Upskilling & Certifications

Welcome to TechTarget CIO

From emerging technologies to shifting business priorities, TechTarget CIO covers the challenges, decisions and consequences shaping enterprise IT.

By Michaela Goss , James Alan Miller • Oct. 27, 2026

Career moves that turn IT managers into business leaders

IT managers aspiring to become executive leaders must step beyond tech, seek mentorship and develop management skills to succeed in the C-suite. But not all paths are the same.

By Carrie Pallardy • Oct. 2, 2026

Top soft skills for CIOs, and how to get them

Today's CIOs need more than just technical prowess. Soft skills like emotional intelligence and conflict negotiation can help them lead effectively and drive meaningful change.

By Simon Ratcliffe • Sept. 28, 2026

AI ate the first rung of the technology career ladder

As AI automates routine tasks in tech careers, it could deprive junior professionals of learning opportunities. And it may create a workforce that lacks experience and expertise.

By Simon Ratcliffe • Sept. 18, 2026

Is it time to redesign IT performance scorecards?

IT performance should no longer be measured with traditional scorecards. Today's IT teams require modern metrics that connect technology outcomes with business value.

By Damon Garn • Sept. 17, 2026

CIOs say data engineers, AI architects hardest roles to fill

CIOs face a growing talent gap as AI changes IT roles. Seven IT leaders explain which skills are hardest to find and what hiring teams should look for.

By Tim Murphy • Aug. 26, 2026

Continuous IT learning in the age of AI, cloud and automation

Continuous learning is essential in IT to bridge skill gaps, drive innovation and keep teams resilient against evolving technologies and cybersecurity threats.

By Damon Garn • Aug. 19, 2026

CIOs are looking for tech talent in the wrong places

CIOs face talent shortages by recruiting from narrow pools. Hire for curiosity, adaptability and problem-solving skills -- not just degrees.

By Simon Ratcliffe • June 29, 2026

Tech talent trends 2026: AI elevates human skills

The future of IT work isn't human or AI -- it's both. New talent trends highlight the skills, culture and leadership needed to make that model work.

By Amanda Hetler • June 25, 2026

The CIO’s guide to skills-based workforce planning

Organizations often have enough IT staff but face critical skills gaps that hinder digital transformation. Skills-based workforce planning can solve this issue.

By Damon Garn • June 2, 2026

AI-augmented teams: Training for human-machine collaboration

Organizations must shift from viewing AI as just a tool to a strategic collaborator. This requires workforce readiness and skills developed through training and collaboration.

By Damon Garn • May 5, 2026

Guide to 30+ sustainability certifications for professionals

From starter-level training to in-depth ESG reporting, explore more than 30 sustainability classes, credentials and certifications that working professionals can consider now.

By Guilliean Pacheco, Michaela Goss • April 16, 2026

The most in-demand AI skills

In-demand AI skills for enterprises include technical foundations and effective teamwork with AI, among other skills crucial for successful implementations and better productivity.

By Kashyap Kompella • April 14, 2026

IT organizational restructuring: Leader’s guide to when and how

IT restructuring may be essential to stay agile in a fast-paced market. Discover strategies to align with goals, adapt to AI and drive long-term success.

By Alison Roller • April 9, 2026

Career advice for aspiring CIOs: 5 tips

CIOs weigh in on what it takes to rise to the top of IT. Tips include building business acumen and knowing the difference between management and leadership.

By Tim Murphy • April 7, 2026

The AI talent wars explained: What CIOs need to know

CIOs struggle to hire AI talent due to high demand and limited supply. The competition, known as the AI talent wars, drives up salaries and extends hiring timelines.

By Christine Campbell • April 7, 2026

The ROI of IT training: How CIOs can prove business value

The ROI of IT training highlights its value as a strategic investment. Its improved productivity, innovation and risk reduction can justify training costs to executive teams.

By Damon Garn • March 31, 2026

AI talent strategy: How Rayburn Electric builds AI-ready teams

Rayburn Electric doesn't need to build its own AI models, but it needs AI champions who can implement the technology across operations.

By Tim Murphy • March 24, 2026

How to upskill in AI: Lessons from a CIO

Sedgwick CIO Sean Safieh explains how CIOs can use course-based training, hands-on learning and safe experimentation to lead AI upskilling across IT and the broader workforce.

By Tim Murphy • March 11, 2026

AI workforce training: How BDO USA trains its employees

Getting employees comfortable with AI is tough for CIOs. BDO USA uses AI ambassadors, tailored training and a virtual escape room to train its workforce in AI skills.

By Tim Murphy • March 3, 2026

Top 32 big data interview questions to prep for in 2026

Get insight into the technical and strategic topics that hiring managers focus on with the questions that reveal how organizations assess modern big data skills.

By Robert Sheldon, Elizabeth Davies • Feb. 20, 2026

Top 6 podcasts for CIOs to follow

In 2026, CIOs need to stay aware of the technologies and events impacting their businesses. Listening to these six podcasts will help CIOs stay abreast of trends and developments.

By Harriet Jamieson • Feb. 17, 2026

Do Gen Z, millennials already have the skills CIOs need?

IT teams struggle with skills shortages, especially in AI. Millennials and Gen Z have inherent technical skills that can help, but they often lack knowledge of legacy systems.

By Julie Hanson • Feb. 3, 2026

How AI-powered learning affects the IT skills gap

While AI helped create the current IT skills gap, AI-powered learning can also shrink it. The right tools can help IT leaders improve skills development and anticipate challenges.

By Damon Garn • Jan. 30, 2026

10 factors reshaping the role of the CIO in 2026

CIOs face increasing pressure to use AI to drive innovation, deliver returns and lead their organizations into the future.

By Mary Pratt • Jan. 23, 2026