Business skills in high demand

As the global job market continues to evolve, professionals in the Caribbean are increasingly looking for skills that make them attractive to international employers and also open doors to a wealth of opportunities beyond their local markets.

By mastering in-demand business skills, Caribbean professionals can position themselves for higher-paying roles, leverage favourable exchange rates and embrace the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world.

Whether you aim to attract global companies, earn in stronger currencies or prepare for a digital nomad lifestyle, staying ahead of the curve with these sought-after skills is essential.

Here is a guide to the top business skills you need to thrive in 2024 and beyond.

E-commerce

With digital commerce continuously expanding, proficiency in e-commerce is more important than ever. This includes understanding how to effectively buy and sell products or services online, optimising digital platforms for sales and leveraging e-commerce tools to maximise market reach and customer retention.

Where to learn: Shopify Academy, Digitalmarketer.com, Coursera

Digital marketing and SEO

As businesses vie for visibility in a saturated digital landscape, skills in digital marketing and search engine optimisation (SEO) are paramount.

Professionals skilled in these areas can drive brand awareness, enhance online presence and ensure that their business ranks well in search-engine results, which is crucial for attracting new customers.

Where to learn: Digitalmarketer.com, HubSpot Academy, Google Digital Garage

Media strategy and planning

Developing strategic media plans that align with business objectives is critical.

This skill involves determining the right mix of content and channels to communicate effectively with target audiences and measure the impact of various media campaigns.

Where to learn: Coursera, LinkedIn Learning

Customer success and relationship management

In a service-driven market, the ability to manage and enhance customer relationships is key to business growth.

Skills in customer success ensure client needs are met, problems are proactively addressed and overall satisfaction is maintained. This drives loyalty and repeat business.

Where to learn: Coursera, Salesforce Trailhead

Data-driven decision-making (Power BI)

Business intelligence tools like Power BI are essential for making informed decisions.

Understanding how to use these tools to analyse data and generate actionable insights can significantly enhance operational efficiency and strategic planning.

Where to learn: Microsoft Learn, Coursera, Simplilearn

Audit and compliance

With increasing regulatory demands, skills in auditing and compliance are increasingly sought after.

This includes the ability to assess and enhance systems to ensure they meet regulatory standards and operate efficiently.

Where to learn: EDX, Coursera

People management

As businesses grow, so does the need for effective team management.

Skills in building, managing and leading teams are essential for fostering a productive work environment and achieving business goals.

Where to learn: Coursera, LinkedIn Learning

Advertising and marketing management

Proficiency in advertising and using diverse marketing tools and strategies to reach different audiences is crucial.

This skill is especially important in a region like the Caribbean, where engaging with a diverse audience can determine market success.

Where to learn: Google Skillshop, HubSpot Academy, Coursera

In a world where the demand for highly skilled professionals continues to grow, Caribbean individuals have a unique opportunity to leverage their talents on a global scale and no longer be limited by the opportunities in the local market.

Online education and short course certifications are excellent starting points for specialisation, but don't stop there. Dive into YouTube content, participate in online forums and join professional groups. Follow thought leaders on LinkedIn and TikTok to stay updated with industry trends.

Most importantly, apply your new knowledge through side projects and volunteer work to gain real-world experience and build a robust portfolio. By doing so, you'll enhance your attractiveness to organisations worldwide and position yourself for a thriving career beyond local markets.

Keron Rose is a digital strategist who works with businesses to build their digital presence and monetise their platforms.

Learn more at KeronRose.com or listen to the Digipreneur FM podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or Google podcasts.