EAE News
Conversations with Headhunters: Employability in the executive area
26 de November de 2020
What is the current status of employability in the executive area? Where is the strongest demand and which sectors have been hardest hit by the Covid-19 crisis? To answer these and other questions, EAE Business School invited the expert from Robert Walters, Santiago Cuerpo, to lead another session of its series of conferences, Conversations with Headhunters.
Ready to discover what is going on in the executive world? Let’s find out!
Marketing and sales
To streamline the session and explain each area in detail, Cuerpo divided the presentation into different economic sectors:
- Marketing and sales
- Technology and digital
- Engineering
- Business support
With respect to marketing, the fastest growing areas are all related to the digital sphere: Digital Marketing Manager, SEO and SEM, and Traffic Manager, among others. “E-commerce and internet have really rocketed, but the physical sphere is still strong”, explained the expert.
The worst affected areas in the world of sales have been retail, consumer goods and exports. However, we are now starting to see a certain degree of reactivation.
Technology and digital
In the world of technology, the profiles currently in the highest demand are all related to data, cybersecurity and the digital sphere. “The technological area has always been really dynamic”, emphasized Cuerpo. “In fact, there is now a shortage of professionals in this area. With Covid-19, professionals have not felt the need for a change and we are now seeing voluntary turnover.
The highest rated competences are versatility and the capacity to work remotely.
Engineering
The expert split the engineering field into Real Estate, Oil & Gas, Renewables and Industry.
Industry
In the world of industry, Cuerpo explained that there has been a notable resurgence in the area of research and development. This sector has become very volatile and the health situation is currently changing every week. However, certain sectors, such as those related to 4.0 and automation, just keep on growing.
Oil & Gas
The Oil & Gas sector is not having the best time of it. The situation triggered by the pandemic has had a huge impact on its development, as well as growth in renewable energies. “Many companies have frozen their investments and lots of projects have been suspended”, explained Cuerpo. “However, it is a world that still moves a lot of money”.
In terms of the professionals and positions in the highest demand, Project Manager is still on top.
Green or Renewable Energies
Cuerpo emphasized that these energies are now at an important stage, with great demand and lots of opportunities. “These companies have a good social image, a lot of investment and regulations designed to promote them. Without a doubt, this is one of the most promising areas in Spain and in the world in general. Covid-19 has stopped some projects, but we can see a huge upswing now”.
Real Estate
Covid-19 has significantly decreased the demand for real estate. It is not a primary sector but everybody needs a home. In Spain, it is the second largest sector in terms of GDP. It is very important so, in Cuerpo’s opinion, we are going to see it become a driving force of the economy once again.
“Right now, real estate has been halted. That is indisputable. However, if we are innovative and manage to cope with the situation, we will soon be back on track”, added the expert.
BUSINESS SUPPORT
The expert divided the Business Support area into Banking, Legal, Finance, Human Resources and Pharmaceuticals.
Banking
With respect to banking, technological and investment profiles are seeing the strongest growth. “With Covid-19, banking is currently facing big problems in terms of profitability, However, they are shifting more towards concentration and digitization. Therefore, we think that it is one of the sectors in with there will be most transformation in terms of professionals”.
Legal
The legal sector focuses on two key areas: large firms and legal departments in big companies. “Lawyers nowadays are expected to specialize. A master helps a great deal, particularly in terms of their curriculum”, emphasized the expert.
Finance
With respect to Finance, Cuerpo explained that companies are looking for profiles with digital skills specializing in improving financial processes. “Covid-19 has generated a great deal of uncertainty and, although they have adapted, they have had trouble with issues such as remote working. Digitization has become essential”, he added.
Human resources
The HR area has been considerably affected by Covid-19, except profiles linked to labour relations and compensation and benefits.
Pharmaceuticals
Lastly, Cuerpo focused on the Pharmaceutical sector, which is one of the strongest growing areas. “This sector is heading in the direction of innovation and new drugs”, explained the expert. “Therefore, there is great demand for technical and commercial profiles”.