Professional networking site LinkedIn saw that as businesses pivot to digital, required digital skills also rose. In its “Jobs on the Rise in 2021,” some of the roles that needed to be filled in include digital content creators, digital marketers, data analysts, and cybersecurity experts, among others.

Some of the digital transformations in organizations were done in haste because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As new tools emerged and as consumers also developed online habits, companies required digital-savvy talents for new roles.

The special report, which showcases the seismic shifts that have taken place as a result of COVID-19, saw 70% of Southeast Asia is now online. “Jobs on the Rise” is a special edition of the LinkedIn Emerging Jobs report that more closely represents the rapidly changing world, as a result of COVID-19.

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LinkedIn zoomed in on the roles experiencing the highest growth between April and October 2019 with the same period in 2020.

“This list of jobs on the rise demonstrates that there are still opportunities for job seekers with a range of skills and experience. By adopting a lifelong learning mindset, and being open to picking up new skills through various courses — for example, courses on digital skills or soft skills — workers can prepare themselves to take up these emerging roles,” said Frank Koo, head of Asia, Talent and Learning Solutions, LinkedIn.

The need to work from home or remotely proved that technology can enable business continuity. LinkedIn said globally, remote job opportunities on the platform have increased “four times” since June. Professionals with digital skill sets will find themselves at an advantage in seeking employment opportunities.

Digital content specialists

Digital content specialists (writers), digital marketing specialists, and public relations experts were just a few of the in-demand roles as the world found itself shifting to digital.

Companies developing their own applications, solutions, and other digital services needed software engineers. This role has been constantly on LinkedIn’s emerging jobs list and with no end in sight for the pandemic to let up, the trend may continue.

The rapid adoption of technology has allowed companies to collect large amounts of data, and with it, the potential to unlock new solutions and products. This has led to the demand in roles pertaining to processing, analyzing, and storing data.

Remote or hybrid work is expected to continue. Roles are already changing and this, most likely, will continue. Companies have the option to retrain existing assets or hire new people. Digital services, in many ways, helped people and companies to survive — if not thrive — during the pandemic. With this trend, digital roles may see a further increase this year.