The global career trends below have been made worse by COVID.
- the job market is tighter than pre-COVID times
- jobs don't last forever
- upward promotion is now limited
- there is more lateral growth
- organisations become flatter
- restructures and retrenchments are often
To future proof your career try the "New Traditional" approach:
- define your own success
- change roles often
- don't attach to 1 company
- be a lifelong learning
- build a robust network inside & outside
- enrich your job with growth projects
- have 3 career paths for options
When you mention the word trends, people visualize the latest fashion, food, dance moves or lifestyle things. On social media whatβs trending on Twitter, is a short-lived wave of posts and conversation linked to a topic using one hashtag.
Career trends are different. Learn this!
A career trend is movement and transformation of something in a certain direction, which can be developing or established over a long period of time.
For example, we hear about business trends, how the market is predicted to perform and what is forecast for an upcoming period.
Career trends influence job search, business decisions, personal behaviour and actions. Its a key career management skill to learn.
This is because data from trends research forms the basis of observable patterns of gradual change in professions or skills in demand or decline.
Trends research and analysis is useful in career development or job search because:
The process of analysing past data helps you to capture lessons and predict future direction of jobs or organisational decisions.
Agility and quick adaptation to what is happening are key skills
Career trends research is valuable because:
It gives you a birds eye-view of patterns to direct you to either further research, a decision or an action.
It points you to opportunities that you can take advantage of.
You can assess yourself against a trend and learn new skills.
Identified career trends impact career actions such as job search, occupational choices, education decisions, retirement planning, career change and learning investment in skills development.
This is because, at the heart of making good career planning is using the latest info.
Sources of career/job trends info:
Research institutes
Academic publications
Professional Associations
Career services websites
Industry Thought Leaders
Labour Market Information
Government Statistics Depts
News channels
Social media β Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
Conferences etc
Another source of career/job trends is Thought Leaders in your industry who shape discourse or analyse and share insights:
- follow them
- read their research/blogs
- participate in webinars they offer
- connect with them
Triangulate what you hear with other sources as well.
If you really want to know what the career/job trends are, as well as skills in demand, the internet is full of information... do a webquest and a deep dive research.
When developing a career plan, job search plan, business plan...any plan, information helps you target better.
Proactive career management or job search means you have to track the increased demand or shrinkage of certain jobs or skills.
Use national Labour Market Reports that report on job losses, unemployment rates by location and gender, sectors where jobs are shrinking or in demand.
For career trends research also track reports by career services websites:
They report on skills in demand, who is hiring, jobs and recruitment trends.
Tap into your social and professional network for leads on career, jobs and skills trends.
The oldest form of getting information about whatβs going on, observed changes and an assessment of whatβs to come is people. Your social and professional network is a great resource.
Career, job search trends research and analysis is not a one-time event. It must be embedded in your weekly career actions, what you read, watch or have conversations about. With time it will be something you instinctively do like an entrepreneur who is always opportunity seeking
Knowledge of these career/job trends supports you in making decisions about gaps that need upskilling in line with what's coming, in demand and how best to position yourself. This is one of the best ways of future-proofing your career and securing your job and income. Good luck!
Some jobs are not advertised, but you are invited to apply based on referrals.
My first paid NGO job was with KAF-Zim as a Programme Officer in 2002. The Res Rep asked for referrals from his network, 2 leaders I have volunteered for, separately recommended me for the interview.
At any stage in your career, you will not have the required skills or experience from paid wok, you can develop this from volunteer work.
I learnt program design and coordination from volunteer positions I held in high school, college and even now 20 years into NGO global work.
Tips on how to get into NGO work or transition and grow in the sector from a Career Coach who has worked for 20 years in the sector...π
A thread... π§΅
1. The NGO sector is professional like any other industry, so the usual advice for job search applies:
- have a Job search plan
- know what you offer
- research the market
- develop key documents
- profile yourself
- network
However, contextualise everything to the NGO sector.
2. Assess yourself - be clear about who you are and what type of NGO work resonates with you. So knowing your passion, purpose, vision, values, interests, personality etc helps.
Map what you can offer in NGO work - your education, training, transferrable skills, experience etc.
How to Identify the Life Crutches Holding You Back....π₯
You need to change. Everyone knows it too. Help has been offered. You have tried to change, but somehow there is that one reason you always give.
That's a Life Crutch.
Some examples and How to Change...ITS A THREAD!
2/10 Crutch #1 ~ EXCUSES
Think about excuses you give repeatedly in varying versions for not addressing growth-limiting behaviour. E.g. the two I used a lot before = I don't understand finances; running is not for me;
If it sounds like an excuse ACT!
3/10 Crutch #2 ~ STORIES
There are repeated stories you spin and tell yourself and others for not taking action. E.g. I have tried that before and it didn't work; In my family we are all like that;