New time, new us

It is evident that reality has changed, and even after the conclusion of the war (God bless Israel and its people), it will not revert to what it was on October 6, 2023.

Questions about what the future holds, the state of the market, and which professions will be in demand arise in many minds (between scrolling through news updates and seeking shelter). I don’t have answers to these questions, and there may not be any for now. However, I do know that there are factors we can influence and actions we can take to make a long-term investment in our career paths.

Networking: a new approach to it

The people of Israel possess an incredible ability to collaborate, unite, and organize aid groups for those in need. Many employees and employers from different fields, companies, and businesses come together to volunteer. These are the contacts that can be valuable in your network, even for future endeavors.

I’m not suggesting volunteering with your CV in hand, but rather emphasizing the importance of getting to know the person next to you who’s packing lunches for Southern families.

Volunteering in non-profit companies and charitable organizations

With reservist numbers exceeding 300,000, many companies are left without labor. Consequently, an association of startups is offering volunteering opportunities on projects to people of various professions.

I’m a bit skeptical about this, especially for juniors. Such projects may be more suitable for professionals who do not require extensive explanations, onboarding, and coordination.

Nevertheless, there is a great demand for volunteers of various professions in non-profit organizations and projects.

New time – new skills

Well, we can easily review our soft skills now:

• Resilience 
• Multitasking (managing daily life with children under fire and maintaining sanity is not an easy task)
• Communication, collaboration and ability to work in a team 
• Emotional intelligence 
• Sense of humor (here the Israelis have no equal in war) and creativity
• Flexibility also became a crucial skill we practice almost every day in these changing times
• Optimism and love of life no matter what.

These are no longer just general words; they are skills gained through daily life experiences. However, it’s undeniable that many people have lost their jobs or have been placed on unpaid leave. In EdTech, where I work, I often meet people contemplating a change in profession, recognizing the need for skills in demand even during a crisis.

Changing professions during a crisis can be a strategic and practical decision for several reasons:

Adaptation to Market Demand. Some industries are more resilient during crises, while others may face significant challenges.

Skill Diversification. A crisis may reveal new skills that are highly valued or essential in the evolving job market.

Job Security and Stability. Certain industries may be more susceptible to economic downturns, leading to job losses and instability.

Personal Growth and Fulfillment. A crisis can prompt individuals to reassess their priorities and values.

Job search: a change of a strategy

Even before the war, weaknesses in the tech industry were observed. Startups faced crises and a lack of investments, while traditional tech companies remained resilient. 

If you are currently in a job search but experience a freeze in hiring processes, consider reviewing your job search strategy.

Which industries are the most active in hiring right now?

While the high-tech industry is seeing a decline in hiring, the defense industry is experiencing an increasing need for talents. Giants like Elbit, Rafael, and Israel Airforce Industry have more than 700 vacancies.

However, employment in these companies for new repatriates may be limited due to specific requirements, such as a minimum number of years living in Israel and no dual citizenship.

Explore the spheres you never considered

Though the hi-tech sphere is not flourishing, low-tech or no-tech companies are experiencing a shortage of human resources, including various technological professions.

I constantly monitor the market and advise our students at TripeTen that a data analyst or a front-end developer is in demand in banking, insurance, retail, pharma, medicine, food & beverage, delivery services, etc.

Having a technological profession doesn’t necessarily tie you to the hi-tech sphere exclusively; there are many other businesses that are currently underestimated. 

What awaits us in the future?

Victory, that’s for sure. And if we’ve learned anything from the past about the job market, it’s that at the end of any crisis, there’s a boom. Economic growth is expected to resume after the war, there is just no other choice for us.