There was a time when access to quality education was a thing
for the better people of society. Then came a time of equality and
standardization of public education, which granted access to education to the
general public, but bullying being a major hindrance and getting access to
skills in demand of the industry were still far thought of. With many graduates
working in a field that was completely opposite to their education
Only twenty-seven percent (27%, Washington Post) of the graduates
pursue the career they major in. At the same time, multiple factors go into
play while pursuing a career. The limited number of job opportunities is why
many college graduates switch their careers. However, opting for a different
bachelor`s once you are done with it can be pretty expensive and most likely
add to the existing pile of student debt. With the accumulated 1.75 trillion
United States dollars, student debts keep on increasing every year. An average
student borrows a little over thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) to complete their bachelor`s.
In these struggling times, Coursera
comes to be the savior of the students. The organization offers more than 5000
courses to help individuals advance in their respective careers or make a
career switch at a reasonable and affordable price.
But what skills should one go for? The job market is changing,
and here are the six fields you should definitely consider if you are looking
to make a career switch. As there are plenty of jobs available in the industry,
but you can land yourself an entry-level position by completing the online
education available at Coursera.
Data Analyst
The most searched and termed as the sexiest job of the
21st-century data analyst seems to be an excellent option for people with a
knack for numbers, great with statistics, and familiar with programming.
Data is the foundation of any organization. Analysation,
interpretation, and deriving meaningful conclusions from the available data are
at the heart of many IT firms and businesses. The need for analytical skills
and their integration in today`s business world is always growing as many rely
on the available data to predict consumer behaviors, analyze existing problems,
and find solutions to pre-existing problems. With an entry-level position as a
data analyst earning about $64,051 United States dollars according to
statistics. (Glassdoor)
Software Development
More and More businesses are trying to integrate technology and
the internet into their organization. To make the businesses more fruitful.
They definitely require people who are skilled in maintaining, developing, and
improvising their technological framework.
Software engineers are relied upon for building a framework that
can aid organizations in managing their day-to-day tasks. They are also looked
up to for engineering, monitoring, and controlling existing technological
systems. An average entry-level software developer can expect to make around USD 62,379 per year.
User Interface
With the development of technology, it is essential for
businesses to also navigate users around the software. The user interface
designers are responsible for creating easy-to-navigate software for different
types of digital products, including websites, applications, and other
interactive platforms. Covering the whole interactive experience that takes
place on a online business platform. If not done right can result in
unsatisfied customers and decrease the goodwill of the company. Businesses rely
on user interface designers for higher ROIs and more client retention. User
interface design is one of the most sought-after skills nowadays, with an
entry-level making $66,074 USD per year.
Project Manager
Different organizations work on different structures. With more
and more work nowadays being short term and project based with tighter
deadlines and quotations of budgets.
The companies rely on the expertise of project managers for
managing and organizing calendars and deciding budgets for the relevant
projects while maintaining effective communication with project stakeholders
along the process.
As you move up to managerial positions in the industry, the
skills taught in the project management certification can become absolutely
essential to move up the corporate ladder. The main ingredients are leadership,
resilience, communication, and good organization, which are the core values of
a good employer.
Nonetheless, it can also be pursued as a career option while
acquiring the same skill set. An entry-level employee can expect to make about
USD 65,590 per year.
Content Creation and Management
Content marketing is at the core of any business. Businesses
need people who are not only experts in researching and drafting clear
marketing copies but also in what kind of content will produce efficient
results.
The art of storytelling and creative skills are two main aspects
that people looking to make a career in content marketing should inhibit.
Familiarity with society standards and emotional intelligence are also a plus.
Once you are proficient with content marketing and management skills, you can
take these skills up a notch by learning data analytics. As it will only help
you draft better marketing copies, but with better user understanding, you will
be able to focus your energy on the specific market.
Just because these are highly demanded skills, it does not mean
you have to opt for these skills only. With Coursera, a
wide variety of subjects, there are various certifications and micro degrees you
can opt for to enhance your pre-existing skill, get familiar with the new
methodologies, and how to integrate those advancements into your current field
of work.