Trend Watch

Seth Robinson

Take a deep dive into the latest tech industry trends with CompTIA's research team. In each episode, Seth Robinson, vice president of industry research, breaks down the latest data and market intelligence to identify a key trend in the industry and explains how it's impacting businesses that sell technology solutions, their customers, and the IT workforce. Stay on the leading edge of the business of technology with CompTIA's original research and market leading analysis. Explore CompTIA research and resources now at the CompTIA Resources Center: http://s.comptia.org/resources

Episodes

  1. FEB 12

    Cybersecurity: Expanding Scope

    Join host Seth Robinson for the next episode of our 2026 outlook series on Trend Watch. In this episode, we examine why cybersecurity continues to grow in scale and complexity, and why training must evolve to keep up with the changing threat landscape  As organizations expand their digital footprint, security is no longer confined to traditional IT boundaries. Privacy remains the top strategic driver, fueled by increased data collection and greater reliance on data-driven decision making  At the same time, AI is reshaping the security landscape from both sides, empowering defenders with automation and analytics while also enabling more advanced and higher-volume attacks  In this episode, we cover: Privacy as Priority: Why data protection continues to lead cybersecurity strategy discussions year after year  AI on Both Sides: How security teams are leveraging AI while defending against AI-enabled threats and data poisoning risks  The Rise of Operational Technology: How digitized physical infrastructure is creating new vulnerabilities and blending IT and OT responsibilities  Evolving Skill Demands: The four key areas organizations must strengthen, from core component security to workforce-wide awareness and hands-on readiness  We also discuss why experiential learning, labs, and cyber ranges are becoming essential as security professionals operate in real-time, high-pressure environments  Subscribe to stay ahead of the 2026 tech trends. Ready to start your own journey? Explore more at www.CompTIA.org CompTIA Career Pathways: Discover various career pathways in the tech industry and find the right one for you. CompTIA Certifications: Learn about the certifications that can help you advance your tech career. CompTIA Resources: Access a wealth of resources, including articles, webinars, and guides to help you succeed in tech. CompTIA Blog: Stay updated with the latest trends, tips, and success stories in the tech industry. CompTIA Events: Participate in events and webinars to network with industry professionals and enhance your skills. Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comptiaofficial/ 💭 X: https://x.com/CompTIA   💌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompTIA  📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comptia/  Why Choose CompTIA? CompTIA is the world's leading vendor-neutral information technology (IT) certification and training body. CompTIA is a mission-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every student, career changer, or professional seeking to begin or advance in a technology career. CompTIA's best-in-class learning platform, career resources, research, and community events equip individuals and companies with the tools to succeed. We're a hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce through education, training, certifications, philanthropy, and market research. Success Stories: Read about inspiring success stories from individuals who have transformed their careers with CompTIA certifications and resources. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, these stories will motivate you to take the next step. Educational Resources: CompTIA offers a wide range of educational resources to help you succeed in your tech career. From online courses and study guides to practice exams and certification training, we provide everything you need to achieve your goals. Contact Us: Have questions or need assistance? Contact our support team for help with certifications, resources, or any other inquiries. We're here to help you succeed.

