For many of us, searching for a more satisfying job is top of the January to-do list.
But if you don’t want your job migration plans to join the list of jinxed New Year’s resolutions, it’s time to take action now.
If you’re ready for a fulfilling career in 2019, our summary of sought-after skills and exceptional employers will help you make positive moves.
Digital skills
Knowing your analytics from your ecommerce will still stand you in good stead in 2019 and beyond, with the digital skills gap predicted to cost the UK economy £141 billion in GDP growth in the next 10 years if it isn’t plugged.
And there are plenty of opportunities for jobseekers adept in all digital disciplines — in December 2018, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the number of unfilled roles in the tech sector increased by 24.3 per cent over the preceding year.
This varied industry covers everything from from web writing and SEO to coding and IT infrastructure — so there are plenty of ways to carve yourself a rewarding career niche.
Management
If your people skills are on point, 2019’s a great year to grab a firm foothold as an aspiring business manager.
According to a recent City & Guilds survey, 27 per cent of UK employers believe that a lack of effective leaders and managers will negatively impact the productivity of their business in the next three to five years.
Meanwhile, the Leeds City Region Labour Market report 2018 revealed that a fifth of businesses surveyed struggle to hire managers with the required leadership skills — so the predicted national trend already has tangible effects on specific enterprise zones.
In this employment climate, any job applicant with well-honed leadership skills should find a warm welcome in a range of sectors.
Languages
As the UK looks beyond Europe to forge business relationships with the wider international community, any job candidate with fluent foreign language skills could find themselves in pole position for lucrative jobs.
Jobs site Adzuna has rated the highest paid languages and Arabic tops the list, with German, Welsh and Chinese also featuring prominently.
2019 is also UNESCO’s International Year of Indigenous Languages — excellent news if you’re passionate about preserving lesser-known languages to promote cultural diversity and inclusivity.
So if you’re a budding linguist or already have a global gift of the gab, you could be in fine voice this year.
Best places to work
Whether you prioritise salary, benefits, company culture or career development, finding an employer that’s the ‘right fit’ is easier once your skills and experience position you as a top candidate.
So if you’re swithering over which organisation could benefit from your talents in 2019, recruitment gurus Glassdoor have handily listed 2019’s best places to work. Whichever sector you see yourself in, these rankings might help you find a job that just feels right.
Whatever your calling, our online degrees can help you point your career compass to true north in 2019.
For more information on vocational pathways, take a look at our blog.