2021 Jobs Report: The Road Ahead

 

Economies are still reeling from COVID-19, and the impact on job prospects and career trajectories has been devastating in many industries. The project management profession is no exception. But there are signs of hope in the New Year.

PMI has recently released the 2021 Jobs Report, which showcases new, emerging job opportunities—as well as areas of lingering uncertainty. Check it out to get some perspective on what the near future has in store for the global job market, and what it might mean to your professional path.

Here are a few highlights from the report on several of the world’s major regions:

Middle East:  The collapse of oil prices has created financial havoc, and layoffs have primarily hit retail, airlines and tourism sectors. The result has been a sharpened focus on the need to diversify the economy, with a specific emphasis innovation and R&D.

United States:  Hope is on the horizon, as October hiring outpaced September by 15.5 percent. While the road ahead is murky, job opportunities in manufacturing, transportation and logistics, construction, retail and real estate have been leading the pack… but will need digital-savvy project talent in order to continue the upswing.

Asia Pacific: Tourism and hospitality, as well as retail, have been hard-hit by the collapse of global travel, and will struggle throughout 2021. However, talented project managers will be in great demand to drive projects related to science, technology and healthcare.

India:  A significant shift in consumer behavior, due to the pandemic, will boost online and last-mile delivery services in 2021. An increase in demand for insurance and healthcare will also drive growth in these sectors.

You can take a look at the entire list of regions included in the 2021 Jobs Report here.  Not only does the report offer a deep dive into the regions listed above, but also Canada, Europe, Africa, Peru, China and Latin America.