2020 changed the entire dynamic of the business world. The paradigm shift from in-office to remote working and the sudden digital transformation has made companies rethink their business strategies. Even though the pandemic taught companies to function with limited resources in uncertain circumstances, many of them have come out strong. Quite a lot of industries are operating on a fully-fledged scale now.
A myriad of companies have even gained profit due to the pandemic. Pharmaceuticals and healthcare services, for example, gained high profits that overall boosted their employment capacity. The downside of which was reflected in long working hours and stressful complaints by employees.
Bayt.com has recently conducted the Top Industries in the Middle East and North Africa 2020 survey in partnership with YouGov, in order to help professionals understand current satisfaction levels within certain industries and make an informed decision about their future. If you are seeking employment in 2020 in an industry where you can nurture your growth, then here are a few points that you should refer to, with statistics to back them up.
The survey gave helpful insights on which industry sectors are most appealing. The banking, finance, and accounting sector (9%) was found to be popular amongst those seeking jobs. 21% of the respondents believed that the banking sector offers the highest salaries. This could be one of the reasons for their popularity.
The second most popular is the education and academia sector (8%). This domain is ever flourishing and with the awareness and importance of education being disseminated widely across the world. The third sought-after job is in engineering and design (7%). Not only is it widely accepted and diverse but also easy to get hands-on.
To find jobs in the banking industry, click here!
The survey revealed that 38% of respondents agreed that oil, gas, and petrochemical industry offers the highest packages. The need for oil complemented by the abundance of it in the world makes it a high paying job.
Any country where the flow of cash is high and exports are a great fraction of the economy will have high paying finance jobs. Oil makes a major part of exports in MENA, which makes working for it a delight.
Military, defense, and police are also well-paying jobs, as said by 16% of respondents. They provide good career growth and offer job security, which is the most attractive factor while looking for jobs, especially in 2020.
To find jobs in the oil industry, click here!
An industry that keeps its employers satisfied is bound to make good money. A good work-life balance not only keeps the employees happy but also increases their efficiency at work, in turn benefitting the company. A good reason behind the success of the banking, finance, and accounting sector could be employee retention and productivity.
The respondents of the survey gave the best work-life balance rating to the banking sector (21%). This was followed by government and civil services, which was at 19%, and the oil and gas sector at 19%.
Government and civil services have a lot of perks to them. Their employees and their families live comfortably, which makes up a good work-life balance for working professionals too.
A career is always started at the bottom and from scratch. What makes it successful is consistent growth and learning. While looking for jobs, the first factor anyone should take into consideration is the learning curve and growth it promises.
In MENA, 26% of the people from the poll claimed that the oil, gas, and petroleum sectors have the best career growth. The Middle East is the breeding hub of oil and petroleum. It is obvious that the sector promises a good growth rate.
The second best in this category is banking and finance, with 22% of respondents voting for it, and the third is military and defense (17%).
Job security is the only factor to look forward to in 2020. With 2020 being so unpredictable, a secure future is what you want to wish for the most. Military, defense, and police are undoubtedly the safest options to rely on.
Any government job you take will make sure you have a roof over your head and your family. As the survey revealed, military, government, and civil services are the jobs that promise security. 29% of the respondents voted for police and defense while 27% for government jobs.
Next in line is the oil, gas, and petrochemical sector. 21% of the survey takers feel that the petroleum sector extends good job security.
The most common answer, when asked for the best industry for women, was education and academia. Women are kind-hearted by nature and can handle kids way better than men. They are patient and knowledgeable, which is why they prefer teaching jobs. 24% of poll takers feel that education is the best field for women.
Following in line with education is the healthcare sector (24%). It is appealing to women for the same reason as teaching is. Their warm nature and sharp mind make them great at their job and also is a very safe space for women to work in.
Last but not least was the banking, finance, and accounting sector (21%). Having 9-5 hrs, it is quite women friendly and safe.
Looking for a job in education? Click here to apply.
The petroleum industry is popular for its inclusivity for local artists, as seen by the polls. 23% believe that it is the best sector for local professionals to showcase their talents. This was followed by a tie between the military and defense sector (20%) and the banking and finance sector (20%).
Technology has seen significant growth in the last year. Complete digitization was something we were in the process of trying to achieve unless the pandemic hit and forced it upon us. Internet and technology have become the bread and butter in today’s time. Due to this, the IT and e-commerce sectors have been on the boom. 26% of poll takers agree to that given how rapidly technology is growing.
Looking for a job in IT? Click here to apply.
Military and police actively look for young and fit men to join the arms. This sector is ever-growing and a great opportunity for those who want a secure future. 19% of survey takers feel that the military hires the highest proportion of fresh grads.
18% and 14% agree on banking and healthcare, respectively. Banking is always open to new jobs, and with COVID-19 around the corner at all times, there is even more need for health workers.
Looking for a job in healthcare? Click here to apply.
It is not surprising to find out that most would vote for the healthcare and medical services sector (21%) when it comes to the longest working hours. Healthcare providers need to be on work all day long, and the noble job comes with its own ups and downs.
Especially in these tough times, doctors and nurses have had to work double shifts to see patients and keep a tab on them. Apart from that, the military, defense, and police (19%) also have jobs that require long nights and late working hours.
In 2020, the most hustle and stress has come from the healthcare sector. With doctors and healthcare providers risking their lives every day and making sure they keep others safe, the healthcare sector has been quite stressful. 17% of respondents feel that it is the riskiest industry.
Banking and finance were voted as the most stressful industry by 14% of the people. It is understandable given the economic condition of the nation.
When people were asked about the reason for employee attrition and why they choose to switch industries, we gathered some great insights. Here is a list of top reasons that encourages people to find better opportunities.
Aware and knowledgeable about all the famous sectors in MENA, it is now time for you to draft your resume and apply for jobs. Here are a few tips to help you with the same.
