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Top 10 Most In-Demand Jobs in the Philippines

Last Updated on – May 23, 2023 @ 8:27 am

The last two decades saw the rise of the Philippines as the go-to destination for Business Processing Outsourcing services.

And while our country still retains 16-18 percent market share for global outsourcing services, experts urge BPO companies to prepare for the digital shift where jobs that have “repetitive, static, and rules-based” processes will be taken over by computers (via machine learning) and artificial intelligence (AI).

It includes call center services that mainly revolve around rote and repetitive types of support that lean towards “transactional” conversations, like having a service activated, an appointment booked, or signing up customers for a subscription, for example. 

But if you’re thinking that the technology isn’t “there yet” and that humans still trump AI when it comes to conversational interaction, this clip from Google’s 2018 IO reveals it’s much, much closer than you think. 

According to Depender Kumar from accounting and advisory company Grant Thornton, call center services will still be in demand but BPO workers should learn to be more skilled in data analysis and critical thinking to provide valuable insight to customers where AI and machines can fall short.

This study from The World Bank highlights the need for the Philippines to move towards “high-value-added, non-routine jobs” because as much as 85 percent of the revenue generated by the IT-BPO industry come mainly from “routine cognitive tasks” that are highly susceptible to automation.  

The goal of this article is not to sound like an end-of-the-world prophet foretelling about a bleak future where machines take over our jobs.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It’s to provide insight on the top emerging jobs in the Philippines so we can set the right expectations and prepare ourselves for the shift that is happening right now. 

As Feon Ang, LinkedIn’s VP of Talent and Learning Solutions for the Asia Pacific, stated:  “Traditional roles have evolved into hybrids that did not exist five years ago. While the top emerging jobs for the Philippines are mostly related to technology, many of them require soft skills such as management and communications skills, making them hybrids of new and traditional roles,” 

Also Read:

Top 10 Emerging & Most In-Demand Jobs in the Philippines

Note: This list is based mainly off of LinkedIn’s latest research data on the top emerging jobs and most hired occupations in the Philippines. Salary estimates are based on data pulled from Indeed and PayScale.

1. Data Scientist

Avg. Salary: P55,802 per month

Data science is a multidisciplinary field that uses a combination of methods to extract information and insight from both structured and unstructured data.

Sounds complicated, right? Don’t let its definition confuse you though, as the idea is really simple. 

At its core, the idea is to collect and analyze data in order to come up with solutions that will help you (or your client) reach goals, improve the service, or sell more products.

Take YouTube, for example. Say you were watching a clip about sneakers. When you go back to YT’s main page, you’ll notice that the “Recommended” section starts showing you documentaries about shoes, interviews about celebrities and their sneakers, or maybe artists who are in the business of customizing sneakers.

YouTube’s algorithm helps you stumble upon related videos that will likely interest you.  

The same thing happens when you’re browsing for a specific item in Lazada or Shopee.

If you search for “training shoes”, for example, the bottom part of the page will show you sections for “Similar Products” and “You May Also Like” which are basically products that are the same or related to training shoes.

Stuff that you might also be interested to buy based on your latest browsing history.

How did they “seem to know” what you might also be interested in? 

That’s where data science comes in.

By tracking user behavior, browsing history, and using complex algorithms, companies are able to gain insight on your viewing, browsing, and buying habits and then use that to recommend similar and related content and products. 

Ever wondered how Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlist seems to always come up with the perfect combination of songs for your listening pleasure?

It’s so good it’ll make you think how they can curate a playlist that feels as if you handpicked them yourself.

This Quartz article gives some insight into how Spotify does it if you’re interested.

Data science, or “Big Data”, as some people call it, plays a major role in all of this.

If you ever wondered why your Facebook newsfeed suddenly bombards you with ads from stores who sell gaming laptops,

I’m pretty sure you’ve recently Googled articles or reviews about gaming laptops. Or maybe checked some preloved Alienware laptops in Facebook Marketplace. 

That’s data science in action.

And the people who specialize in the capture, interpretation, and utilization of information from data are called Data Scientists.

But it’s not just used in advertising or online content and marketing.

