Whether you have found yourself out of work due to COVID-19 or you just happened to be searching for a new job when the pandemic set in, trying to kickstart a new career during these times can be difficult.
Fortunately, there is an entire sector with some of the stablest careers in history: tech. As companies such as Google release work from home orders through the end of the year, members of the workforce are becoming increasingly reliant on their computers and technology as a whole.
In a way, the pandemic was a trial by fire for many companies. For the most part, they had no choice but to move their business completely online. Unfortunately for some traditional job positions, this change proved too drastic and resulted in job losses.
That being said, the stable careers that are sticking around are the same careers that will be leading the workforce post-pandemic. Pursuing any of these career paths will lead you to stable and potentially lucrative job opportunities.
Software Engineering
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the entire field of software engineering itself is set to grow at a rate of 21 percent by 2028. On average, a software engineer makes about $105,590 per year. One of the largest reasons why this field is here to stay is due to the development of mobile devices. As the amount of smartphones plugged into the Internet continues to rise, the need for app developers does too.
If a stable career with a large number of potential jobs interests you, then consider becoming a software engineer. Software engineering is a broad profession. The biggest skill required to become a software engineer is a knowledge of programming. From that point, a budding software engineer can go do anything from web development to building systems for companies.
As mentioned, knowledge of programming languages is the biggest skill someone who wants to pursue this profession needs. The best part about programming and coding is that they can be self-taught. Alternatively, some of the top coding bootcamps offer specialized, intense training programs that can prepare students for any coding job in just a few months.
Data Science
Not everyone has a knack for coding but that’s perfectly fine. You can still go into a tech-based job with fewer technical skills. Data science is a growing field that previously required higher levels of education, but now that demand is on the rise, anyone can break into the field.
Some of the most common skills you would need for this field are problem-solving abilities, an understanding of the relationship between data and analytics, and knowledge of calculus as well as algebra. Glassdoor puts the average salary of a data scientist at a resounding $113,309, which should be a great reason to look into the field.
Now, not everyone can be expected to have a comprehensive understanding of multivariable calculus and linear algebra. As mentioned, there is huge demand in this field and it previously required a master’s degree to get in. However, trade schools now exist that can teach you these skills through specific courses. For example, Springboard offers six- to nine-month courses from the comfort of your couch while providing you with an industry mentor and job-ready skills.
Heading into data science has never been this easy for anyone. Jumping on this chance now may set you up better in the post-pandemic job market.
Web Designer
Finally, we come to a tech job that requires very little technical knowledge. If you have an artistic side to you, then web design, also referred to as UX designers, is a career path for you. The reason for the field stability is that it goes hand-in-hand with web development.
Developers create the backbone of any given website but the designers are the ones who fluff it up and make it appealing to visitors. Coding knowledge is not required. All one needs to understand is how to use design software and maximize user experience.
Conclusion
As the world continues to change amidst the pandemic, the job force will continue to change as well. Not every career path will survive in the post-pandemic world. However, those based in tech are sure to remain steady.
When choosing your new career, keep in mind the forces that are changing the world today. Don’t choose a career that will be dead within the next decade. Rather, find one that will survive for the foreseeable future due to its resiliency.