    8 min
  2. JAN 29

    AI: Individual vs. Corporate

    Join host Seth Robinson for the first episode of our 2026 outlook series on Trend Watch. In this episode, we move past the headlines and the "bubble" rhetoric to explore how Artificial Intelligence will genuinely influence the technology workforce and business landscape this year. Seth breaks down the "tale of two AIs" currently creating tension in the market: the rapid adoption of AI as an individual productivity tool versus the complex, longer-term integration of AI as a scalable corporate asset. While consumer tools like ChatGPT have democratized access, businesses face unique hurdles in turning these capabilities into organizational value. In this episode, we cover: • The Dual Hype Cycle: Understanding why individual and corporate AI adoption operate on different timeframes and expectations. • Barriers to Scale: Why cybersecurity remains the leading challenge, followed closely by data readiness and defining clear ROI. • Human-AI Balance: How companies are striving to augment—not replace—workforce efforts to ensure accuracy and relevance. • The Skills Gap: A look at the demand for AI fluency, the necessity of strong core skills, and why 80% of companies plan to invest in AI training in the coming year. We also discuss CompTIA's AI framework and how skill domains like AI security and data interaction are weaving into every job role, from help desk to software development. Subscribe to stay ahead of the 2026 tech trends! Ready to start your own journey? Explore more at www.CompTIA.org CompTIA Career Pathways: Discover various career pathways in the tech industry and find the right one for you. CompTIA Certifications: Learn about the certifications that can help you advance your tech career. CompTIA Resources: Access a wealth of resources, including articles, webinars, and guides to help you succeed in tech. CompTIA Blog: Stay updated with the latest trends, tips, and success stories in the tech industry. CompTIA Events: Participate in events and webinars to network with industry professionals and enhance your skills. Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comptiaofficial/ 💭 X: https://x.com/CompTIA   💌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompTIA  📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comptia/  Why Choose CompTIA? CompTIA is the world's leading vendor-neutral information technology (IT) certification and training body. CompTIA is a mission-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every student, career changer, or professional seeking to begin or advance in a technology career. CompTIA's best-in-class learning platform, career resources, research, and community events equip individuals and companies with the tools to succeed. We're a hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce through education, training, certifications, philanthropy, and market research. Success Stories: Read about inspiring success stories from individuals who have transformed their careers with CompTIA certifications and resources. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, these stories will motivate you to take the next step. Educational Resources: CompTIA offers a wide range of educational resources to help you succeed in your tech career. From online courses and study guides to practice exams and certification training, we provide everything you need to achieve your goals. Contact Us: Have questions or need assistance? Contact our support team for help with certifications, resources, or any other inquiries. We're here to help you succeed.

    9 min
  3. 12/11/2025

    Complexity and Digital Transformation

    In this week's podcast, Seth Robinson dives into a key challenge facing IT today: complexity. Inspired by an AFCEA article on the military's need to reduce complexity for digital transformation, Seth argues that while complexity isn't going away, standardizing and managing it is crucial, especially after years of heavy investment in digital components. He also tackles the often-debated concept of Digital Transformation. Drawing on CompTIA's framework, Seth breaks down digital transformation into four foundational components: 1. Cloud-Based Infrastructure: Moving beyond simple adoption to optimization, orchestration, and security, as the cloud enables access to more advanced technologies. 2. Software-Defined Processes: The core area where AI is making the biggest impact, accelerating everything from internal software development to business functions like content creation and data analysis. 3. Data-Driven Decision-Making: Requires a dual focus on Data Management (gathering, engineering, preparing) and Data Analytics (basic analysis up through advanced data science and statistical modeling). 4. Cybersecurity-Aware Operations: Expanding beyond the IT function, this involves integrating cybersecurity awareness into all company operations, covering technology, regulatory compliance, vendor selection, and daily employee behavior. Ultimately, successful digital transformation—even amid a "cool down" in interest—means confronting and taming the underlying complexity as new technologies like AI continue to emerge. Ready to start your own journey? Explore more at www.CompTIA.org CompTIA Career Pathways: Discover various career pathways in the tech industry and find the right one for you. CompTIA Certifications: Learn about the certifications that can help you advance your tech career. CompTIA Resources: Access a wealth of resources, including articles, webinars, and guides to help you succeed in tech. CompTIA Blog: Stay updated with the latest trends, tips, and success stories in the tech industry. CompTIA Events: Participate in events and webinars to network with industry professionals and enhance your skills. Connect with Us:  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comptiaofficial/ 💭 X: https://x.com/CompTIA 💌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompTIA 📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comptia/ Why Choose CompTIA? CompTIA is the world's leading vendor-neutral information technology (IT) certification and training body. CompTIA is a mission-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every student, career changer, or professional seeking to begin or advance in a technology career. CompTIA's best-in-class learning platform, career resources, research, and community events equip individuals and companies with the tools to succeed. We're a hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce through education, training, certifications, philanthropy, and market research.  Success Stories: Read about inspiring success stories from individuals who have transformed their careers with CompTIA certifications and resources. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, these stories will motivate you to take the next step. Educational Resources: CompTIA offers a wide range of educational resources to help you succeed in your tech career. From online courses and study guides to practice exams and certification training, we provide everything you need to achieve your goals. Contact Us: Have questions or need assistance? Contact our support team for help with certifications, resources, or any other inquiries. We're here to help you succeed.