There are lots of ways data is utilized in order to improve existing systems and technologies. And that’s why there’s such a huge demand for this type of role right now and in the next couple of years.

What does a Data Scientist do?

A data scientist’s main responsibility is to collect and analyze data in order to gain insight which the client/company can leverage for their business.

It’s also up to the Data scientist to present and explain their findings in a manner that their audience can easily understand.

The ability to interpret, visualize, and communicate their analysis plays a big role in being an effective data scientist.

What Skills Do You Need to Become a Data Scientist?

Technical skills include statistical analysis, data mining and processing, programming skills with a focus on data warehouses, mining, and modeling in order to effectively create algorithms.

A data scientist should be well-versed in databases, cloud computing, machine learning, and other related fields. Required technical skills include SAS, Hadoop, Hive, Pig, Spark, Python, Perl, SQL, and Java. Data scientists usually have degrees in Computer Science, Statistics, or Engineering.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Data Scientist?

  • Create algorithms and models for mining data, conduct data and error analysis for improving existing models
  • Identify data sources for collecting structured and unstructured data, analyze it for trends and patterns
  • Work with the engineering team, software developers, machine learning engineers, and others in implementing analytical models into production

2. Application Development Analyst

Avg. Salary: P455,537 per year

As fancy as the title may seem, the job is really all about one thing: Building apps and software.

What does an Application Development Analyst do?

An Application Development Analyst develops, tests, supports, maintains, and troubleshoots computer-based applications.

Software engineer, app developer, software analyst, are some of the common job titles that are usually linked to this position.

As an application development analyst, your tasks revolve around designing and coding programs and applications.

You need to be able to identify the client’s needs and come up with a functional application that addresses it. You’ll also be tasked to test and troubleshoot applications as they are being developed and ensure it gets shipped on time.

What Skills Do You Need to Become an Application Development Analyst?

This job requires that you have a Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.

Strong technical skills and working knowledge in computer programming are essential. It entails mastery of various computer languages such as UNIX, SQL, Java, Oracle, and others.

What are the responsibilities of an Application Development Analyst?

  • Design, develop, and test applications
  • Design app prototypes and samples based on client specifications
  • Troubleshoot and debug programs and applications
  • Analyze and evaluate existing programs and apps to update or add new functionalities
  • Create technical documentation for the software being developed

3. Back End Developer

Avg. Salary: P33,422 per month

If you’ve ever wondered where the information you keyed in on a website goes and how it’s being managed, perhaps no other person can explain it better than a Back End Developer.

When you visit a site, you are greeted with its logo, content, and all other forms of visual content.

That’s called the website’s front end —- all the elements on a website that users like you and me see and interact with.

On the other hand, the inner workings and all the programming that powers a website (what you and I can’t see) to make it function is called the back end.

It’s made up of the server, database, and other applications that run behind the scenes. And the person who specializes in running and managing all these is called a back end developer.

What does a Back End Developer do?

A Back End Developer creates code to add functionality to all the front end elements of a website or application.

The back end is made up of databases and applications that run on the server-side (cloud-based, web servers, or a combination of both) ensuring that all the services or information being requested by the user on the front end are successfully delivered.

They also make sure that everything runs smoothly and accurately.

For example, when you enter your payment information to buy something from Amazon, the data you keyed in gets managed on the back end.

Same goes with filling an online survey, creating your profile on Facebook, or posting a question on the Help page.

The back end developer uses programming languages like Ruby, PHP, Java, Python, and .Net along with tools like SQL Server, MySQL, and Oracle to make all the elements —- server, application, database, communicate with each other and allow them to save, find, or change data and serve it to the user.

What Skills Do You Need to Become a Back End Developer?

As a back end developer, you need to be skilled in database creation, integration, and management.

Working knowledge of tools like MySQL, SQLite, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB are typical requirements along with the ability to utilize web server technologies—J2EE, Apache, Nginx, and IIS, among others.

As mentioned above, the usage of programming languages like Ruby, PHP, Java, Python, and .Net to make the web application function are also essential.

What are the Responsibilities of a Back End Developer?

