Amitabh Sharma, Features Coordinator

Change is the only constant, it is said, and with the world shrinking to a global village the job market is no exception to this metamorphosis.

Whether one is starting off or looking for a change, the liberalised economies have thrown open numerous avenues and vocations.

There has also been a shift in job profiles. It is no longer taboo for someone to want to be a fashion designer, nor is it frowned upon if one wants to take up fine arts as a career path.

The key driver for this change has been information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services (ITES).

From technology jobs as programmers to outsourcing of voice and data services from the United States (U.S.) and Europe, the demand for professionals in this field is reaching the stratosphere.

It is estimated that the number of jobs in the IT and ITES sectors are going to see a steady increase in the next five years.

Jamaica has already started marketing itself as a preferred IT destination, banking on the large base of skilled professionals, a substantial English-speaking population and proximity to the U.S.; this is making both the job seekers and HR consultants gung-ho.

The job market in the Caribbean is on the upswing, according to the experts and industry sources.

Here is an overview of some of the emerging sectors, which are likely to increase their headcount in the coming years.

Real estate, construction: The boom in construction activity has brightened the prospects of real estate and construction.

In recent years, this profession has got a major boost with the growth of the economy and a large amount of construction work being undertaken throughout.

It is attracting the best talent in the country.

Retailing and lifestyle: This sector offers careers to college students and what are known as '$10-dollar-a-day' jobs.

They include counter sales in retail outfits, food delivery, stylists and interior decorators, merchandising, and wedding planners.

Personal financial advisers: The changing face of banking has opened up avenues for associated services, which is fuelling a demand for financial advisers.

Persons in this capacity are required to sell everything from mutual funds, insurance policies, loan products, investment products and portfolio management ideas.

Tourism and hospitality: The Caribbean has been a preferred destination for those who want to bathe in pristine waters, laze in the warm tropical sun, and enjoy sandy beaches. The ICC Cricket World Cup has given the region the opportunity to showcase itself as a tourist destination. This sector is likely to experience demand for professionals in hospitality.

Communications and public relations: It is the age of communication; as economies are evolving, there is a need to give the right message to the right audience.

Not only corporations but government departments, education institutions, non-profit organisations are on the look out for quality communicators to spearhead their campaigns.

Entrepreneurship: If your efforts to get that white-collar job is reaching nowhere, it is not the end of the world.

You can be your own boss. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2005, in Jamaica alone, 17 per cent of the adult population were planning or had already established a new business.

There is a demand for talent in consulting; maintenance of computer networks, advertising and service and ancillary industries.

Though there are opportunities, there are some ground rules that incumbents should bear in mind. First, getting a degree is no longer a ticket for getting a job. A job seeker needs to demonstrate knowledge of diverse skill sets, should be well versed in communication skills and have an inkling of technology. Corporations are no longer putting their resources into training people for jobs; they expect people to be 'job ready' from the word go.

Opportunities exist for those who have the eye to catch them in these changing times. There is a need to adapt to the needs of the contemporary world, carve a niche and stay ahead.

amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com