With an ever-changing global market, ongoing threats of climate change, the rapid growth of innovative technologies and other unpredictable elements – the demand for certain jobs and skills will fluctuate. Some jobs that we now consider as good, well-paying, and life-changing may be rendered obsolete in the next five to ten years! 

Not only has Corona accelerated the digitization of the workplace but it’s also completely transformed many of our relationships with our careers. The uncertainty has highlighted our collective and individual ability to adapt as human beings. We have all been forced to ask ourselves questions about our current career path, our future, and our legacies – resulting in many coming to the exciting but scary realisation that it is time for a change. 

For those of you ready to leap but not sure where to leap to, today’s #careers blog may be just the read for you. Here’s a shortlist of some of the most in-demand job sectors/skills in 2022 for you to peruse.  

HEALTHCARE

Before the pandemic, our healthcare industry was already hanging on by a thread. After months of strain caused by the multiple Covid-19 waves, the few healthcare professionals that have kept the industry afloat are not surprisingly experiencing burn out with many on the verge of making their career changes. This is one of the main reasons why there will be a need for a minimum of 500,000 registered nurses by 2027.

Other growing needs within the healthcare profession are;

• Intensive Care Nurse 
• Midwife
• Dental Hygienist 
• Healthcare Information Technician
• Hospital Administrator 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 

Regardless of whether you are in retail, marketing, or education IT experts are needed!  Traditionally the field required a bachelor of science degree, but companies are increasingly recruiting individuals who have learned to code online. So if tech is your thing, online coding classes might just be your next stop in your career path. 

Other opportunities in the field include; 

• Computer Network Architect.
• Network Administrator.
• IT Coordinator.
• Software Developer.
• App Developer.
• Systems Analyst.

SALES

Another skill set that is required in numerous job fields such as retail, hospitality, and e-commerce. Understanding the power of effectively communicating the narrative of a brand/organization/culture is a highly sought after skill set. Selling is an invaluable skill to have as an employee but will set you up to win as a business owner. Sales jobs are extremely popular in South Africa and will continue to be a highly sought-after skill set well into the decade.

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT 

 If math, statistics, engineering principles and figuring out how to make systems work more efficiently, are your thing, then this might be the much-needed career change for you! Opportunities in this field include;

• Supply Chain Specialist.
• Purchasing Agent. 
• Logistics Analyst.
• Distribution Manager.

FINANCES/BANKING

Johannesburg and Cape Town are the homes to some of the continent’s largest financial firms and an expected 15% growth forecast over the next decade means that  Financial Analysts, Account Brokers, Investment Advisors, Chartered Accountants will be in high demand. 

LINGUISTICS

Throughout South Africa companies are continuing to understand that for them to expand their communications platforms beyond the local markets they need to invest in skilled language experts. Foreign investors who are interested in investing and or acquiring new business also require highly skilled linguists. Opportunities in this field include; 

•  Interpreter. 
• Communications Specialist.
• Translators.

ENGINEERS

Architecture, Government, and City Planning are a few sectors seeking, Agricultural Engineer, Civil Engineering Technologist and Draftsperson. However, the biggest growth opportunity has been identified within our countries infrastructure and environmental sectors owing to our vast natural resources.

MARKETING

As South Africa turns their focus to rebuilding the economy in the midst of the COVID-19 endemic the technology, retail/wholesale, hospitality, and tourism sectors will be in desperate need of;

• SEO Specialists. 
• Digital Marketing Managers. 
• Marketing Editors. 

While this is by no means an exhaustive list of the endless possibilities, we hope that it helps give you an idea of where to start as you begin thinking about a career change.