    8 min
  4. 11/28/2025

    Trends in Cybersecurity Strategy

    In this episode of Trend Watch, Seth Robinson dives into CompTIA's annual State of Cybersecurity Report to explore the latest trends and shifts in organizational security. Despite a slight warming in sentiment—where more business and technology leaders feel satisfied with their current cybersecurity posture—the reality is that change is constant. Cybersecurity is a continuous reaction to the new technologies companies adopt, and it's not a place to "fall asleep." Organizations must implement strong risk management and processes to ensure they are making the right investments. The report identifies three major technology trends that are currently driving and shaping cybersecurity strategy: Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI brings significant productivity potential but is a double-edged sword for security. While it can make security operations more efficient, it also supercharges cybercrime, making threats like phishing and ransomware more potent. Companies must prioritize securing their AI tools and preparing their professionals to react faster to AI-driven attacks. Operational Technology (OT): Often described as the new Internet of Things (IoT), OT refers to technology integrated into physical environments (HVAC, lighting, sensors). As these systems become digitized, the historically separate IT and OT functions are converging. This creates a massive need for cross-training to manage unique vulnerabilities, threats, and the demand for extremely high availability in these critical systems. Data: Data is the lifeblood of business. As organizations pursue data analytics and AI, they are discovering the crucial need for strong data management practices (database administration, cleaning, engineering). Data security is a central challenge in a post-perimeter world, requiring security on the data itself—whether it is at rest, in motion, or in use—especially as assets move into hybrid and public cloud environments. As companies push forward with adopting AI, OT, and advanced data practices, they must pay close attention to the corresponding cybersecurity implications to safeguard their operations and assets. Ready to start your own journey? Explore more at www.CompTIA.org CompTIA Career Pathways: Discover various career pathways in the tech industry and find the right one for you. CompTIA Certifications: Learn about the certifications that can help you advance your tech career. CompTIA Resources: Access a wealth of resources, including articles, webinars, and guides to help you succeed in tech. CompTIA Blog: Stay updated with the latest trends, tips, and success stories in the tech industry. CompTIA Events: Participate in events and webinars to network with industry professionals and enhance your skills. Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comptiaofficial/ 💭 X: https://x.com/CompTIA 💌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompTIA 📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comptia/ Why Choose CompTIA? CompTIA is the world's leading vendor-neutral information technology (IT) certification and training body. CompTIA is a mission-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every student, career changer, or professional seeking to begin or advance in a technology career. CompTIA's best-in-class learning platform, career resources, research, and community events equip individuals and companies with the tools to succeed. We're a hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce through education, training, certifications, philanthropy, and market research. Success Stories: Read about inspiring success stories from individuals who have transformed their careers with CompTIA certifications and resources. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, these stories will motivate you to take the next step. Educational Resources: CompTIA offers a wide range of educational resources to help you succeed in your tech career. From online courses and study guides to practice exams and certification training, we provide everything you need to achieve your goals. Contact Us: Have questions or need assistance? Contact our support team for help with certifications, resources, or any other inquiries. We're here to help you succeed.

