When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Philadelphia suffered an unemployment rate of 12.2%, which was four points higher than the national average. However, Philadelphia has been working hard to bounce back from this job market crisis. The unemployment rate has been falling for the past few months with payrolls also growing. This is thanks to the city managing to regain around 70% of the 1.1 million jobs lost at the beginning of the pandemic.
Philadelphia has also been adding jobs in early 2020 in an attempt to open more opportunities for its citizens. Center City in downtown Philadelphia houses 42% of the city’s jobs, from dining establishments to hospitals. The state is also recognized for having great diversification in business and financial services. So if you’re looking to enter a lucrative job market, consider looking in Philadelphia. Below are just some of the most in-demand jobs in the city for professionals:
Occupational therapy assistant
Occupational therapy assistants work with occupational therapists to help a person recover from physical or mental illness and perform daily activities using rehabilitation. Some of the work these professionals do involves helping people with neurological and psychosocial conditions, like ischemia and Down’s syndrome, gain independence by teaching them self-care skills, and helping those with arthritis manage inflammation.
The required educational attainment for these professionals is a two-year associate’s degree from any American Occupational Therapy Association-accredited school. You may also need classes in mental health and therapeutic interventions, alongside fieldwork. You’d then need to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam and get a license to practice in your state before you enter the job market.
Operations manager
Employment as an operations manager means being responsible for administrative tasks such as planning how resources and materials are distributed and used as well as managing budgets. These professionals work with multiple departments, from human resources to construction to maintenance, ensuring that all projects and jobs are successfully completed. You’ll commonly find operations managers within the real estate industry, as they will help facilitate anything from the construction of a new building to the management and maintenance of an existing complex.
Those working in this position typically have a bachelor’s degree in business administration. They have knowledge in related fields such as financial accounting, economics, and management. They are also trained in project implementation, which is the main task of many operations managers.
Financial advisor
This professional provides advice to individuals to help them set short-term and long-term financial goals—these can include buying a home or renting a new apartment, paying for a child’s education, and even deciding on insurance. A financial advisor is good with market research and market analysis, alongside having a good understanding of investment markets so clients can maximize their services.
To enter the competitive field, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, ideally in a related field like finance, economics, and accounting. Certifications to sell financial products such as stocks, bonds, and insurance policies are a must as well. A master’s in business administration or finance is optional but can help further your career. When you start looking for employment, expect to spend at least a year working under a more experienced advisor first.
Genetic counselor
A genetic counselor essentially assesses a person’s or family’s risk for potential health risks. For instance, if someone has a family history of cancer, these professionals will order lab work, typically blood tests. Genetic counselors will then interpret the results and explain the findings and what this means for those concerned.
Since this role is highly technical, you’re required to have a bachelor’s degree, typically in biology, and a master’s in genetics or genetics counseling. Among the core classes you’ll be taking are genomics, public health, and developmental biology. You’ll also need to receive a board certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
Written for the exclusive use of Post Brothers
By Roslyn Janelle