Personal Advancement
What's hot for 2006Career trendsIf you're like most people, you've probably included a career goal on your list of New Year's resolutions. Maybe you want to move up the corporate ladder at your current company, or maybe you want to switch companies altogether. Perhaps you're seeking something more drastic -- an entirely new career in a completely different sector. SHARON ASCHAIEK, |
|
 [ 2006-01-11 ] |
To find out, take this test by eCareerFit, the career assessment experts.
Whatever your goals, you'll want to pay attention to the following career trends when making your decision -- they reflect the most dominant regulatory, demographic and technological shifts that will affect the employment market in
ACCOUNTANTS AND FINANCIAL ANALYSTS
Professionals in the financial industry will enjoy a green new year, thanks to a trend toward higher compensation levels. This trend is largely being driven by new government rules that holds publicly traded companies in Canada to higher standards than ever.
"The driver behind this trend is more legislation pertaining to corporate governance and compliance," says Lara Dodo, metro market manager for Robert Half Canada Inc. "As companies try to enhance their best practices, ensure they're doing their accounting correctly and meet escalating customer demand, accountants and financial analysts with expertise in compliance are becoming in greater demand."
Also benefiting these individuals is the slow but certain exodus of retiring baby boomers from the profession, and a dearth of new graduates entering it. Short supply and high demand makes for a financially lucrative situation for those currently in the field.
CREATIVE TALENT
Graphic designers, web designers, communications managers, art directors and other creative professionals will enjoy a thriving job market this year with more and better opportunities.
"A recent poll we conducted of ad and marketing executives found that 44% plan to hire full-time graphic designers in the next 12 months," Dodo says.
However, the ones who will make the most of this momentum will be those who can expand their skill set to manage tasks that aren't typically part of the job.
"You need to have a specialization with flexibility," Dodo says. "For example, if you're an art director, companies want you to have experience in both print and online -- the ability to cross that gap if required to do so."
Communications specialists such as public relations professionals and media relations managers with the expertise to market to and attract ethnic markets, particularly Hispanics and Asians, will be in great demand by companies competing in the global marketplace. Those skilled at branded entertainment strategies such as product placement and special promotions will be most desired.
PR professionals in particular will discover that the health and biotechnology sectors will be ripe with employment opportunities.
IT SPECIALISTS
"There will be heightened demand for IT professionals with strong business fundamentals, soft skills such as communication and interpersonal skills, technical expertise and in-demand specialties," Dodo says.
Here again, corporate compliance legislation has affected the specific specialties most in demand in IT. Technology professionals with strong database management skills who can effectively monitor and protect a company's information will be in strong demand.
"Network security is huge right now -- think about all the sensitive data a company houses. Someone needs to protect it against viruses and other vulnerabilities," Dodo says.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS
HR and marketing professionals and general administrative staff will witness a trend toward specialization as employers seek candidates with industry-related skills and experience. They will also be called upon to perform tasks that don't usually fall under their job description.
"Companies want to get more out of one person -- they want someone who can prepare reports, manage work flow, research industry trends and more."
The most in-demand skills for administrative support professionals will include interpersonal, management, research and computer skills.
LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
Compliance laws have created greater demand among companies for lawyers with experience and expertise in this specific area, Dodo says. This increase in work opportunities has sparked a trend toward in-house legal departments, as companies prefer having their experts close by to keep them on the right track.
At the same time, a dramatic shift is taking place among new, particularly young, lawyers: they're no longer willing to sacrifice their lives for their careers.
"There is more emphasis at law firms and companies on respecting the lifestyle needs of their lawyers and providing them with greater work-life balance," she says.
She adds that the fastest-growing legal practice areas until 2010 will be ethics and corporate governance, intellectual property and litigation.
EMERGE A WINNER
Those who'll be most able capitalize on these trends will be the ones who already possess experience in their chosen profession, Dodo says.
"There is a trend toward greater emphasis on job experience -- many employers want candidates with at least two years of related job experience so they can hit the ground running."
But if you have your sights set on a new profession, fear not: continuing education, professional networking and interning or volunteering will help you reach your goal -- it may just take a little longer.
The good news across the board is that employers in all sectors are finally beginning to understand that if they want to stay competitive, they need to treat their staff better.
"Companies recognize and understand that to attract and retain top talent, they have to offer better compensation packages, more generous vacation packages, more flexible work hours and the option of telecommuting," Dodo says.
How many hours a week do you work?