Jobs in a Post-COVID Online World

Let us all skip ahead of the same daily topics; COVID, competition, global trends and economic struggles. We know them. We live them. Instead, I'll level with you, practically.

Yes, the world is going through a tough squeeze. But we are all much better off than the 3 million braves who have lost their lives to this pandemic. Right? So before you decide to feel sorry for yourself, complain about the job market and decide to throw a pity party, here are some ways for you to find work to do.

Pandemic or no pandemic, the world is moving in certain directions. Those are:

• Eco-Friendly Technologies
• Artificial Intelligence & Automation
• Gig Economy of Independent Workers
• Diversity & Global Collaboration

Of course, there are other factors at play, especially considering national security, tariff wars and vested interest groups, but on a whole the global workforce is working in a clear direction. And that will impact all of us, long after the pandemic is defeated.

I council potential and current students at Oxford, Harvard, Yale, McGill and other elite institutions, encouraging them to look at the world and how they can leverage their skillset in order to succeed. The advice is current, it is relevant and it is deadly. Two simple things. For those who are still lucky enough to have a full-time job and those who are currently looking for work to stabilize them; here are two things that you MUST do:

1. Become Tech-Aware: If you can, start learning software languages today; Python, Java, R Studio, C++ and so forth. If you can't; then smack yourself over the head, get off your high horse or get out of your sullen self-pity mode, get over yourself; and start learning software languages today. I would start with Python, then R Studio and then move forward. An hour a day. Do it. And get on with it.
2. Develop an Online Footprint: So you say Instagram is fun and so is Tik-Tok. It gives you an excuse to ogle people you find attractive. But, what does that do for your job? If you have to have it, couple it with your LinkedIn and Twitter profiles, write articles, speak on video and engage with communities. Every employer would google you, so why not put your best foot forward.

Of course, you can argue this point in many directions, debate endlessly and decide to be happy with not doing either of these. But, the fact is simple; this is where the world is heading, and it would be much better if you came along for the ride.

Until next time, keep on keeping on.