Introduction
Bouncing back from the economic crash due to COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions has not been easy, as mentioned by UK Finance. Businesses are still struggling to find a stable footing and are careful in taking on added expenses. With most companies looking to increase efficiency and save costs, there comes the question of job opportunities. Are companies still looking to hire after the many waves of retrenchments and budget cuts? When seeking employment, how do you make sure you shine above the rest?
Demonstrating how big of an asset you can be to the company is essential. A well-decorated bachelor’s degree should not be the only thing you bring to the table. Employers are now looking for all-rounders who are highly skilled. Achieving that is now an easy feat, with most courses converting online, there are now more accessible professional courses and certifications you can enrol in the UK. One question to ask, where should people start?
Here are the top 8 professional courses you can consider to take in the UK:
1. Project Management
The demand for proficient project managers has surged, and the numbers don’t lie. According to the UK Project Management Salary Survey, the average annual salary for project managers in the UK soared to an impressive £52,500 in 2020. Going beyond paychecks, enrolling in a Project management course also equips you with the ability to steer initiatives toward triumph, transforming chaos into cohesion. It increases your leadership capabilities, allowing you to make decisions and strategies efficiently to bring the company forward. Learners will also be exposed to new software, such as Prince2, SCRUM, and Agile – tools that are known for increasing the company’s productivity.
2. Digital Marketing
Unsurprisingly, more companies are adopting the digital economy as the new normal. The UK government is actively supporting this trend with the launch of the New UK Digital Strategy that focuses on using digital innovation to drive economic growth. The strategy’s focus on equipping businesses, especially SMEs, with digital tools and skills is a promising sign for aspiring marketers. The Digital Skills Toolkit, another gem from the UK Government, offers free courses that cater to digital marketing enthusiasts, empowering eager learners with the skills needed to thrive in this ever-evolving marketing landscape.
3. Cloud Computing
Working remotely, employees would require access to resources globally. Cloud computing allows real-time collaboration anytime, anywhere, thus increasing productivity and efficiency while saving costs for infrastructure and hardware rentals. Hence, employers are very keen to look more into this facility. With online and offline cloud computing course options available in the UK, eager learners will be spoiled for choices. One well-known platform for IT-related courses includes Learning People, a CPD provider that is accredited by the Learning & Performance Institute (a leading global authority on workplace learning and development).
4. Data Science and Analytics
With the influx of online data as a result of companies’ move towards digitalisation, Data Science and Analytics have become a high-demand skill that employers look for, with dedicated job positions and departments. Data Science and Analytics are often used to measure the constant change in consumer preferences and trend inclinations. It is the key player in determining a company’s strategic planning in driving the company’s success.
5. Cybersecurity
With companies in the UK adopting digital transformation and remote working facilities, the spotlight is on cybersecurity, as addressed in the legislation. Companies are increasing their security within and surrounding their network to not allow any data leaks or important information to be leaked out to the public and competitors. Enrolling in professional courses in cybersecurity will allow you to be specially trained in practical skills such as network security, incident response, and risk management.
6. Sustainable Business and Environmental Management
Aligned with the Government’s policy to reach net zero, companies in the UK are increasingly prioritising sustainable business and environmental management to address environmental issues. The focus on sustainable business and environmental management has created significant job opportunities – which means there are growing opportunities for renewable energy specialists, environmental consultants etc. These roles are crucial for developing and implementing sustainability strategies, ensuring regulatory compliance, assessing and mitigating environmental impacts, and driving the transition to renewable energy sources. As companies prioritise sustainability, professionals with expertise in these areas will play a vital role in executing sustainable practices and developing sustainable business strategies.
7. User Experience (UX) Design
User Experience (UX) Design is in high demand in the UK due to several factors. Companies are realising the importance of providing great digital experiences to their customers, leading to a need for skilled UX Design professionals. The shift towards a customer-centric approach and the ongoing digital transformation across industries are driving the demand even further where almost every company is looking for a skilled UX designer to be part of the team. Technology advancements over the recent years such as AI, VR, and e-commerce strategies also require specialised UX Designers to create user-friendly interfaces, as indicated by the many hiring positions you can find on LinkedIn and other job search platforms. Business strategy is also supported by UX, for instance; to increase ROI, decrease the need for customer support, or reduce the bounce rate.
8. Business Analytics
As with Data Science and Analytics, companies in the UK are increasingly relying on data-driven insights to make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge. Companies require skilled business analysts to extract meaningful insights, ensure compliance and mitigate risks. As stated by the World Economic Forum, “Analytical thinking is considered to be a core skill by more companies than any other skill, making up, on average, 9.1% of the core skills reported by companies.”. Upskilling yourself through business analytics courses definitely offers excellent prospects for those seeking a high-demand role in the UK job market.
Conclusion
In hindsight, learning is a life-long commitment, and taking up industry-relevant courses is an essential part of that journey. They provide specialised knowledge and practical skills, making you a valuable asset in the job market. Whether you need your course to be physical or online, self-paced or full-time, you’ll find that you will have an abundance of options to choose from in this era.
