Are you wondering what skills will be in demand in 2021? The last year introduced a lot of changes into almost every aspect of our lives, and the job market is no different. No matter if you want to get a job or hire someone, you should know what the most in-demand skills are for the times ahead.
Business operations and project delivery skills have been deemed vital, as many businesses are refocusing on growth in order to protect their future interests. Many businesses shifter entirely to e-commerce and have managed to bounce back. However, the workforce has changed significantly, and everyone’s expectations and priorities will have to change accordingly.
What does it mean for the future?
The pandemic uprooted entire industries. Overlooked jobs became essential, and once prestigious occupations became redundant. There’s one thing that remained constant, technological advancement is continuing, and everything is becoming more high-tech and tech dependent.
Work from home became more prevalent, and while some people itch to come back to the office, but telecommuting will remain more prevalent than it ever was. Here are some work trends we expect: more investments in employee satisfaction and wellness, less focus on the role and greater focus on skills, and an increase in multi-role positions.
Digital marketing
As companies transition into the digital sphere at a faster and faster pace, there’s an increased demand for digital marketing professionals.
These jobs require most of the same skills as regular marketing, but they specialize in social media and other digital platforms. They need a good understanding of SEO, Google Ads, social media, email marketing, etc. This is an industry where qualified professionals are always in demand, and since it’s particularly well-developed in Australia, SEO agencies from Sydney and Brisbane are always on the lookout for writers and other specialists.
General marketing experience and experience in the digital space are very useful as are creativity and strong analytical skills.
Medical and nursing skills
The pandemic has exposed a serious shortage of medical workers and has led to a surge in demand for these professions. Medical schools are expected to be booked, as are shorter courses.
Those considering a career in medicine or want to return to the field might want to get ACLS certification or recertification as a foot in the door. Dedication, discipline, and willingness to care for others are crucial for anyone who wants to pursue a career in medicine.
Becoming a nurse practitioner requires a master’s degree, while EMTs only need a high school diploma. A career as a physician or a researcher requires much more extensive education, including a long, post-university internship.
Data analysis
Big data is truly big, and companies are making use of it on a greater scale than ever. Information about consumer habits is incredibly valuable, as it can be used to create effective marketing strategies.
Data analysts are people who make sense of this ocean of information. They need to be able to gather data from numerous sources and then interpret then and identify patterns and project trends.
Knowledge about mathematics, statistics, and data science is absolutely necessary. Data analysts need to have a “good head for numbers” and be able to make use of all kinds of digital tools, including Google Analytics, CRM, and reporting tools.
AI & machine learning
This is the future (and present) of computing, so a lot of people who want careers in IT will probably need to have at least a basic understanding of AI, deep learning, and machine learning. These technologies are already impacting the entirety of the IT industry, FinTech, education, and healthcare.
These jobs require programming skills, as well as an understanding of data engineering and data analysis. Software engineers who want to take on these positions will have an incredibly broad set of opportunities for career development.
Blockchain development
Blockchain applications are transforming the tech world. Blockchain developers, as their name implies, develop blockchain applications and handle their entire lifecycles. They are responsible for both research and execution.
Cryptography is probably a core skill required for blockchain development, especially public-key cryptography. It is required in order to create a framework for the basic interaction of various elements of the blockchain system. Computer programming is, of course, a must, as is the understanding of data structures, blockchain architecture, smart contract development, and web development.
Whit Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies prices soaring, it’s a great time to join the blockchain train. Becoming a blockchain specialist is easier than ever since learning materials are accessible and the community is growing.
Hybrid roles
While this isn’t a job or a skill per se, it’s an important “role” in the modern business world. Many companies will rather hire one person who can fill multiple roles than several people to take care of those roles individually.
This means that a diverse skillset is the most valuable asset. Some administrative assistants will double as HR managers or will at least assist in these tasks. Content writers can also be digital marketing specialists. There are many more examples, but the key is to never stop learning and to look for adjacent sets of skills that can help your future career.
Wrapping up
So, what’s the takeaway? Be adaptable and focus on the digital sphere. A large number of jobs of the future will require a high degree of digital literacy and creativity. Expect to cover a lot more roles than you initially might expect, and a diverse skillset might open many doors.
It’s not easy to make predictions about the future, but we hope this article made it easier for you to make some choices and pick what you need to learn.
