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Friday, October 15, 2021

3 Most In-Demand Careers in the Post-Pandemic World

While we wish for the COVID-19 pandemic to end soon, we understand that it has made lasting effects on the way we interact with other people, the way we view our health, and the way we work. As we look forward to the future, we want to be more prepared, change-adept, and resilient so that we won’t be as unaware or as helpless as to how this pandemic caught us.

The pandemic has become a tipping point for many of us to reconsider our options. Many of us ask, “Am I pursuing a career or college course that would eventually be rendered useless or obsolete?” As we now can observe, the pandemic has introduced shifts in our behavior that also created new needs and demands for governments, schools, and businesses. The shift to the new normal demands expertise that can only be filled in by new and emerging disciplines that we thought we didn’t really need a few years ago.

According to the World Economic Forum, the “job of tomorrow” is about maximizing the potential in the interaction between “humans, machines, and algorithms.” For those looking for a sensible course to take in college or for new career options, you might want to consider some of the insights here that would help you and the people around you to make significant progress in the post-pandemic world.


1. Digital Marketing


The pandemic gave all the reasons for companies to go digital, especially in their sales and marketing. According to the COVID-19 Digital Engagement Report by Twilio, the pandemic broke down the traditional barriers of getting executive buy-in, lack of clear strategy, and lack of budget to push through with their digital transformation.

With the lockdowns during the pandemic, the market has nowhere else to go but online. Accordingly, companies have nowhere else to go but where their market is. Companies that invest in their digital transformation have been more resilient during the pandemic and are poised to enjoy market preference in the long run due to their responsiveness to their customers’ needs.

The World Economic Forum projects digital marketing to be an even more relevant field in the post-pandemic economy. We will see the rise in demand for the following:


  • Social Media Managers
  • Content Creators
  • SEO Specialists
  • Website Designers and Developers
  • Software and Applications Developers 

Communication, Information Design, and IT graduates are seen to benefit from the rising demand for their expertise in the current and emerging economy. While colleges and universities offer courses in Communication, Advertising, and Business, among other related fields, there are schools that offer multi-disciplinary courses that combine the traditional with emerging hybrid disciplines.

STI College, known for its IT programs, started offering a four-year Bachelor of Science in Retail Technology and Consumer Science and a two-year Associate in Retail Technology in 2020. These courses were co-designed with industry experts in order to equip students with in-demand specialized skills in the areas of retail marketing, consumer psychology, information technology, and data science ― key areas that STI College believes to be the competencies for success in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.



“In the academic sector, this retail revolution has made us keenly aware of the need to equip our graduates for more lucrative job and business opportunities in retail and e-commerce. Elsewhere in the world, colleges and universities in countries such as the United States, Canada, Sweden, Ireland, South Africa, and Singapore are now offering retail management programs in line with this vision,” shares Aisa Q. Hipolito, STI Vice President for Academics.


2. Data Science and Analytics


The post-pandemic economy will be largely data-driven. While there has been an exponential increase in the demand for Data Scientists and Analysts even prior to the pandemic, the crisis itself has highlighted the relevance of data-driven strategies both for the public and private sectors. Corporate and government leaders and managers now heavily rely on data to fuel their decision-making.

In the Philippines alone, there has been a shortage of data scientists and analysts to support the growth of industries through the use of data, automation, and Artificial Intelligence, especially in the retail sector. The government, through the Department of Science and Technology, has been encouraging young Filipinos to take up data science-related courses in order to bridge the shortage of data scientists in the country.


According to iACADEMY School of Computing Dean, Mitch Andaya, “there’s an increasing demand for data scientists in virtually every industry in the Philippines. Our country produces about 2.5 quintillion bytes of data daily and we need help from data scientists to make sense out of this much data.”

Most major universities in the Philippines, including Ateneo De Manila University, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines, and University of Sto. Tomas have general data science subjects at the tertiary level. However, schools such as iACADEMY offer specialized courses on data science to directly address the emerging needs of both local and international industries. iACADEMY’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science major in Data Science program was launched in 2020 to help the country cultivate more world-class professionals in software development, systems and business analysis, database administration, software testing, web development.


3. Cybersecurity


A number of business leaders forecast that remote work is here to stay even after the pandemic. With this shift, they foresee that most companies would follow suit and invest heavily in their cloud infrastructure, online collaborative tools, and e-commerce. With the conveniences ushered in by these tech enhancements, companies that migrate most of their resources online and shift to more tech-driven operations should also expect to brace for tech-related problems such as cybersecurity.

According to Forbes, healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, transportation, and government are the industries that are most exposed to cyberattacks. We cannot afford data breaches and system hijacks in these industries, especially when they largely affect the safety and security of people’s lives. 

Through the Department of Information and Communication Technology’s National Cybersecurity Plan 2022, the Philippines recognizes the need for more cybersecurity experts as part of the government’s mission to “ensure public safety and welfare.” As most companies and schools are just adapting to the emerging cybersecurity needs of both local and international industries, the Philippine government encourages more young Filipinos to also consider taking ICT-related courses, which are also largely offered by ICT-specialized schools such as STI and iAcademy.

It is noticeable that the projected in-demand jobs of the future are more tech-related and focus on developments such as remote work, e-commerce, and automation. McKinsey’s study projects that more people may see the need to switch careers due to the changes in working conditions during and after the pandemic. We may be among these people who need to consider a more sustainable career path. By considering those previously mentioned, we may see ourselves more adapted to the new normal. 

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Maximize Your Suweldo this Payday Sale and Save More When Paying for Bills via ShopeePay


Make the most out of your suweldo this coming payday! ShopeePay, Shopee’s all-in-one mobile wallet, lets you save more with amazing rewards and discounts this coming October 15 at the Shopee Payday Sale. With ShopeePay, not only can you look forward to great deals and promos, but you can also enjoy a safer and more convenient payment experience when you settle your bills through the Shopee app or when you pay via ShopeePay QR for in-store purchases. Here’s what to look forward to this October 15.


Big Discounts & Cashback on Bills

Tired of waiting in line to pay your dues? This payday, users can enjoy up to ₱100 off on their bills from the following ShopeePay partner billers: Meralco, Maynilad, and Primewater for utility bills; Globe, Smart, and Sun for postpaid mobile bills. This discount also applies to landline and internet bills from PLDT, Globe at Home, and Converge; and SkyCable, Cignal, Cablelink, and Streamtech for TV cable bills. ShopeePay discount vouchers can also be used to pay for loans and credit card billers like Home Credit, Cashalo, Dragonloans, SkyPay, and RCBC.

To sweeten the deal, you can enjoy up to 50% bills cashback if it's your first time paying bills, buying load, or e-vouchers using ShopeePay!


Up to 50% Off on Mobile Load

This coming payday, users can also enjoy up to 50% off on mobile load from all networks. To add to this, they can get up to 10% coins cashback when they purchase Smart and TNT load worth ₱200 and up, and 100 coins cashback for Globe load worth ₱350. All major Philippine networks are now available on ShopeePay which include Smart, Globe, DITO, Sun, TM, and TNT, so you can always stay connected to your friends and loved ones.


₱1 Deals from ShopeePay Merchants

Apart from saving on bills and load, you can also maximize your suweldo by purchasing ShopeePay ₱1 Deals this Payday Sale. Buy ₱1 Deals via Deals Near Me on the Shopee app, and redeem your discounts when you Scan To Pay in participating stores of ShopeePay partner merchants like Bonchon, Potato Corner, Moonleaf, Plains & Prints, Tapa King, Nature Republic, Aerophone, Home Along, and Buddy's, among many others. ShopeePay has over 2,500 partner merchants with over 15,000 total branches nationwide; enabling ShopeePay users to make safe and cashless transactions in a wide variety of stores while enjoying exclusive discounts and perks.


Make sure to activate and top up your ShopeePay wallet in time for Shopee’s Payday Sale! On October 14, get a chance to win ₱15,000 when you top up a minimum amount of ₱500 in your ShopeePay Wallet and play the Scratch & Win Top Up Promo. Top up your ShopeePay wallet through online banking, debit card, and over-the-counter partners to enjoy a safe and rewarding cashless experience this Payday!

For more information about ShopeePay, and its perks and benefits, visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Face Republic, now at 50% off on Shopee Beauty!

Here's your chance to get premium-quality Korean skincare products from Face Republic, now at 50% off on Shopee Beauty!


From hair care to makeup, Shopee Beauty has all your makeup and skincare needs! Enjoy the most exclusive deals up to 90% off, new launches, and exciting offers fit from various brands for every makeup & skincare haul--only from Shopee Beauty!


1. Face Republic Calming Blemish Madecassoside Serum | Vegan-certified 45mL

If you are having acne problems or blemishes, then we recommend this to you. This calming serum soothes troubled skin and blemishes with madecassoside and tea tree extracts. It contains Madecassoside 1,000ppm + Tea Tree Leaf Extract 5,000ppm. 

***This is suitable for sensitive skin type. 


Here's what they say about the product

"I have an acne-prone face and this face serum because it cleared out some blemishes on my face in 3 days. It is not harsh to the skin and has a good fragrance." 

