Candidates from fields like big data analysis, machine learning and data science will be in demand in 2019, a report by Michael Page, a Singapore-based global professional recruitment consultancy, said. The candidates will get a 20% to 25% increase in their compensation package while switching jobs within their respective industries this year, the recruitment consultancy has predicted.

“There will be a major movement among senior professionals who can contribute to the growth of India’s industries. There are also accountable and skilled candidates for employment opportunities within mid- and large-manufacturing industries especially in chemicals, building materials and domestic consumer companies,” Nicolas Dumoulin, Managing Director, Michael Page India said. “The entrance of newly-evolved funds within the private equity sector has led to the hiring of senior professionals. The rise in India’s e-commerce and financial technology business has increased the hiring opportunities for senior-level talent from banking spaces,” he said.

With increased investments in the Indian markets, India will also to be the leading exporter of professional talent overseas in the coming year. A survey conducted by the firm indicates that about 80% of candidates are positive about the recruitment market trends and 62% are open to overseas recruitment opportunities.

“India can do better when it comes to the diversity and inclusion, especially when we talk about gender diversity. It is only now that some companies have started talking about gender diversity at the workplace,” Mr. Dumoulin said.

Among other fields, the report predicts an 18% increase in demand for professionals in engineering and manufacturing, with a 20% to 25% salary hike.

Meanwhile, 2018 witnessed 35% increase in the demand for trained professionals in human resources, while there was 50% increase in the demand for talent in the legal field, the report said.