  • Be involved in the entire lifecycle and development of the application, with a focus on coding and debugging.
  • Create code for web applications
  • Perform tests, troubleshooting, debugging and optimization of applications
  • Liaise with front end developers and others

4. Full Stack Engineer

Avg. Salary: P51,241 per month

“Full-stack” in this context is synonymous to “complete”, or someone who is versed in both front end and back end software and application development.

A full-stack engineer is essentially someone who has mastered a variety of skills that allows them to completely build a product from ground to finish.

One top-voted answer on Quora defines “Full stack” as, “someone who has working knowledge of databases, servers, systems engineering, and clients”. 

A full-stack web developer is, therefore, someone who is versed in both front end and back end website development. A full-stack application developer, on the other hand, will be someone who has all the necessary skills needed to build a program or software independently. 

What does a Full Stack Engineer do?

A full-stack engineer utilizes their front and back end coding skills to design, develop, and create functionality on websites and applications. 

They’re essentially computer programmers who have mastery of both front and back end coding. They use a myriad of skills to design interactions, develop servers and databases, create functionality for both websites and software.

What Skills Do You Need To Become A Full Stack Engineer?

Like other jobs on our list, most full-stack engineers come from Computer Science/Engineering backgrounds. They should be proficient in multiple programming languages like:

  • Front End Languages: HTML, CSS, Javascript
  • Javascript frameworks: Angular JS, React and Amber.
  • Server-side languages: Python, Ruby, Java, PHP, and .Net.
  • Database technology: MySQL, Oracle, and MongoDB

What Are The Responsibilities of a Full Stack Engineer?

  • Develop front end design and architecture
  • Design user interactions and functionality
  • Create back end code and architecture
  • Create servers and databases
  • Make sure the app/website is optimized for use across various devices

5. Sales Development Representative

Avg. Salary: P312,000 per year

Just because it has the word “Sales” in its title doesn’t mean you’ll be tasked to sell stuff to people. 

What Does A Sales Development Representative Do?

A Sales Development Representative (SDR) is the kind of sales rep who focuses more on qualifying potential clients by reaching out to them and asking them about their current needs and then discussing how they (the company) can help solve the prospect’s issues. 

They’re not focused on closing deals. Rather, their job is to acquire and push leads (potential customers) to the next step of the sales funnel.

It’s all about making the client realize the importance of the service or product you are selling by building rapport and connection with them—-without the pressure of actually closing the deal on the spot.

They utilize a number of channels to generate leads and talk to prospective clients: Social Media, Email and Phone.

When a potential customer expresses interest (e.g., they sent an inquiry about the product via Messenger), that’s when a sales development rep comes into the picture.

Their goal is to be as genuinely helpful as possible while at the same time provide insight on how the customer might benefit from it without sounding sales-y. 

They might also be tasked to do presentations to businesses and organizations, with the goal of acquiring leads.

They connect with potential buyers, ask them about their problems, then position the product or service in a way that addresses the customer’s problem.

It’s their job to do timely follow-ups on the leads they have and try to (gently) push them closer to purchasing or signing up for the service, by building trust and connection with the leads.

What Skills Do You Need To Become A Sales Development Representative?

Most people who have this job have a Marketing or Business degree, though technically anyone who possesses the following traits will likely find success and satisfaction with this type of job:

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Proficiency in using various forms of media or service to reach customers and develop relationships (social media, email, phone)
  • Excellent presentation skills, ability to empathize with clients
  • Schedule appointments and conduct meetings 

What Are the Responsibilities of a Sales Development Representative?

  • Educate leads and provide all necessary information they might need. You are essentially “nurturing” the relationship until they are ready to proceed to the next step of the sales process 
  • Do timely follow-ups and build relationships with potential clients via email, phone, social media
  • Document progress and provide insight on each lead you are pursuing
  • Provide analysis and client background to the account executive or sales director for the next step of the sales pipeline

6. Marketing Specialist

Avg. Salary: P21,211 per month

Copywriting legend Gary Halbert says he needs only “one thing” to build an uber-successful hamburger business: 

A Starving Crowd!

