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The demand for data science and related roles has soared in recent years and continues to grow, putting a new emphasis on the required data skills among professionals.

This comes as no surprise given the rapid evolution of digital transformation, which is largely driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. UK CEOs are also citing a requirement for digital and data technologies as being behind a rise in M&A activity.

As this wave of transformation accelerates, companies are increasingly seeking skilled data professionals to help navigate this complex technological landscape, stay ahead of the digital curve, and increase revenue growth by embracing AI-driven solutions.

Which Tech Skills Are the Most Sought After?

In 2025, candidates need to be proficient in a broad set of technical skills, that extend far beyond traditional data analytics. Based on industry trends, client feedback, and insights from Freshminds’ own work, the following skills are in the highest demand:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Companies are eager to automate processes, generate insights, and predict trends using these technologies. Proficiency in programming languages including Python and R, alongside frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow are cropping up in more and more job descriptions.

• Cloud Computing and Big Data Tools: Expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and big data tools (Hadoop, Spark) is essential for managing and analysing large datasets, especially as organisations continue transitioning to the cloud.

• Data Engineering and ETL: Data engineers who can build robust data pipelines are in high demand. Skills in SQL, Apache Kafka, and data warehousing are vital for ensuring efficient data collection, transformation, and analysis.

• Business Intelligence: Proficiency with BI tools, including Tableau, Power BI and Looker, is crucial for converting raw data into actionable insights that business stakeholders can use to make informed decisions.

• Data Privacy and Security: As data protection continues to be a central concern, candidates with knowledge of GDPR, encryption, and data governance are highly sought after.

• Collaboration and Communication Tools: Proficiency in tools such as Slack, Jira, and Trello, coupled with the ability to work collaboratively in remote or hybrid settings, is essential for seamless workflows and effective communication.

To provide further clarity, one of Freshminds' clients helped us to map out the distinctions between different roles' responsibilities for easier visualisation, showing the complexity and overlap of today's data landscape:

A non-exhaustive list of technical skills needed by candidates, depending on the role.

Based on the work that Freshminds is currently doing with clients, we are seeing an influx of data scientist and data analyst roles within the contracting space. (Candidates - make sure to keep your eyes peeled on our opportunities board!) With these roles, alongside other data roles within the tech space, these skills are required for candidates to simply get their foot in the door.

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Challenges in the Market:

Given that the market for data skills is increasing, a question looms: why are these roles not being filled more quickly? Based on ongoing conversations we are having with both candidates and clients, as well as research done by the Freshminds team, we have identified two main reasons:

1. As organisations increasingly turn to AI tools, there is a significant challenge in finding skilled professionals who can develop, implement, and manage these systems.

The Future of Jobs Report 2025from the World Economic Forum shows that there is a widening skills gap for data roles. The Report reveals that this is considered a major barrier to business transformation, with 63% of employers identifying this as a block to moving forward. Read our summary of the Report.

Considering that there are not many people based in the UK with these skills, some companies are even looking internationally to fulfil their data needs. This is an important consideration for candidates seeking to refine their data skills and remain competitive.

2. Companies are also looking for the right soft skills to promote growth in their data capabilities.

While the right technical data skills might get candidates in the door, many clients have made it clear that this is no longer enough. Communication between teams, translating technical points to non-technical stakeholders, and confidence in leading teams are a few of the main requirements that clients have when looking for the right candidates.

One of our largest global clients in the retail and luxury space has informed us time and time again of the growing importance of having the right personality and team fit - namely being confident in their abilities to lead and drive growth for the company.

The Importance of Soft Skills

Given then that soft skills are becoming just as essential in the world of data science, here are some of the key skills that will help candidates stand out in 2025:

1. Communicating Insights to Non-Technical Stakeholders: One of the most significant challenges in data science is translating complex, data-driven insights into understandable language for non-technical stakeholders. Effective communication ensures that business leaders can make informed decisions based on data.

2.  Collaboration and Team Dynamics: Data roles frequently require working within cross-functional teams. Candidates who excel at sharing ideas, listening to others, and collaborating effectively will thrive. The ability to present findings collaboratively and be open to feedback is critical.

3.  Interpersonal Skills and Emotional Intelligence: Building strong interpersonal relationships and understanding team dynamics is crucial for success. Being approachable, empathetic, and able to build rapport with clients, stakeholders, and colleagues helps foster better working relationships.

4. Client Engagement and Business Acumen: The most successful data professionals don't just analyse data—they understand the broader business context. Thinking strategically and engaging with clients on a personal level builds trust and drives value.

Incorporating feedback from our clients across various sectors - from luxury retail to the public sector - candidates must remember to enhance their soft skills in the same way they are rapidly increasing their data skills so that clients can feel confident in their ability to communicate and connect with others inside and outside their organisation.

A data engineering client that we spoke with emphasised that candidates who can demonstrate the ability to explain complex concepts in a digestible manner were their number one priority.

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What Does This Mean for Candidates and Clients?

• Human Connection Is Still Key: In an increasingly automated world, businesses will seek candidates with interpersonal skills to connect on a human level. Whether discussing a project over coffee, building rapport with clients, or navigating sensitive discussions within teams, human connection remains at the heart of successful business relationships. For candidates, developing this skill is often just as important as mastering technical capabilities.

• The Human Touch Enhances Data Work: Strong technical skills are essential, but what sets a candidate apart is their ability to convey insights clearly, add value to discussions, and approach problems with empathy and understanding. Being personable and engaging with clients and colleagues helps foster a deeper connection with the work, creating a greater impact beyond just numbers and code.

In summary, the most successful data professionals in 2025 will be those who balance strong technical skills with equally robust soft skills.

Companies should seek candidates who can communicate findings effectively, collaborate seamlessly, and bring a human touch to their work. For candidates, positioning yourself as both a technical expert and someone who can connect with others will ensure you stand out in this competitive field.​

For more on this topic, or to talk data roles and data skills, contact the author, Lauryn Perkins-Monney, here.