Despite the turmoil of the first half of 2020, the job market continues to turn and people continue to search for their dream career. What’s certain however is that the world we’re moving into has changed its priorities and refocused its efforts, and for that reason its key that we consider where we want to be, and what the markets will look like for that. With that in mind, we’re here to give you our top jobs for 2020.
Social Media Manager
What the pandemic has done is to push the digital frontier for businesses, and this includes the added benefit of suddenly being able to advertise to larger groups of people as workers are stuck at home. This is unlikely to change as social distancing continues throughout 2020, and so social media branding for businesses is vital and it's important it's done right. To this end, companies are desperately seeking the social media managers that are going to get their brand across, and it could be you that’s behind their latest social media drive.
Corporate Lawyer
It's going to be a big year for financial transactions, as companies seek to merge, acquire, or compete against others in the new landscape that the markets present. From defending or representing consumers against companies, to advising stakeholders on the rules around new financial agreements, corporate lawyers are set to hit it big this year with increasingly lucrative work coming in as the uncertainty continues. Getting yourself into a firm and getting the sort of experience that 2020 is going to offer will be endlessly useful in the years to come.
Software Developer
Software developers are responsible for putting together the apps and websites for all corners of organisations that want a digital footprint. As the internet becomes increasingly a lifeline for many organisations who want to reach out digitally - via websites, apps, e-learning platforms - software engineers are going to find themselves inundated with work to do that will prove both interesting and challenging. Interested in tech? This may be the job for you, and it's certainly in high demand!
Business Development Manager
Business development managers are people with good communication skills, a strong business-focused head, and a passion for the company they work at. In this role, you can expect to be managing the business’ trajectory by developing a relationship with shareholders and clients, identifying new business opportunities, and managing staff to ensure that they’re onboard with the vision of the company and what is expected of them. As companies look to expand their fortunes over this year, business development managers are going to be at the heart of that going forward.
Corporate Recruiter
The corporate recruiter is the beating heart of the growth of a company’s team. Responsible for finding new talent, screening applications and headhunting prospective team members, corporate recruitment is going to be where many companies look to in the coming months as they seek to grow their teams ahead of expected financial improvements. You’ll get a chance to learn your industry inside-out, build a solid network to help you in your task, and gain insightful HR skills all whilst building market knowledge and presence. Corporate recruitment is a ‘people’ job, and you’re going to flourish in that environment.
Sales Engineer
Sales engineers are the force behind the sale of technology and equipment to companies. In this role, you’ll learn the inside workings of your product until you’re familiar with it, and then sell it to clients and companies across the board. Through impressive technical presentations and demonstrations, you’ll show clients why they need what you’re selling, and why you’re the perfect company to deliver on it: the sale rests on you. In addition to this, you’ll also learn the market, and help formulate ideas for new products as well as research their marketability. A dynamic role, sales engineer provides for a real insight into technology whilst making the most of people-skills.
Medical Technologist
Medical technologists analyze samples such as blood to determine a number of factors. They may also search for specific microorganisms like bacteria or parasites. In the post-pandemic world, where research into viruses and preparation of vaccines are so vital, medical technologists stand to be at the forefront of public health. Preparing the samples for examination, utilising specialised equipment and instruments, performing numerous tests at the same time, and accurately interpreting the results are all part of a medical technologist's job; you’ll be carrying out vital work that will have far-reaching consequences for health.
Finance Manager
Finance managers are there to provide financial advice and account management to businesses, handling balances. As well as putting together business planning, finance managers are there to advise on investments, savings, and other risks associated with business affairs. Finance is big on every company’s mind at this time given the circumstances, and so there couldn’t be a better time to be a finance manager helping chart the course for businesses seeking to come out of the pandemic unscathed. In addition to your responsibilities, you may also be managing staff or liaising with other managers to ensure that targets are met and finances are kept balanced.
DevOps Engineer
DevOps is the system whereby the software engineers can quickly release and update code to the IT team through careful planning and implementation, and DevOps engineers are chiefly responsible for bridging this gap. You’ll be orchestrating automation across software as well as managing the testing and deployment of new code to teams to keep your staff up to date and safe from potential insecurities. Knowledge of code is going to be key here, but as companies seek more digital solutions following the rise of social distancing, the pay-off will be high as work continues to flow in.
IT Manager
IT Managers are the guides that help organisations chart the ever-evolving maze that is modern technology. They deliver short and long-term visions for the company's technology. Even though most IT managers will have the technical skills to be working with the team, they’ll equally be likely to be seen in the meeting room, not just the server room, as they coordinate the plans around a company’s IT. Through organising matters with senior staff, planning upgrades and negotiating for new or existing technology, these are all common tasks IT managers encounter. In the digital age, you can be leading the charge on ensuring your company is the most tech-ready they can be.
Physiotherapist
Health and taking care of ourselves is key. That's why, after this is all over, physiotherapy will be important for many who have spent the last few months cramped inside and who will require support to get back to being themselves. Physiotherapists give patients the knowledge and exercises necessary that they will achieve long-term health. Working with each individual to develop a plan and consider all of the topics, physiotherapists use treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, and restore function. Further, they work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness.
Human Resources Manager
HR managers are at the pinnacle of managing people. Once we return to offices, expect to see HR managers back at the top of their game, handling the various tasks such as strategic planning, staff management, and bridging the gap between staff and senior management. The job of an HR manager presents a lot of responsibilities to juggle, but people who are organised, keen to take opportunities, and have excellent people skills are more than sure to thrive in these circumstances as they continue to ensure that business carries on, full-steam ahead.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists are a universally useful role for the digital age, responsible for the collection and analysis of data to inform a company or meet a company’s needs. Whilst responsibilities may differ depending on the sector, you’ll find yourself running analytical experiments and crunching the numbers to get to the bottom of trends and build effective models. Using your skills, you’ll present this data to teams and managers and help them better understand what it is you’ve discovered, to optimise team direction and effectively manage project development.
Cyber Security Director
Cyber security directors are responsible for informing IT teams and supervising data to ensure that it is kept safe, particularly in line with existing legal frameworks and company guidelines. Cyber security directors however have other responsibilities: they also perform diverse managerial tasks, including budgeting and strategic planning. Their financial jobs involve aiding with forecastin and allocating resources; on top of this they plan security improvement strategizing and goal-setting with policy and protocol-making. Data is a vital commodity in today’s age, and ensuring it is kept safe is the top priority of any business.