LIFE AFTER THE PANDEMIC: IS IT TIME FOR A CAREER CHANGE? With 2021 in full swing, many people are contemplating major changes. If you are looking to adjust to the new normal, you may be reviewing career opportunities. The year 2020 changed the way the world works. COVID-19 did not just force us to rethink life values; it showed us the strengths and weaknesses of various professions. In a time of crisis, millions of individuals lost their jobs while millions of others discovered new opportunities. While COVID-19 may subside in the forthcoming years, many changes stimulated by it are here to stay. The year 2021 is an excellent time tomake decisions about career changes. Whilemany companieswere going out of business due to lockdown orders and social distancing rules, other companies were thriving. The pandemic changed the scene for both graduates and experienced professionals. Listed herein aresomeprofessionsthatchanged significantly during the pandemic. Many careers on this list are likely to be in high demand after the pandemic is over. Health Care Professionals The health care sector is usually immune to economic downturns. During the year 2020, this one is somewhat different. While the number of job openings dropped slightly in the spring, they rebounded in the summer. Nationwide, hospitals were struggling to provide proper care for a growing number of patients. Software Engineers The demand for software engineers did not decrease during the pandemic. These professionals adapted to the remote work environment quickly. The growing need for digital transformation made software engineers and many other information technology sector players highly valuable. Cleaners The requirement to clean and disinfect surfaces to prevent the spread of the virus created numerous job opportunities for cleaners. Experts believe that heightened cleaning standards are likely to stay with us in the upcoming future. Researchers Research related to COVID-19 is getting increased funding, thus generating a higher demand for researchers and microbiology experts. SOFT SKILLS YOU NEED DURING THE PANDEMIC While most key soft skills you need to build a career remained the same during the pandemic, some of them changed drastically, including (but not limited to) creativity, communication, critical thinking, adaptability, leadership, problem-solving and emotional intelligence. As such, it is imperative to be highly self-organized to become an efficient remote worker. While not mentioned as a skill just yet, a proven track record of success while working from home makes candidates highly appealing to many modern businesses. Some companies may invest in remote work training to teach employees how to work out of the office. Additionally, you should know how to maintain high-q uality communication while working remotely and participate in team-building activities without in-person interactions. IN-DEMAND PROFESSIONS AFTER THE PANDEMIC After the pandemic subsides, there will be no going “back to normal.” The world has changed, and so have in-demand professions. These careers are likely to be in high demand for many years to come. Health Care Experts According to the Bureau of Labor Standards, six out of the 10 fastest-growing occupations are related to health care. Meanwhile, the bigger awareness of public health issues, coupled with the heroic actions of medical workers during the pandemic, is likely to inspire more students to pursue a career in health care. Information Technology Experts The benefits of COVID-related digital transformation are already obvious. That is one of the reasons why software engineers, information technology consultants and other information technology sector professionals are likely to be in high demand after the pandemic. Logistics and Transportation Workers With a significant number of retail operations moving online, logistics specialists have found an increasing demand for online transactions. After the pandemic ends, consumers are likely to stick to their remote shopping habits. If the industry you were working (or planning to work) in took a dramatic hit during the pandemic, it may be time to consider a career change. By choosing a profession that is likely to be in high demand after the pandemic, you are maximizing your chances of enjoying a secure future.
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