Despite economic uncertainty and global hiring slowing down, a recent global survey from LinkedIn reveals that 60% of professionals are considering a new job this year—driven by the desire for bigger salaries as the cost-of-living increases.
The survey found that 38% desire higher pay while also revealing that 30% are looking to pursue a better work-life balance. To provide insight on these trends, LinkedIn’s 2023 Jobs on the Rise list shows the 20 fastest-growing jobs in Canada, offering insights into where job seekers can find opportunity and stability as they search for their next role.
The report from LinkedIn notes how the employment landscape has been undergoing a wave of changes, including a “rise in skills-based hiring.” This makes up-skilling programs, which are growing across Canada, more important and valuable than ever.
Preparing for what lies ahead includes “taking steps to set yourself on a path with resilience and staying power.” This so-called career cushioning is one way to navigate the uncertainty, according to LinkedIn.
Building this cushion involves adding blocks to what author Scott Adams calls the “skill stack”—a combination of supplemental skills and certifications that allow you to control your career trajectory by being an in-demand asset in any environment.
Based on LinkedIn data, we identified these areas of expertise as being vital to Canada’s most-demanded roles in 2023.
Cybersecurity
Cyber security specialists are in charge of protecting their organizations’ computer networks, software systems, and data centres from cyber threats and security breaches. Pretty important stuff.
Canada needs at least 25,000 more cybersecurity professionals, according to data from the Information and Communications Technology Council. As a result, job security is top-tier.
“Cybersecurity is a highly competitive field with a sharp talent deficit,” a report from ICTC states. “Some international reports on the cybersecurity labour gap tout global unemployment rates as low as 0%.”
Security Engineer and Cyber Security Specialist are among the hottest roles in the field, LinkedIn’s list shows. Security Analyst is a common entry point.
Learn to Code
Everything needs software—even hardware. Today, the oldest brick-and-mortar organizations are operating at least somewhat digitally, and the dial is only turning in one direction.
This is why software developers have never been out of demand; they are always useful somewhere doing something—especially the good ones.
Even as mass layoffs have hit tech, engineers tend to be spared. Those who do get laid off often have less trouble securing new work than those in other positions. This is the kind of “staying power” LinkedIn describes as being helpful during turbulent economic times.
Companies aren’t playing favourites; in lean times, it’s all about the value a skillset delivers to the bottom line. Software development remains a surefire and future-proofed way to land a role in Canadian tech.
Many coding bootcamps exist today in Canada, from Lighthouse Labs in Vancouver to BrainStation in Toronto.
Sales Mastery
If you can sell stuff, you generate revenue for a company. And trust us: they like that!
However, according to the Canadian Professional Sales Association, 75% of companies have reported finding difficulty finding qualified sales professionals.
Programs from organizations like Waterloo’s Uvaro and Vancouver’s Jelly Academy help talent quickly gain sales skills that are sorely needed to power Canada’s economic growth.
“The revenue engine—the sales function—of leading Canadian organizations are adapting to powerful economic and social trends that are rapidly separating the best from the rest,” Sandro Verrelli, CEO of CPSA, stated recently. “We believe that selling well is the catalyst for the economic and social well-being of all Canadians.”
Product Expertise
Developing skills in product can go a long way.
From product strategy and development to launch and marketing, product-related roles are diverse and will cross with many other stakeholders within an organization.
Project managers will find themselves particularly suited to this path, LinkedIn data suggests.
Jobs on the rise in this category include Product Operations Manager, Head of Growth, and Technical Product Manager.
