COVID-19 has played out some of the most horrific life situations that perhaps many of us never thought they would experience in our lifetime.  The viral disease sent much of the world into lockdowns. Millions of people have lost their lives to the virus or failure to access medical care for other illnesses. Many businesses have not been spared. Ultimately this has led to large-scale job losses, further escalating poverty and misery, especially in Africa.

To tame the spread of COVID-19, governments set out health protocols that largely curtailed people’s movements and interactions.

Despite these same restrictive protocols, however, have sprung career opportunities whose demand remains high.

Cybersecurity

Since the pandemic’s start in 2019, health professionals advised to social distance us and avoid crowds. With this guidance, governments later enforced lockdowns and physical transactions soon lost traction in favour of online purchases.

With online transactions came an increase in cyber-related crimes.

In a 2020 Deloitte survey, it was established that there is an increased cyber-attack on people working from home due to insufficient protection against data and cybersecurity thefts.

Many businesses now seek the services of cyber security experts to safeguard their operations, and the result has been a demand surge for such professionals.

Sectors such as banking and finance, government agencies, and health have need of cyber security experts to secure their networks, systems, and client’s data.

This is an area you may encourage your loved ones to venture into or diversify their skills in.

Digital marketing opportunities

Prior to the pandemic, a significant portion of marketing was done offline in person to person promotion and sale of a product or service. However, with restrictive health protocols on the movement of people and the real fear of contracting the virus, many businesses found themselves reaching customers online.

Digital marketing using tools such as e-mails, social media platforms or websites, has become the norm rather than the exception for businesses to survive.

Because potential and real customers have moved online, most businesses invested in sharpening or recruiting digital marketing experts to reach the potential and retain existing customers. Digital marketing surely is a profession whose demand is likely to soar even post COVID-19.

Online teaching

One of the earliest sectors to be hit by the health protocols to halt the spread of COVID-19 was the education sector. Governments in Africa, as early as March 2020, ordered the closure of schools. To date, some schools remain closed. According to the World Economic Forum, an estimated 1.2 billion learners in 186 countries have been affected by school closures.

With closures of schools, there have been unprecedented teenage pregnancies which has further halted and derailed the dreams many young people.

Parents, especially in urban areas, who can afford it have enrolled their children in online classes. Teachers who are skillful in delivering virtual lessons are making an income out of this pandemic, and this trend is likely to continue. If you are a teacher, maybe this can be an opportunity to earn an extra income even after physical classrooms open.

The bottom line is that COVID-19 offers the world the opportunity to rethink many business operations, and skillsets will automatically change. A bright future only belongs to those who can adapt to available changes we are experiencing because of the digital transformations and learn new skills to stay relevant.

That is why we want you to be part of this Career and Startup Intelligence Series on 25 August and learn with us as the Chairman of the SIMBA Group of Companies, Dr Patrick Bitature, shares his strategic insights on what the future really holds for career seekers and business-minded people. Sign up for free here.

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