    8 min
  5. 11/13/2025

    Job Roles of Data Professionals

    In the age of AI, data is more critical than ever, but how is the data profession evolving? In this episode of TrendWatch, Seth Robinson dives into the job roles and skills shaping the data domain, drawing inspiration from a recent article on the rise of the data generalist. The answer to whether companies need generalists or specialists largely depends on company size. Large enterprises often hire specialists for niche aspects, while smaller businesses typically require a data generalist to handle diverse responsibilities. CompTIA has defined a taxonomy of five distinct data job roles across two pathways: 1. Data Management Pathway Database Administrator (DBA): Manages data structures and databases (traditionally structured, now including unstructured data). Data Engineer: Manipulates and moves stored data toward analysis (e.g., ETL, data pipelines, cleaning) to get it ready for analysis. Data Architect: Defines the overall data strategy, classification, and how data relates to business decisions. 2. Data Analytics Pathway Data Analyst: Analyzes various data types to learn from the past and predict the future—a popular and high-demand role. Data Scientist: An advanced role that builds statistical models, often using machine learning and AI algorithms to go beyond simple pattern recognition. There is significant opportunity in data—not just for analysis, but also for preparing and training AI systems. As companies increasingly invest in AI outcomes, foundational data skills become essential.   Ready to start your own journey? Explore more at www.CompTIA.org CompTIA Career Pathways: Discover various career pathways in the tech industry and find the right one for you. CompTIA Certifications: Learn about the certifications that can help you advance your tech career. CompTIA Resources: Access a wealth of resources, including articles, webinars, and guides to help you succeed in tech. CompTIA Blog: Stay updated with the latest trends, tips, and success stories in the tech industry. CompTIA Events: Participate in events and webinars to network with industry professionals and enhance your skills. Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comptiaofficial/ 💭 X: https://x.com/CompTIA 💌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompTIA 📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comptia/ Why Choose CompTIA? CompTIA is the world's leading vendor-neutral information technology (IT) certification and training body. CompTIA is a mission-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every student, career changer, or professional seeking to begin or advance in a technology career. CompTIA's best-in-class learning platform, career resources, research, and community events equip individuals and companies with the tools to succeed. We're a hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce through education, training, certifications, philanthropy, and market research. Success Stories: Read about inspiring success stories from individuals who have transformed their careers with CompTIA certifications and resources. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, these stories will motivate you to take the next step. Educational Resources: CompTIA offers a wide range of educational resources to help you succeed in your tech career. From online courses and study guides to practice exams and certification training, we provide everything you need to achieve your goals. Contact Us: Have questions or need assistance? Contact our support team for help with certifications, resources, or any other inquiries. We're here to help you succeed.

    8 min
  6. 10/29/2025

    What Do We Mean By AI Skills?

    Bosses are seeking AI-literate candidates, but what does that really mean? Host Seth Robinson explores this question, arguing that AI is a collection of technologies, not a single skill, drawing an analogy to the internet. Seth breaks down CompTIA's framework for AI skills into three layers: Digital Fluency/AI Literacy: The foundational skill all workers need. This involves applying AI in a business setting, such as effectively using a chatbot and discerning its accuracy. Targeted Skills: AI's influence on specific roles. For a software developer, this means coding algorithms or partnering with AI. For other roles like IT support, AI influences core functions but isn't always the central focus. Advanced Skills: This is where specialization occurs. Robinson introduces CompTIA's domains like AI Security, AI DevOps, and AI Interaction (advanced prompt engineering), showing how these skills apply across job families like Cybersecurity and Data. Discover why talking about "AI skills" requires a nuanced, layered conversation beyond simple literacy. Ready to start your own journey? Explore more at www.CompTIA.org CompTIA Career Pathways: Discover various career pathways in the tech industry and find the right one for you. CompTIA Certifications: Learn about the certifications that can help you advance your tech career. CompTIA Resources: Access a wealth of resources, including articles, webinars, and guides to help you succeed in tech. CompTIA Blog: Stay updated with the latest trends, tips, and success stories in the tech industry. CompTIA Events: Participate in events and webinars to network with industry professionals and enhance your skills. Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comptiaofficial/ 💭 X: https://x.com/CompTIA 💌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompTIA 📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comptia/ Why Choose CompTIA? CompTIA is the world's leading vendor-neutral information technology (IT) certification and training body. CompTIA is a mission-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every student, career changer, or professional seeking to begin or advance in a technology career. CompTIA's best-in-class learning platform, career resources, research, and community events equip individuals and companies with the tools to succeed. We're a hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce through education, training, certifications, philanthropy, and market research. Success Stories: Read about inspiring success stories from individuals who have transformed their careers with CompTIA certifications and resources. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, these stories will motivate you to take the next step. Educational Resources: CompTIA offers a wide range of educational resources to help you succeed in your tech career. From online courses and study guides to practice exams and certification training, we provide everything you need to achieve your goals. Contact Us: Have questions or need assistance? Contact our support team for help with certifications, resources, or any other inquiries. We're here to help you succeed.

