Top Skill Areas To Pick Up In 2021 Including Data Analytics And Digital Media

What will the job market look like in 2021? What jobs and skills will be in demand? Studies show that by 2022, 42% of core skills required to perform existing jobs are expected to change. 

COVID-19 has caused the need for changes that have disrupted jobs across the globe. However, arguably the most profound trend in today’s labour market is how technology is transforming more jobs into “hybrid” roles.

Put simply, a hybrid job calls for a mix of both technical and soft skills, combining skill sets that rarely used to be found in the same role, such as designing and programming, or infocomm tech (ICT) and communication. 

Source: 2020 Emerging Jobs Report Singapore by LinkedIn

As jobs become increasingly hybridised and data-driven, adding key emerging skills to your resume will help improve your hiring chances in the COVID-impacted market. Become future-ready by strengthening skills in these areas for 2021!

What do your Netflix recommendations, search engine results, and Google Maps routes have in common? They are all powered by data analytics! Companies harness it to manipulate massive amounts of data into valuable insights used to make informed business decisions. 

And no, it’s not just for ICT-related industries. Finance, accounting, engineering, healthcare – you name it, data analytics skills can be applied to almost everything. Having the knowledge in data analytics, as well as related skills in artificial intelligence and machine learning, will set you up for success in 2021.  

[Read: I switched careers at 34 and became a Data Analyst. Here’s how.]

Data Analytics Begins With Me

Duration: 6 hours
Training provider: National University of Singapore
Course fee: $850
Find out more about the course here

Introduction to Machine Learning
Duration: 28 hours
Training provider: Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Course fee: $1,600
Find out more about the course here

We live in the era of the “FinTech revolution”. A.I and blockchain technology dominate the financial industry, changing the ways we handle, store, and transfer money. In fact, blockchain was recognised by LinkedIn as the top in-demand hard skill in 2020. 

With more financial companies turning to blockchain for business solutions, having blockchain expertise can give you a leg up in the world of FinTech. What’s more, as consumers demand for more tech-driven financial services like digital wallets, there will be an increasing number of growth opportunities available in the months to come. 

Blockchain: Embarking on the Journey
Duration: 8 hours
Training provider: Singapore Management University
Course fee: $800
Find out more about the course here

NTU-FTA Series - FinTech & Innovation
Duration: 7 hours
Training provider: Nanyang Technological University
Course fee: $600
Find out more about the course here

Preparatory Course For Singapore CA Qualification (Foundation) - Assurance
Duration: 42 hours
Training provider: Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Course fee: $600
Find out more about the course here

Cashless payments and food delivery apps are just two examples of tech-enabled services which are found in almost every segment of society. By harnessing technological tools and digital solutions, these services aim to enhance productivity and streamline the processes of service-related organisations.

With skills in this emerging sector in your arsenal, you can become an asset to companies in a wide range of industries, from retail and healthcare to supply chain and security!

goRPA -UIPath
Duration: 25 hours
Training provider: Republic Polytechnic
Course fee: $2100
Find out more about the course here

Transform Your Business with eCommerce
Duration: 13 hours
Training provider: Singapore Polytechnic
Course fee: $400
Find out more about the course here

Mobile App Development Made Easy

Duration: 13.5 hours
Training provider: Nanyang Polytechnic
Course fee: $450
Find out more about the course here

Digital media is all around us – influencing the way we consume news, advertising, and entertainment. As COVID-19 caused businesses to turn to digital tools to shift operations online, digital skills have become all the more important for companies to stay afloat. 

Research shows that digital marketing is the top digital skill coveted by employers in the COVID era. While professionals with creative skills remain in demand, those with digital competencies will be even more sought after to create and deliver content effectively in an increasingly digital environment.

[Read: Considering A Career in Digital Marketing? Here’s What You Need to Know]

Digital Marketing
Duration: 39 hours
Training provider: Nanyang Technological University
Course fee: $3,750
Find out more about the course here

Human Centred Design for Web & Mobile
Duration: 16 hours
Training provider: Nanyang Technological University
Course fee: $2,000
Find out more about the course here

Fundamentals of Advertising and Social Media Design
Duration: 8 hours
Training provider: Singapore University of Social Sciences
Course fee: $650
Find out more about the course here

The demand for cybersecurity is growing and will continue to expand in 2021, as cyber threats become more frequent, complex, and dangerous. Keeping the company’s and customers’ data secure is now paramount, with the nature of remote working and digital transformation making data more vulnerable than ever. 

Valued skills in cybersecurity range from encryption techniques, cyber-intelligence to developing security control mechanisms to reduce risks. 

Cybersecurity Programme and Risk Management
Duration: 22 hours
Training provider: Singapore Management University
Course fee: $3000
Find out more about the course here

Intro to Web Security
Duration: 7 hours
Training provider: Singapore University of Technology and Design
Course fee: $900
Find out more about the course here

Cloud Computing Security and Compliance 101

Duration: 16 hours
Training provider: Nanyang Technological University
Course fee: $780
Find out more about the course here

In the words of Richard Branson, “Entrepreneurship is about turning what excites you in life into capital, so that you can do more of it and move forward with it.” Entrepreneurs create new businesses with unique solutions that can change how we work or live, innovating ways to deliver more value to customers.

Core skills that give aspiring entrepreneurs an edge include soft skills like creativity and innovation. To become a great entrepreneur, you need to learn to transform your ideas into sustainable businesses. Check out these courses to help you advance in your entrepreneurial journey!

Design Innovation Leadership
Duration: 14 hours
Training provider: Singapore University of Technology and Design
Course fee: $1,800
Find out more about the course here

CoC in Entrepreneurship 101 (Target Market with Data Analytics)
Duration: 7 hours
Training provider: Institute of Technical Education
Course fee: $190
Find out more about the course here

Entrepreneurship & Innovation in a Digital Future
Duration: 7 hours
Training provider: Nanyang Technological University
Course fee: $600
Find out more about the course here

From smart city development to autonomous vehicles, urban solutions are all about envisioning and developing the future of living. As we face challenges such as population growth, climate change, and resource constraints, urban solutions professionals are becoming increasingly in-demand as companies aim to optimise liveable spaces and improve the quality of life for Singaporeans. 

Overview of Sustainable & Renewable Energy Technologies for a Smart City
Duration: 14 hours
Training provider: Nanyang Polytechnic
Course fee: $450
Find out more about the course here

3D printing and robotics are at the forefront of emerging skills, helping Singapore realise its vision of becoming a technology-intensive digital manufacturing hub. By taking your advanced manufacturing skills to the next level, you too can be at the forefront of innovation and unlock a wealth of career growth opportunities in 2021!

Appreciation of IoT and Data Management
Duration: 8 hours
Training provider: Singapore Polytechnic
Course fee: $200
Find out more about the course here

Robotics & Automation 101
Duration: 8 hours
Training provider: Temasek Polytechnic
Course fee: $300
Find out more about the course here

Whether you’re thinking of a career switch or simply looking to boost your employability, there are a vast array of resources available for you. Browse hundreds of SkillsFuture-Credit eligible courses right here on MySkillsFuture to equip yourself with essential emerging skills.