A guide to in-demand jobs and how to find your place in the current employment market.
Whether you’re about to start studying, are entering the job market or simply looking for a change in career path, understanding the current employment market will help you make informed decisions. South Africa is slowly recovering from the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic. Some sectors of the economy are thriving (online marketing and retail), but for others (tourism and hospitality), the path to recovery is slow.
So, what are the most desirable job skills in the pandemic landscape? Which jobs are most in demand, and which offer security? We’ve rounded up some of the latest employment-market insights to guide you through these uncertain times.
1. LANGUAGES AND COMMUNICATION
Communication is key to all relationships, and it’s no different in the business world. For example, industries and companies looking to expand their customer base need people with language skills in order to reach new markets and demographics. In addition, existing clients also need to be able to learn about new products and services easily. So, companies require employees with good language skills to communicate clearly and effectively.
Communication is key to all relationships, and it’s no different in the business world. For example, industries and companies looking to expand their customer base need people with language skills in order to reach new markets and demographics. In addition, existing clients also need to be able to learn about new products and services easily. So, companies require employees with good language skills to communicate clearly and effectively.
JOBS: Communication specialist, translator, technical writer, copywriter
2. HEALTHCARE
The heroic efforts of our frontline workers during the Covid-19 pandemic have shown the urgent demand for qualified healthcare professionals in South Africa. If you plan on studying soon or are thinking about a shift in careers, consider becoming a medical practitioner. Alternatively, consider transferring your existing administrative skills to a medical setting.
The heroic efforts of our frontline workers during the Covid-19 pandemic have shown the urgent demand for qualified healthcare professionals in South Africa. If you plan on studying soon or are thinking about a shift in careers, consider becoming a medical practitioner. Alternatively, consider transferring your existing administrative skills to a medical setting.
JOBS: Nurse, carer, hospital administrator, midwife
3. SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Have you always been interested in computers? The pandemic has accelerated the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with more industries migrating partially (or fully) online. So, the demand for skills such as programming, cybersecurity expertise, and the ability to capture and interpret consumer data continues to grow. For those entering university and considering what to study – or those looking for a drastic pivot in their current career path – this industry looks destined for strong, stable growth in the coming years.
Have you always been interested in computers? The pandemic has accelerated the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with more industries migrating partially (or fully) online. So, the demand for skills such as programming, cybersecurity expertise, and the ability to capture and interpret consumer data continues to grow. For those entering university and considering what to study – or those looking for a drastic pivot in their current career path – this industry looks destined for strong, stable growth in the coming years.
JOBS: Software engineer, cybersecurity officer, data science specialist
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4. SALES AND MARKETING
Could you sell sand at the beach? Both sales and marketing skills are almost pandemic proof but staying on top of the latest consumer trends and habits is essential. Consider upgrading your abilities by doing a social media marketing course and updating your client-base knowledge and purchasing habits. Meanwhile, if you have previous sales experience in an industry that has been badly affected by the pandemic, don’t underestimate your ability to transfer these skills to a new (and more resilient) industry.
Could you sell sand at the beach? Both sales and marketing skills are almost pandemic proof but staying on top of the latest consumer trends and habits is essential. Consider upgrading your abilities by doing a social media marketing course and updating your client-base knowledge and purchasing habits. Meanwhile, if you have previous sales experience in an industry that has been badly affected by the pandemic, don’t underestimate your ability to transfer these skills to a new (and more resilient) industry.
JOBS: SEO specialist, marketing manager, brand manager, sales manager
5. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND OFFICE SUPPORT
Do you have an eye for detail and an ability to manage admin? Every company needs someone organised and meticulous to keep the ship afloat, and even though many offices have become fully or partially virtual, the online space comes with its own unique opportunities that require support. For example, consider up-skilling by learning to navigate Zoom Rooms. Remember that quality customer service is an asset to any client-facing business, requiring fantastic listening skills and the ability to absorb information quickly and problem-solve on your feet.
Do you have an eye for detail and an ability to manage admin? Every company needs someone organised and meticulous to keep the ship afloat, and even though many offices have become fully or partially virtual, the online space comes with its own unique opportunities that require support. For example, consider up-skilling by learning to navigate Zoom Rooms. Remember that quality customer service is an asset to any client-facing business, requiring fantastic listening skills and the ability to absorb information quickly and problem-solve on your feet.
JOBS: Admin assistant, secretary, call centre agent
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6. MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
In a global market impacted by a health crisis, businesses need to be more agile and adaptable than ever before. This means that managers at all levels need to be responsive and future-oriented in order to stay on top of the latest trends and steer their workforces in new directions. For those looking to move into management for the first time, or for those looking to gain an extra edge over the competition, knowledge of the latest global trends – perhaps in the form of a short online course – will be an invaluable asset.
In a global market impacted by a health crisis, businesses need to be more agile and adaptable than ever before. This means that managers at all levels need to be responsive and future-oriented in order to stay on top of the latest trends and steer their workforces in new directions. For those looking to move into management for the first time, or for those looking to gain an extra edge over the competition, knowledge of the latest global trends – perhaps in the form of a short online course – will be an invaluable asset.
JOBS: Business manager, project manager, human resources manager
The modern workplace is looking for tech-savvy people who are flexible and can adapt with the changing times. Remember that whatever your skillset and experience, there are always opportunities to develop or transfer these skills to change your career trajectory.
TEXT DAVID FORD
THE TOP 6 INDUSTRIES THAT ARE HIRING RIGHT NOW
Reviewed by Edgars Mag
on
December 01, 2020
Rating:
Reviewed by Edgars Mag
on
December 01, 2020
Rating:
