Industry Predictions and Trends to Watch Out For in 2024 in Texas

29 Nov Industry Predictions and Trends to Watch Out For in 2024 in Texas

As the calendar creeps toward 2024, it’s time to break out the crystal ball and see what might be trending in 2024 in Texas, to help you better prepare your company for a successful year ahead. And did you know Texas continues to outpace several industries when it comes to job growth, making the Lone Star State a hotbed of employment activity in a great variety of jobs and industries? You’re in a great place and it can only get better! 

Without any further adieu, and before Auld Lang Syne starts to play, here we go: 

• Freelancers have more opportunities. If you don’t want to be beholden to a single location or style of work, take heart: The contingent (or freelance) workforce will continue to grow and strengthen in the year ahead. Companies learned during the pandemic that there’s no one static way of doing business; people anywhere and everywhere have the opportunity to land great jobs without having to be in the same physical location as their employers. This also means companies are willing to outsource some work to people for a single project or as gap coverage if someone’s out on leave. 

• Some industries will continue to be strong. If you’re looking to make a career change, consider these options: 

1. 1. 1. IT: The information technology sector will continue to be strong in 2024, but it might be a little less on fire than in recent years. The most in-demand jobs here will remain in cloud computing, cybersecurity and digital transformation, so if you like technology, engineering, analysis and security, keep your resume primed! 
      2. Engineering: Speaking of engineering, look for more flexible, remote and hybrid positions, opening up engineering positions to people without the restrictions of geography. The federal government’s massive infrastructure bill passed a few years ago included funding for huge projects in transportation, broadband and utilities, and if you’re interested in working in those fields, this might be a prime time to make the leap. 
      3. Finance and accounting: If you like working with numbers, keeping clean records and books and making sure accounts balance, this might be your time to shine. Companies need trustworthy candidates who can keep their accounts solid and accurate while maintaining compliance with all recordkeeping requirements and if this is you, you might have a very bright future ahead. 

• The robots are coming. If 2023 was the first year you thought or read about artificial intelligence (AI), prepare to learn a lot more in the year ahead. Companies will continue to use chatbots and automation tools to screen applications they receive for open positions, which means the use of keywords, search engine optimization (SEO) terminology and specific phrases will be important as you apply for jobs. It also means that people will need to get more comfortable using this type of programming, helping it to “learn” how to answer questions and solve problems. AI won’t replace people, but people who understand how to use and program AI will replace those who don’t want to learn. 

• Working conditions will improve. Employers have read the reviews and the reports. They’ve studied the analytics and are taking to heart the trends: People want jobs where they’re valued and appreciated, they’re looking for an employer who will support work-life balance and a little flexibility and they want to be paid what they’re worth. The pace of change might not be as quickly as some would like, but it’s happening! Company culture is not just a buzzword, it’s something organizations are starting to take seriously and invest in, as are opportunities for growth and the importance of having boundaries for work-related matters in non-work hours. That means overall working conditions are getting better wherever you are and, if something isn’t quite right, employers are more open to feedback and taking action to change it. 
• Digital is king. Whether it’s programming, analytics, software utilization or engineering, the need to be digital savvy and comfortable with computers and technology will continue to be essential across many job sectors in 2024. There are so many things to learn, whether you’re a new graduate looking to get started or someone senior in their career and position. Technology can make our jobs more efficient and less stressful, if you’re open and willing to learn how to operate these new tools. Don’t be afraid of it! Embrace the challenge and know that you’ll be adding to your resume at the same time. 

The year ahead will be one of advances and surprises, but you can do your best to prepare for it now! Keep your resume updated and be on the lookout for ways you can make yourself stand out from other jobseekers. 

If you’re ready to make a change, or if you’re looking for ways to advance your career based on what you already know and are eager to learn, call LeadingEdge Personnel. Our recruiters can help you expand your job search by comparing your interests and abilities with positions we’re currently looking to fill and we can discuss your options for new jobs. When you’re ready to get started, call LeadingEdge!