital age, cybersecurity and cloud computing are critical. with the growing frequency of cyberattacks, businesses are increasingly seeking experts who can secure digital infrastructures and manage cloud services. the importance of cloud technologies like aws, azure, and google cloud cannot be overstated, as they are the backbone of modern business operations. gaining specialized knowledge will equip individuals with the practical skills needed to mitigate security risks and optimize cloud infrastructures, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing technological landscape.5. digital marketing & consumer analyticsdigital marketing, powered by ai-driven analytics, continues to be one of the most sought-after skills. with businesses increasingly focusing on reaching global audiences through digital platforms, professionals who can manage social media strategies, seo campaigns, and content marketing are in high demand.moreover, understanding consumer behavior through data analytics allows professionals to optimize marketing efforts, making them indispensable in the business world. learning about digital marketing, coupled with consumer analytics and ai industry tools, provides a solid foundation for aspiring professionals enabling them to build effective marketing strategies that align with industry trends.participating in internships, engaging with peers in academic settings, and attending industry events, all contribute to honing these interpersonal abilities, setting candidates apart from the competition.now that we've identified the in-demand skills, let's explore strategies for acquiring them:short-term international programsspecialized training programs (9-12 months) in high-demand fields like ai, data science, and digital marketing provide hands-on experience with a targeted approach, making them a faster alternative to traditional degrees.online & hybrid learningflexible options, including online courses and hybrid programs with in-person workshops, allow learners to upskill at their own pace. many universities and platforms offer globally recognized certifications.internships & industry collaborationsinternships provide practical exposure, helping students apply their knowledge and build crucial industry networks for long-term career success.building a strong professional networkleveraging academic connectionsuniversities offer career services, networking events, and mentorship programs with faculty and alumni, helping students secure internships and jobs. professors and peers can also serve as key industry links.industry events & online platformsattending conferences, webinars, and meetups fosters relationships with professionals, while platforms like linkedin and meetup help in connecting with industry experts.embracing career flexibilitycareers are rarely linear, especially in a global job market. employers value adaptability, diverse experiences, and continuous learning. staying open to change ensures long-term career success.by combining skill-building with strategic networking, professionals can enhance their career prospects and stay competitive in today's evolving job landscape.-- mr. pk agarwal, dean, university of california, santa cruz, silicon valley professional education