Turning Turmoil into Opportunity
Are you a new tech graduate, looking to launch your career in tech, but feeling slightly nervous about the current job market? In this article we unpack the current labour market, we highlight possible tech career possibilities, and we show you what’s the best thing you can do during these unpredictable times.
Unpacking the current labour market and looking into the future
Things are happening in the tech industry right now. You have no doubt seen the news about layoffs at tech companies like Salesforce, reorganisations, and falling stock markets. Troubling messages are dominating the news, but is there a need to panic for those in the tech industry, and, in particular for young tech professionals looking for employment? Short answer: No.
The tech industry and the Salesforce economy alike are going through uncertain times, but these are also exciting times as we are transitioning into a new chapter in history. As Theo Francis,
Wall Street Journal reporter, expresses so clearly: “Just because there are a lot of layoffs, doesn’t mean nobody’s hiring”. Across Europe, there are over
1,7 million tech positions ready to be filled. The majority of which even requires less than two years of experience. The industry has shown over and over again how incredibly resilient, flexible and innovative it is. Today’s industry is rapidly changing, revealing all of its amazing new potential as we progress. Tech has always kept up with current demand, and there is no reason to believe it will vanish into thin air all of a sudden. In this article, we will show you five proven tactics that will assist your job search as a young Salesforce professional in the current labour market. But first, let’s dive into what’s going on.
How did we end up here?
Before focusing on all the opportunities still out there, what exactly is going on in the tech industry? In short, COVID caused the industry to boom. All of a sudden, tech was the only thing that kept us connected and companies around the globe jumped on all the opportunities that suddenly emerged. The digital imperative became the digital necessity. With all this new business coming in, companies grew fast and hired excessively – Salesforce was no exception.. However, it was only a matter of time before this sudden success would decline. The economy in early 2023 is looking vastly different and in current times of war, economic chaos, inflation and falling stock markets, it turns out companies hired too many new tech professionals. In this economy, companies feel the need to be more cautious. It is yet to be determined what the future will look like, so they are not taking any unnecessary risks.
Finding your place in today’s tech industry
As an aspiring tech professional ready to launch a career, this caution of potential employers might be a reason to feel concerned. However, don’t forget that the tech industry is massive and extremely widespread. Every company uses technology. It is deeply embedded in numerous sectors worldwide. According to IDC, the Salesforce economy continues to grow steadily to this day. The report forecasts that by 2026, Salesforce will create 9.3 million new jobs worldwide. Cloud computing continues to grow, which means that specialised tech skills remain in high demand. Tech remains a very strong career choice. In addition, tech unemployment has always been incredibly low (around 2%), but even diminished in 2023 (1,5%).
For tech professionals in Europe, there are many possibilities. So, what exactly does the European market look like now, and which roles are in high demand? The quarterly report by
CompTIA, which examines ten markets across Europe, shows that during the third quarter of 2022 nearly 1,7 million tech positions were ready to be filled. In the Netherlands, 225,000 tech job postings opened up during this time; in Germany even 1,5 million. Of these job postings, a whopping 54% of positions required less than two years of experience in tech. So, the majority of all available tech positions in Europe are dedicated to new talent in the industry! Thes are very promising statistics for young professionals ready to launch their career, specially roles like Software Developer,, System Analyst, Cybersecurity and IT Support Specialist are in high demand – roles also related to Salesforce. Leading sectors are Information and Communication, Manufacturing, and Administrative and Support Services. Other sectors to look out for are Education, Finances, Transportation and Construction. Experts in the industry are convinced huge growth is coming soon.
Five tactics that assist your job search
Companies are preparing for what is about to happen. As a newcomer in tech, how can you best respond to this? Companies are securing their businesses – making it future-proof – and so should you. Businesses are evaluating which skills they might need soon. Out of the turmoil that is currently going on, new possibilities will undoubtedly emerge rapidly. Times are changing and there is no better time to prepare yourself than today. Like any other definitive time in history, there will be winners and there will be losers. Here are five ways in which you can get ready for your next role in the tech industry and come out on top.
- Start building strategic tech skills. Do some research, discover which areas of tech are in high demand and explore which tech skills you would like to improve.
- Earn yourself some new certificates. Being a Salesforce professional means you’re never done learning. Find some interesting Salesforce specialisations and strengthen your position in the job market.
- Commit to the greater good and volunteer your time at NGOs or non-profits. There are plenty of small organisations out there that could use your time and expertise. They often don’t have the resources to improve their tech infrastructure. However, as a Salesforce professional you can support them and simultaneously get some hands-on experience.
- Freelance and improve your skills. On freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, there’s plenty of Salesforce-related work. It will give you the chance to gain some experience (and some cash).
- Learn from the experts in the industry and find yourself an internship. Surrounding yourself with professionals in a new field can be very beneficial. It is an opportunity to learn, to grow, to develop and build a network. A short-term (paid) internship can help to avoid a career gap and gain some new knowledge and perspectives.