He explained, “..the most profitable habit you can cultivate is the habit of constantly being on the lookout for groups of people (markets) who have demonstrated that they are starving (or, at least hungry) for some particular product or service”.

In other words: Knowing where and who your potential customers are can spell the difference between the success and failure of a business.

And that’s a big part of the job of a Marketing Specialist. They are responsible for creating and managing all aspects of the marketing strategy, including identifying the right markets where their products will be a hit.

What Does A Marketing Specialist Do?

A Marketing Specialist is the captain of the ship when it comes to marketing strategy. The job involves creating, implementing, tracking, improving, executing, modifying, marketing campaigns across various markets. 

Companies hire them to identify and analyze trends on various levels (local, regional, national, and global) to understand what people are buying or using.

During this research, they will identify any potential gaps that the product might be able to fill in, determine the demographics of people who purchase a specific product, how much people are spending for a related product, and more. 

Through market research and data, they can analyze buying habits and behaviors and craft an effective campaign to “win” the market based on that data.

All these they do to market the product in the best and most effective way possible in order to sell them.

What Skills Do You Need To Become a Marketing Specialist?

Marketing specialists typically have a degree in Marketing, Communications, or Business. Their most sought-after skills include:

  • Deep understanding of markets and all its elements
  • Knowledge and proficiency in using marketing data analytics and tools
  • Proven expertise in conducting market research and analysis
  • Excellent computer skills including basic office apps and marketing software
  • Able to craft engaging and creative campaigns

What Are the Responsibilities of a Marketing Specialist?

  • Perform market research about customer buying habits, requirements, and trends
  • Craft a winning marketing strategy based on research data
  • Utilize various marketing channels to promote the product (TV, radio, social media, email, etc.,)
  • Develop and improve existing marketing campaigns
  • Communicate with clients and be able to present the strategy in a clear and effective manner

7. Recruitment Specialist

Avg. Salary: P264,960 per year

In today’s hyper-connected world, companies have access to an almost endless supply of workforce talent.

The abundance of potential employees, of course, comes with the big task of sifting and identifying the right person. And that’s where a Recruitment Specialist comes in.

What Does a Recruitment Specialist Do?

A Recruitment Specialist’s main job is to source and reach out to qualified candidates to fill-in open roles.

They coordinate the entire hiring process from start to finish and serve as the “broker” between the applicant and hiring manager.

What Are The Responsibilities of a Recruitment Specialist?

Much of their work revolves around searching and communicating with candidates and companies online.

To do this effectively, they should have strong interpersonal skills and be proficient with the use of job-search platforms (LinkedIn, Monster, Indeed, for example) as well as social media to find the right talent.

It’s part of their job to scour profiles and job postings on these platforms and reach out to candidates via email or phone to conduct the initial screening. 

A typical Recruitment Specialist’s workload involves creating and publishing job ads in various platforms, searching for potential clients, conducting interviews, collaborate with hiring managers, and participating in job fairs.

What Skills Do You Need to Become a Recruitment Specialist?

To become an effective Recruitment Specialist, you must have the following skills:

  • Proficient with the use of various job platforms for sourcing candidates
  • Expertise and familiarity with hiring laws
  • Strong interpersonal skills as they will be constantly communicating with potential hires via phone or email
  • Exceptional written and verbal skills
  • A degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Business Administration and other related courses is preferred  

8. Administration Manager

Avg. Salary: P348,882 per year

Keeping day-to-day tasks running without a hitch is an Administration Manager’s job.

They handle operations and manage workers to ensure that everything tasks and responsibilities are being executed accordingly.

What Does an Administration Manager Do?

As an administration manager, your primary role is to supervise the daily operations of staff and all workers.

You’re in charge of developing, reviewing, and updating company administrative systems as well as its policies and basic procedures.

What Are the Responsibilities of an Administration Manager?

Aside from ensuring the success of day-to-day operations, Admin Managers also hire, train, and assess employees to make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to goals and responsibilities.

They also manage and plan office events, conferences, and training sessions.

