The severity of the COVID-19 pandemic may have lessened, but its impact will be felt for years to come. Even though we’re no longer in lockdown, the job market has changed significantly, and many industries have been hit hard by the economic downturn. Many businesses have been forced to reduce their staffing levels, and many workers have lost their jobs or seen their hours reduced.
As a corporate staffing expert, Giridhar Akkineni, CEO of AkkenCloud, notes that the pandemic created room for organizations and employees to pivot. For example, many industries, such as hospitality and travel, were hit hard and had to lay off workers. However, others, such as healthcare and technology, saw an increase in demand for their services and were able to hire more workers. Akkineni observes that the market is still volatile, so young people looking to join the workforce should consider their job options carefully.
“While the job market may be challenging right now, there are still rewarding opportunities out there for young people who are looking to start or advance their careers,” Akkineni shares. Based on the trends following the 2008/2009 recession and now the COVID-19 pandemic, Akkineni recommends five careers that are considered “recession-proof.” These jobs are in industries that are essential to our daily lives and are likely to be in demand even during difficult economic times.
- Healthcare. The healthcare industry is an essential service that is always in demand and is one of the few industries that have actually grown during the pandemic. Many healthcare careers, such as nursing and medical assisting, require only a two-year degree or certification, making them accessible to young people just starting their careers.
- Education. Like healthcare, education is an essential service that is always in demand, and it is less likely to be impacted by economic downturns. Akkineni observes that no matter the economic status, children will always require learning, so there will always be jobs in education. Teachers, tutors, and educational assistants are all in high demand, and many of these careers can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree or less.
- Federal government. Working for the government may not be the best-paying gig, but these jobs are often more stable. Careers in this space can include law enforcement, administration, and social services or policy and public administration roles.
- Technology. The technology industry has continued to grow during the pandemic and is expected to continue to be a source of innovation and opportunity in the future. Referencing a study by the Institute for the Future (IFTF), Akkineni notes that more than 80% of the jobs people will be doing in 2030 are not even invented yet. Young people can get a headstart in various tech roles like software development, data analysis, IT support, and creative roles in design and user experience.
- Essential goods and services. The last category Akkineni recommends is careers that involve providing critical goods and services, such as food and shelter. For example, careers in food manufacturing and processing careers, transportation, and logistics are likely to be in high demand even during challenging economic times.
AkkenCloud is an all-in-one SaaS platform for staffing companies to operate their entire businesses in one efficient suite. They have hundreds of staffing companies with thousands of users successfully running their businesses on the platform.
