Emerging, Innovative Jobs
September 17, 2020
By Mary Anne Thompson, Founder and President, GoinGlobal, Inc.
New areas of promise for jobseekers continue to arise out of the coronavirus pandemic.
Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) emerged, the needs of the global business world have had to continue to adapt and change to accommodate a future different than the one expected. Essential jobs have become even more so, while some jobs sectors like IT and health care have had to fashion new positions to cater to a virtual workforce and the needs of the sick and homebound. Some of the new jobs that have been created will stay with us for the long haul, and the rise in importance of others will remain, too. Here are a few of the jobs, skills and job sectors that have grown in importance over recent months.
The Digital Economy – IT
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Software developers: Software developers are in demand as they continue to create the software architecture needed to allow workers to perform their jobs remotely. They will be needed to not only build but maintain the remote digital services created. Jobs will increase in this area over time.
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Network Automation Developer: As many companies have had to go online, they have needed to invest in software to help them digitally transform their organizations. Professionals who have knowledge in these services are in demand. Companies that look toward automation for their future will require network automation developers, who can focus on creating and implementing new services for their companies and end users.
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Network Security: IT security and governance are more important now that so many companies and their employees have to access sensitive material from home. Most are using the cloud or remoting into their office network to do this, and safety measures are needed. This will lead to more jobs in this area.
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AI specialist: Websites, applications and general communications must remain in operation for companies to function during a pandemic or otherwise, and AI specialists have become more critical as a result. The demand for AI specialists continues now and is expected to in the future.
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E-Learning and E-commerce platforms: Both of these areas have grown and will continue to thrive in the future. Positions for those who understand these platforms will continue to be in demand.
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Robotics and Coding: There was already growth in these two areas, and that will only increase in the near future. Coding will provide ample career opportunities for the next five years, at least, and robotics has years of potential ahead, as well.
Renewable Energy Sector - The Green Economy
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Many governments around the globe have policy initiatives in place to support the green economy. For example, the European Union’s Green Deal plans to turn the EU into a low carbon economy and a global leader in renewable energy technology. The renewable energy sector could help with economic recovery around the world, creating much needed jobs for years to come.
Construction Sector – Infrastructure Economy
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Many countries are planning infrastructure projects as ways to stimulate their economies in the wake of the coronavirus. Government projects such as clean energy; construction and modernization of roads and bridges; construction and modernization of public buildings; and new and modernized public transportation are being discussed as ways to create jobs. Already, demand for construction contractors, plumbers, electricians and painters has risen in the last few months.
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
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As cities try to handle their growing use of online delivery services, more professionals will be needed in the logistics and supply chain realm. Drivers, warehouse managers and logisticians will be needed for the foreseeable future.
Risk Analyst
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During difficult financial times, like those brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, companies often rely on risk analysts who can identify, anticipate and predict possible risks and provide potential solutions across all aspects of the company. There is current demand for risk analysts across a variety of job sectors.
Health Care
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Remote Personal Trainers: Personal trainers have gotten creative and set up one-on-one sessions with individuals who want to keep up their fitness routines while their gyms are closed. Some clients, especially older ones, may continue with this new way of working out. It provides safety, along with the personal attention needed.
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Registered nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants: Demand for these professionals was already on the rise prior to the coronavirus pandemic due to the increasingly popular team-based health care approach, where health care providers collaborate to create a plan for patients and their caregivers. The trend is expected to continue in the future, creating demand for these professionals for the long-term.
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Telehealth and teledentistry: The pandemic has led to an increase in telemedicine and teledentistry services. Health care providers will have to have staff members who are knowledgeable in these areas, so doctors can work this way seamlessly now and in the future.
Advertising, promotions and marketing managers
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Growth in these areas had begun before the coronavirus pandemic, with these professionals being recognized for having transferable skills. They can move easily among job sectors and be assets for those that are thriving now, like health care and IT, and move around again in the future when their talent is needed elsewhere. Jobs for these professionals will be in demand in a variety of jobs sectors now and in the future.
Conclusion
There are many in-demand professionals right now, despite a pandemic and economic difficulties around the globe. There are job sectors that are seeing growth now and anticipating more in the future. While the jobs available in abundance may be different than what was forecast for 2020, they shed light on where we are headed in the future, and what this coronavirus has done to our global economies, jobs outlook and needs as a global society.