Other potential responsibilities include: Making sure the necessary office supplies and materials are in stock and all the equipment needed for operations are functioning properly.

You’ll also work with the accounting and management team in creating and enforcing budgets, task delegation, project planning and organization, new employee orientation, interviews, among others.

What Skills Do You Need To Be An Administration Manager?

To be an effective administration manager, you need a combination of the following skills:

  • Strong organizational and management skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Superb time and resource management skills
  • Able to come up with new and more efficient ways to make the workflow run smoother.
  • Ability to organize and keep track of multiple goals and deadlines

9. IT Consultant

Avg. Salary: P620,000 per year

They are technology consultants that are contracted to handle all sorts of IT needs and problems that a business or a company may have.

What Does An IT Consultant Do?

Their main role is to set up IT systems and infrastructure of a company. This includes diagnosing IT issues, inefficiencies, security threats, among others.

If it’s a new business, it’s their job to communicate with the client and understand their business needs and come up with the most ideal solution and infrastructure.

Existing businesses may hire IT consultants to upgrade their systems, make changes, install new hardware or software, or train employees on the best practices and use of IT-related technologies.

What Are the Responsibilities of an IT Consultant?

An IT consultant’s job typically consists of the following roles and responsibilities:

  • Analyzing, designing, and installing a company’s IT infrastructure
  • Checking, troubleshooting, and fixing IT-related hardware and software
  • Making sure the entire system is safe against security attacks
  • Training the company’s in-house IT department on how to manage and troubleshoot the systems in place

What Skills Do I Need to be an IT Consultant?

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or a related field is required. Should be able to analyze, install, and troubleshoot both IT-related hardware and software.

Working knowledge of various operating systems and databases is also essential. Should also be able to have strong problem-solving skills as well as people skills in order to effectively interface with clients.

10. Accountant

The go-to person when it comes to managing all financial transactions and reports of a company. 

What Does an Accountant Do?

An Accountant’s role is to manage everything that relates to a company’s financials.

This includes analyzing, compiling, and reporting financial data, make balance sheets, profit and loss statements, auditing financial documents and procedures, and others.

What are the responsibilities of an Accountant?

An Accountant is typically tasked to do the following:

  • Manage fixed and variable expenses, bank deposits and budgets. Be aware and keep track of all financial transactions being conducted within the company.
  • Audit financial statements, reconcile bank statements, calculate tax returns and payments
  • Ensure the company is compliant with financial rules and regulations
  • Provide the company’s status in terms of its financials, like its liquidity and cash flow, and making sure the company complies with tax regulations.
  • Present financial data to the board of directors, investors, and company officials

What Skills Do I Need to be an Accountant?

Accountants have a degree in Accounting, finance, or a related course.

They should have an excellent grasp of accounting regulations and procedures, notably the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Should be well-versed in accounting software and preferably have advanced MS Excel skills.

Preparing for the Shift

Today’s job market trends show demand for digital competence across all sorts of occupations.

The seemingly “hybrid” jobs which made it on our list require a combination of hard and soft skills in order to execute accordingly.

Acquiring new skills and experience will be crucial to anyone wanting to make themselves stand out in this increasingly competitive job market.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Read more from Grit:

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About Amiel Pineda

Amiel Pineda is the Head of Content at Grit PH.

He started freelance writing in 2010 doing product reviews and tech news. In 2018, he became a full-time freelancer, writing in the financial space and creating content for clients in various niches.

Prior to freelancing full-time, he worked 7 years in the financial services industry for a Fortune 500 company.

He also writes on his personal blog, Homebased Pinoy (https://homebasedpinoy.com/), where he shares tips and guides as a work-from-home freelancer, along with NFT-game guides.

Education: Technological Institute of the Philippines (Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering)
Focus: Freelancing, Entrepreneurship, Financial Products, Investing & Personal Finance

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  1. camille says

    Warm Greetings.
    This was nice information “TOP 10 MOST IN-DEMAND JOBS IN THE PHILIPPINES 2019”. I am waiting for 2020 update for Most In-Demand Jobs in the Philippines.

    Thanks and Best Regards
    Camille

    Reply

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