THE FUTURE IS HERE
Technology is fast restructuring jobs across industries, opening up new sectors that require different skill sets. Are you ready?
Technology is taking away many low-skilled jobs. But it is also creating opportunities in the form of new-age roles. Research shows 65 per cent of the jobs that today’s school students will take up may not exist in the future. Due to technological changes in virtualisation, artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics, individuals need to continuously upskill to meet industry requirements. Travel
and tourism, ITeS, energy, logistics, retail, financial and educational services, manufacturing and engineering will continue to witness positive hiring trends. Here are some of the emerging jobs in 2019-2020:
Data analysts
Organisations are processing large amounts of data; decision-making, too, is more data-driven.
Key skills: Work on your critical thinking faculties, problem-solving, statistics, data management, analysis, programming, understanding of business, visualisation, communication, artificial intelligence and machinelearning abilities.
Specialised sales managers
Sales is a complex profession. While it takes certain skills to excel, it also involves interacting with people, prospecting and researching about the company. Specialised sales managers are in high demand.
Key skills: An in-depth understanding of new-age techniques. Aspirants should also focus on communication, decision-making, perseverance, problem-solving, product knowledge, presentation and research.
Product managers
If traditionally they were into conceptualisation, testing and implementation of products, they are now also involved in meeting growth targets and analysing market shares and revenue. Various programmes, such as CSPO (Certified Scrum Product Owner), PMI-ACP (PMI–Agile Certified Practitioner), CPM (Certified Product Manager) and CIL (Certified Innovation Leader) are available.
Key skills: Problem-solving, analytical abilities, innovation, research, collaboration, project management and design, forecasting and data analytics besides good communication.
Human resources and organisational development specialists
HR professionals are supposed to efficiently manage the hiring to exit process in organisations and retain talent while organisational development specialists help businesses and organisations function better.
Key skills: Both should have excellent analytical, interpersonal, communication and instructional skills besides being adept at change management.
FinTech professionals
According to Ernst & Young’s FinTech Adoption Index, one third of consumers globally are using more than two fintech services. Many Indian startups are creating fintech platforms, which are being adopted by financial companies. Right from payment apps to complex applications using artificial intelligence and big data, fintech professionals continue to be in demand. Key skills: To excel in the fintech industry, one should be good in programming, data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, blockchain development, cyber security and have an understanding of finance and the overall financial services sector. ■