Hot Jobs During the Pandemic

Korn Ferry reports that the increased emphasis on agility triggered by the pandemic has created a growing demand for procurement officers with supply chain expertise and veteran operating leaders familiar with corporate transformations. Four areas were cited as in high demand due to COVID-19:

  • Supply Chain Specialists

Most modern supply chains were built with the sole priorities of maximum efficiency at minimal cost. Businesses, particularly manufacturers, are looking for supply chain leaders with excellent planning abilities, a digital mindset, and the ability to develop alternate models that maintain efficiency while assuring a continuous supply of goods and services.

  • Boards of Directors: Former CEOs and COOs

Before the pandemic, many boards were looking for new directors with expertise in certain niches: technology, human resources, and cybersecurity often being high on the list. In fact, two-thirds of last year’s new directors of S&P 500 boards did not have CEO or COO experience. Emphasis has shifted back to directors who have run companies before, particularly former operating executives who have led transformations or successfully completed turn-arounds.

  • Mental Health Workers

The number of behavioral health technicians in the United States has grown by nearly one-third since 2015. However, the stress experienced by other healthcare workers fighting the pandemic has led to a surge in demand. In an early study of staff at 34 hospitals in China, the first country to deal with the virus, more than 50% reported symptoms of depression. Similar studies conducted around the globe yielded similar results.

  • Data Analysts and Statisticians

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that the number of statistics-related workers would increase by 30% from 2018 to 2028. This area, already in high demand prior to COVID-19, has surged as data specialists are needed to determine how best to mitigate the virus’s impact and develop and interpret new models of post-pandemic consumer behavior.

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