With technology driving so many aspects of business, the list of in-demand jobs for 2020 may surprise you! Employees in this next decade will need slightly different hard and soft skills to fill these jobs as needs shift in unexpected ways.
In-Demand Jobs for 2020
Before talking about hard and soft skills professionals will need, let’s focus first on jobs that will be in demand as the year unfolds. Reader’s Digest has compiled a list of in-demand jobs for 2020. If it seems like most involve tech, it’s because these days, every company is a tech company in some way or other:
- Blockchain developer. Don’t feel badly if you haven’t heard of blockchain! It didn’t even exist until a few years ago. Blockchain, says LinkedIn, is essentially a shared digital ledger for the growing world of cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin. Developers help build and manage the infrastructure required to operate these digital exchanges, which are also “being used in industries ranging from shipping to healthcare, from farming and food safety to entertainment and gaming.”
- Physical therapist. Increasingly, people work in sedentary jobs. Due to their lack of physical activity, they are losing mobility and will need physical rehabilitation, pain management, and mobility assistance.
- Digital and video marketer. As videos increase in popularity and drive CTAs (Calls to Action), these already in-demand marketing skills will become even more so.
- Commercial drone pilot. The Federal Aviation Administration predicts the need for more than 300,000 new commercial UAV pilots to meet the demand. With a little training, high school graduates can get a high-paying job right away.
- Cybersecurity project manager. One recent report estimates that there will be 3.5 million cybersecurity job openings by 2021.
- Security, fire, and service technicians. Closely related to cybersecurity, these positions involve installing security systems, burglar alarms, fire alarms, access control, and CCTV. With a little tech training or a high school degree, workers can start at over $20 an hour.
- Financial tech (fintech) professional. The BLS projects a growth of 11% for jobs in financial services by 2026. The competition between tech and financial services will put fintech workers in high demand.
- Lawyer, paralegal, and legal-support staff. The high amount of commercial litigation, insurance defense, and employment law issues is driving hiring of legal professionals.
- In-home caregiver. As the elderly population increases, it’s estimated that 70% of people age 65 will need long-term care. With more people wanting in-home care, the number of in-home caregivers needed will exceed 4.2 million by 2026.
- Social-media marketer. These jobs didn’t even exist five years ago, but now every thriving business relies on social media influencers, growth marketers, and marketing automation experts.
- Veterinarian, vet tech, and vet aide. Increasingly, Americans treat their pets like family members. As they choose to give their pets treatments and surgeries to prolong their lives and improve their quality of life, more health professionals are needed.
- Senior developer, computer engineer, data scientist, and DevOps analyst. Almost every company these days is a tech company in some form. Whether it’s managing websites, online/community forums, online stores, or apps, these all require the skills of seasoned tech experts.
In-Demand Hard and Soft Skills
Again, tech seems to be the theme of the day as it affects nearly every job and company that exist today. There’s a definite link between in-demand jobs for 2020 and most of the hard skills in demand for 2020 listed by LinkedIn. They all involve tech, directly or indirectly:
- Blockchain
- Cloud computing
- Analytical reasoning
- Artificial intelligence
- UX design
- Business analysis
- Affiliate marketing
- Sales
- Scientific computing
- Video production
As for soft skills, here are the top five in demand this year:
- Creativity
- Persuasion
- Collaboration
- Adaptability
- Emotional Intelligence
If you’re thinking about what career to invest yourself in, think about which of the in-demand jobs for 2020 best suits you! If you’re an employer needing to hire a new employee, study that same list to understand who your open position is competing against. Then make sure you have a strong hiring process, are offering a competitive wage, and have a hiring partner to help you find the best candidates possible.