The world has undoubtedly changed drastically ever since the Covid-19 virus outbreak. With millions of jobs changed and altered to the point of no return, numerous roles may be wiped out for good. If you are considering a career switch, or maybe looking for your first full-time job as a fresh graduate then this article is worth reading.
Some industries are now booming due to COVID-19, and getting a job in these industries may not only be quicker but may yield better salary too! While not every job listed in this article is suitable for those with 0 experience, we’ve also listed down courses that you can take to get that extra edge. So… career switchers and fresh graduates… let’s get started!
Health & Safety
It comes as no surprise that the health and safety industry will boom in the post-pandemic world. Front-line workers have been more important and we can expect a significant focus on jobs in this sector. Not just doctors, roles in the public sector namely nurses, paramedics, clinicians, pharmacists & care-givers will be highly sought after. In the management side, Managers of health care centres, roles in procurement, recruitment & training, demand management and digital health analysts will also be in demand. The need for specialists such as infection tracing, virologists and microbiologists is certainly high making this industry viable for a career switch.
In Singapore, there has been a 9% – 14% increase in demand for professionals in the healthcare industry since Covid-19.
Salary Guide (annually)
- Staff Nurse / Registered Nurse – Average of $35K – $39K
- Medical Technologist – $40K
- Nurse Clinician – $71K
- Data Scientist – $66K
- Family Physician / Doctor – $125K
- Procurement Specialist – $50K
- Health Consultant – $200K
For more information on salaries, please check https://www.payscale.com
If you are interested in pursuing a degree in the healthcare field, here are some courses that you can do:
- Emergency Life Support
- SGUS Programme in Healthcare Management
- HMI Institute
- WSQ Certificate in Healthcare Support (Nursing Care) – SingHealth Academy
- NUS Medicine Continuing Education & Training (NUS Medicine CET)
- NUS Medical Executive Education (NUS MEDEx) – NUHS
Technology & Agile
Technology has played a vital role in the pandemic phase and will continue to be crucial in the post-pandemic world. Roles in collaborative tools, communication, entertainment, information, data and other services will likely boom in the future.
Skill set Needed
It would be wise to invest in skills such as project management, programme management and agile leadership. Cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and innovative problem solving will also prove to be useful in the coming years. A mastery over data collection, data analysis, communication and languages will also come in handy in the coming years.
Data is used in multiple fields such as health care, manufacturing, operations etc. Organisations are looking for people with degrees in data and business analytics. If you are looking to career switch to a data-driven job, now would be the time to do so. In Singapore, this industry has witnessed a 15%-20% increase in demand.
Salary Guide (annually)
- Agile Scrum Master – $79K
- Information Technology (IT) Manager – $85K
- Data Analyst – $50K
For more information, please check https://www.payscale.com
If you are interested in pursuing a degree in the IT and Agile field, here are some courses that you can do:
- Information Technology Degree in Singapore – School of Technology (SOT)
- Master of Science Data Science and Business Analytics (Plymouth University) – MDIS
- Data Engineering Foundations Specialization (online) – Coursera
Cyber Security
The world is relying more and more on digital services and cybersecurity is increasingly becoming a main concern and necessity. With the advent of online transactions, an increase in the theft of personal information by websites and platforms, cybersecurity is a hot industry and demand is increasing by the day.
In Singapore, this industry has witnessed a 10%-15% increase in demand over the past few years. As this is a relatively up and coming field, there is a shortage of qualified individuals. Now is a great time to consider a career switch to this industry as the demand is high. Additionally, you will be keeping people safe and protecting their sensitive information.
Skill set Needed
Malware Analysis, Technical Thinking, Knowledge of Security Across Various Platforms, Fundamental Computer Forensics Skills, etc are some of the skills and qualifications required for those interested in this field. All you need is a basic degree in computer science and the rest of the skills can be an add-on skill set or qualification.
Salary Guide (annually)
- Cyber Security Engineer – $62K
- Cyber Security Analyst – $51K
- Information Security Analyst – $63K
For more information, please check https://www.payscale.com
If you are interested in pursuing a degree in the cybersecurity, here are some courses that you can do:
- Basic Cyber Security Course – Tertiary Courses
- Executive Course in Cyber Security – NUS
- Introduction to Cybersecurity & Risk Management, University of California (online) – Coursera
Digital Services
Covid-19 accelerated digital transformation. Organisations that have been reluctant to adopt in the past, were forced to embrace digitalisation of business operations and have seen the fruits of their quick adaptation.
Rapid full digitalisation requires talented resources and quick adaptation of existing employees to effect an overall change in the work culture and attitude. Now more than ever, demand for freelancer in content production, UI/UX design, multimedia designer, social media executives, e-commerce specialists, etc, are in demand.
In Singapore, demand for jobs in E-commerce has increased by 10% – 12%. It is only expected to increase. The Government of Singapore invested $3.5 billion to accelerate digitalisation and support businesses.
Skill set Needed
In order to get into the digital sphere, you need to have knowledge in pay-per-click marketing, SEO implementation, mobile design principles and optimisation, omni-channel marketing, digital marketing analysis and multimedia tools.
Salary Guide (annually)
- Digital Marketing Manager – $72K
- Digital Designer – $40K
- User Experience Designer – $50K
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Manager – $64K
For more information, please check https://www.payscale.com
For those interested in getting into digital services field, here are some courses that you can do:
- Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing – SMU
- DIGITAL MARKETING: STRATEGIES, MODELS AND FRAMEWORKS – NUS
USER EXPERIENCE (UX) AND USER INTERFACE (UI): AN ACCELERATED PROGRAMME – Lasalle
Education
The education sector underwent a massive transformation by completely overhauling the existing methods of teaching and assessment while catering to the breakneck speed demand for distance learning. Schools and universities had to get creative and use collaborative tools to maintain the same level of standards virtually. Tech-savvy educators are no longer constrained by geographical boundaries and can pursue a flexible and fulfilling career. The demand for educators will only continue to rise as digital teaching proves to be the way of the future – making the education industry a viable career switch option.
Skill set Needed
Educators need a strong subject knowledge, tech-savvy, creativity in teaching, learning and assessing, accessibility and possess supportive personal qualities are essential for those who are keen on riding the digital education wave.
Salary Guide (annually)
- High School Teacher – $70K
- English Teacher (online) – $14-$70 per hour.
For more information, check https://www.teachaway.com/blog/best-paying-online-teaching-jobs
If you want pursue your passion for teaching, or if you are looking to teach abroad, here are some courses for you:
- CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) – British Council
- TESOL/TEFL/CELTA – CA International
- Certificate in Educational Administration and Management – Asian College of Teachers
- Diploma in Education – NIE
