Upskilling for the future

The COVID-19 crisis is causing massive job losses, and many workers realise that the jobs they had will never come back. Many people working in the hospitality industry, store workers and other businesses that were just about managing to survive will have to train for other jobs.

Some people are naturally drawn to more people-centric and hands-on type jobs, and you never hear about unemployed plumbers and electricians. Others will want to break into technology-based jobs, which seem to be the way of the future. Big Data professionals are already in huge demand. C Cisco reports that 40% of companies are already finding it hard to get big data experts to work with them. A quick search on massive recruitment site indeed.com shows that there is a healthy need for big data engineers and technicians. The rewards for learning about these subjects seem to be worthwhile too. You can make a good living. As a data scientist, you can earn as much as $100,000 a year.

So, what is it all about? Well, many companies are enjoying huge success with Big Data projects, which they are using to solve a wide range of practical issues. Marketing companies are evaluating massive swathes of comments from social media, texts, and other sources to give them an accurate understanding of what consumers really think of them.

It all sounds fascinating, but how do you break into this brave new world? The best way to start is to take Big Data courses. Naturally, you can do these online, so doing some introductory learning at home instead of risking the coronavirus-infested outside world might be a good use of your time.

A quick Google search brings up a huge number of introductory courses to big data, many of which are free. You can also receive certificates that you can download or display on your LinkedIn profile. Even if you are a successful translator, and not on the lookout for a new job, gaining expertise in the areas of the future can only improve your skillset and job prospects.

After all, you had the opportunity to master the art of breadmaking during the lockdown. Let’s use the long, hard winter ahead of us to carve out a niche for our future prosperity.