    7 min
  7. 10/29/2025

    The Evolution of the IT Department

    Stereotypical notions of IT departments exist, characterizing them as full of busy work. In this episode, Seth Robinson dispels that notion, showing how IT departments have changed drastically with the times. Decades back, a first job in technology could be in IT support or network administration. But the landscape has widened dramatically since then, with additional entry points available in software development, cybersecurity, and data administration and analysis as well. Ready to start your own journey? Explore more at www.CompTIA.org CompTIA Career Pathways: Discover various career pathways in the tech industry and find the right one for you. CompTIA Certifications: Learn about the certifications that can help you advance your tech career. CompTIA Resources: Access a wealth of resources, including articles, webinars, and guides to help you succeed in tech. CompTIA Blog: Stay updated with the latest trends, tips, and success stories in the tech industry. CompTIA Events: Participate in events and webinars to network with industry professionals and enhance your skills. Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comptiaofficial/ 💭 X: https://x.com/CompTIA 💌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompTIA 📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comptia/ Why Choose CompTIA? CompTIA is the world's leading vendor-neutral information technology (IT) certification and training body. CompTIA is a mission-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every student, career changer, or professional seeking to begin or advance in a technology career. CompTIA's best-in-class learning platform, career resources, research, and community events equip individuals and companies with the tools to succeed. We're a hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce through education, training, certifications, philanthropy, and market research. Success Stories: Read about inspiring success stories from individuals who have transformed their careers with CompTIA certifications and resources. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, these stories will motivate you to take the next step. Educational Resources: CompTIA offers a wide range of educational resources to help you succeed in your tech career. From online courses and study guides to practice exams and certification training, we provide everything you need to achieve your goals. Contact Us: Have questions or need assistance? Contact our support team for help with certifications, resources, or any other inquiries. We're here to help you succeed.

    6 min
  8. 10/29/2025

    Digital Literacy and Digital Fluency

    Welcome to the 2025-2026 season of Trend Watch! In this episode, your host Seth Robinson discusses career skills progression within the context of Digital Literacy and Digital Fluency. Digital Literacy is the every day use of digital technology, such as your phone. Digital Fluency, however, is achieved when you become an expert in your chosen tools of the trade, as you move towards your career in the technology field. Ready to start your own journey? Explore more at www.CompTIA.org CompTIA Career Pathways: Discover various career pathways in the tech industry and find the right one for you. CompTIA Certifications: Learn about the certifications that can help you advance your tech career. CompTIA Resources: Access a wealth of resources, including articles, webinars, and guides to help you succeed in tech. CompTIA Blog: Stay updated with the latest trends, tips, and success stories in the tech industry. CompTIA Events: Participate in events and webinars to network with industry professionals and enhance your skills. Connect with Us: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comptiaofficial/ 💭 X: https://x.com/CompTIA 💌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompTIA 📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comptia/ Why Choose CompTIA? CompTIA is the world's leading vendor-neutral information technology (IT) certification and training body. CompTIA is a mission-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every student, career changer, or professional seeking to begin or advance in a technology career. CompTIA's best-in-class learning platform, career resources, research, and community events equip individuals and companies with the tools to succeed. We're a hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce through education, training, certifications, philanthropy, and market research. Success Stories: Read about inspiring success stories from individuals who have transformed their careers with CompTIA certifications and resources. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, these stories will motivate you to take the next step. Educational Resources: CompTIA offers a wide range of educational resources to help you succeed in your tech career. From online courses and study guides to practice exams and certification training, we provide everything you need to achieve your goals. Contact Us: Have questions or need assistance? Contact our support team for help with certifications, resources, or any other inquiries. We're here to help you succeed.

    4 min

About

Take a deep dive into the latest tech industry trends with CompTIA's research team. In each episode, Seth Robinson, vice president of industry research, breaks down the latest data and market intelligence to identify a key trend in the industry and explains how it's impacting businesses that sell technology solutions, their customers, and the IT workforce. Stay on the leading edge of the business of technology with CompTIA's original research and market leading analysis. Explore CompTIA research and resources now at the CompTIA Resources Center: http://s.comptia.org/resources