"I'm struggling with maskne during this pandemic and have proven that these products are effective." 


2. Face Republic Calming Acne Salicylic Cleanser | Vegan-certified 100mL

This Mild pH gel cleanser calms acne and blemishes as it gently removes dirt and excess oil. It can also help with enlarged pores. What I love about this is that it's paraben-free, oil-free, and fragrance-free. It is also suitable for all skin types. 

CLICK HERE TO ORDER


Here's what they say about the product

"After first use, I can already notice less oiliness."

"Super love their Salicylic Acid Cleanser. Very effective for drying acne." 


3. Face Republic Purity Sun Essence | Vegan-certified 50mL

The Purity Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ is your solution to a clean & mild daily sun protection! Formulated in the purest form, it contains no ingredient that could harm your skin nor the ocean. 



*Features:

🕶 Intensive sun protection with SPF50+ PA++++

🌿 Vegan-certified, Cruelty-free, and Reef-safe

💦 Water and sweatproof

✨ Formulated-clean without artificial fragrance

💙 Extra lightweight with zero white cast

🙌🏼 Dermatologically tested


Here's what they say about the product

"The product is amazing. It doesn't leave white cast on the face. It's is also not heavy." 

"The sunscreen is very lightweight. Doesn't leave white cast, and very easy to apply." 


4. Face Republic AHA/BHA Toner 160mL



*Features:

🖤 Clears dull and rough skin, good for daily use. 

🖤 Alcohol, Paraben, Benzophenone, Chlorphenesin, and Fragrance-Free."


Here's what they say about the product

"The smell is good and I love it! It really cleanses my face."

"My face is acne-prone, oily, and dry. I'm just using these for just 3 days and already seeing and feeling great results."


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Additional tips to maximize your Shopee shopping experience! :) 

1. Follow Face Republic on Shopee and claim some shop vouchers! 


2. Claim your FREE Face Republic Floral Breeze Hand Gel for a minimum spend of Php 1,499. :) 

3. Use Shopee pay and free shipping vouchers. Currently, Face Republic offers free shipping for orders over Php99. 


That's it for now! Share on the comments section below your favorite Face Republic product. 

Saturday, October 2, 2021

What is the cheapest way to ship large and bulky items in the Philippines? Check out 2Go Budget Box

Dear Clarice, 

 

I read in your blog about your relocation from Manila to Bacolod.

May I ask what service did you use to move your things? 

 

Regards, 

Christine

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With the rise of eCommerce, courier and shipping services tremendously grew in the country in the past few years. This is a good development for consumers since we have many options on how to send out our packages conveniently anywhere in the country. 

Now, we can ship out parcels for as low as Php 40 for small pouches within the same city. Many couriers even offer pick-up services which are a life-saver for most businesses this new normal. 

However, shipping large and bulky items is another story since shipping items that don't fit the couriers' pouches is way too expensive. 

In 2015 when we relocated from Manila to Bacolod, we really did not bring most of our stuff. Thus, getting a full container van is not necessary. We are also bringing our car and will be traveling by land so we can just bring some of the things with us. (By the way, you can read about our road trip, here)

We just needed to find a cheaper way to ship our things that won't fit inside the car. 

So, what is the cheapest way to ship large and bulky items in the Philippines? 




Based on our research, 2Go Budget Box is one of the cheapest options to send large and bulky items in the Philippines. Their box (which 2Go will provide) is similar to a "balikbayan" box and it allows a maximum of 50 kilos. 

Other couriers can charge you more than 2,500 pesos for a box this big but for 2Go, we only spent around 1k+ inclusive of insurance already. 

Aside from the cost, we also love that they provide pick-up services which means you don't have to worry about going to their branch. Tracking is also very easy and their customer service is great. 

Actually, we also used this service a couple months ago when we sent out books to our authors. The books were very heavy and we are being charged almost 3k by another courier. With 2GO's budget box, we only paid around 1k and had no problems shipping in Luzon and VisMin areas. 

Please note that this service is via sea freight which means that it may take longer than usual. Nonetheless, we are pretty much happy that we found the cheapest way to ship large and bulky items in the Philippines. 

Thus, if you are relocating or moving within the Philippines,

if you are a business owner in need of a courier for your business 

or if you are someone who simply wants to send out packages for your family this Christmas,

then you might want to consider this option for you. 

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By the way, this post is not sponsored and we are just happy customers. 2Go had been our go-to courier and has helped us with our personal and business needs. 

If you are interested in their service, you can send your inquiry or book a pick-up schedule by sending an email to chinkee_sandiego@2go.com.ph. You may also call them at 8779-9222 loc 85916. For more details, you may visit their website