👋 Welcome, Jobseekers

Hey Offboard fam, we’re back! While we were OOO navigating Hurricane Helene, checks notes the election happened, aliens casually emerged from the ocean (finally!), and AI quietly revolutionized the job market—no big deal. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you ride the chaos wave with a fresh batch of insights, jobs, and tools to keep you ahead of the curve. Let’s get into it! 🌊👽🤖

• ⚡️ Quick Hits: Elon Musk and the DOGE Department: How Will This Affect Jobseekers?

• 📉 Layoff Report: Salesforce, AMD, AppLovin

• 🧑‍✈️ Career CoPilot: Aliens in the Ocean: The Job Market’s Newest Competitors?

• 📈 Trends & Data: Is the Remote Dream Over? The Data Says Maybe

• 🔧 Jobseeker Tools: Audo, COACH, HireBase

Elon Musk and the DOGE Department: How Will This Affect Jobseekers?

In the chaos of post-election drama, one headline stands out as both hilarious and mildly concerning: Elon Musk has been unofficially dubbed co-lead of the Department of Government Efficiency—or, as the internet gleefully shortened it, DOGE. Naturally, the memes practically created themselves, drawing instant parallels to the Dogecoin cryptocurrency Musk has championed like a proud dad showing off his kid’s macaroni art.

While the memes are fun, Musk’s involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) could have real implications for the tech job market. Here’s how it might affect you as a job seeker:

• A Boost for AI and Tech Startups: If Elon pushes for fewer regulations, startups focusing on AI, robotics, and other cutting-edge tech may see faster growth. This could mean more job opportunities in emerging fields, especially in early-stage companies.

• Increased Demand for Compliance Experts: As the government considers relaxing rules, companies will still need professionals who understand current regulations and can navigate them strategically. Roles in compliance, policy advising, and ethics could see a surge.

• More Federal Tech Contracts: With Musk’s influence, the government may increase partnerships with private companies for projects in AI, space, and defense. Keep an eye on companies like SpaceX, Tesla, and Neuralink, as well as government agencies like NASA and DARPA.

• High Stakes for Job Mobility: Musk’s unpredictability could mean rapid shifts in the job market—both good and bad. Stay adaptable, continuously upskill, and monitor industry trends to stay ahead of potential disruptions.

The bottom line? Whether you’re gunning for a role at a startup, an established tech giant, or a government agency, this shake-up could unlock new opportunities for those who are prepared to pivot and innovate.

• Salesforce Plans Layoffs at Acquisition Own in Strategy Shift

• Primary care player Forward shutters after raising $400M, rolling out CarePods'

• Bay Area tech company AppLovin announces layoffs a week after skyrocketing to $97.7B value

• AMD Says It’s Laying Off 4 Percent Of Workforce Amid AI Chip Push

Aliens in the Ocean: The Job Market’s Newest Competitors? 🌊🛸✨

Recent discussions about unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) have taken a deep dive—literally. Reports suggest that some UAPs may have underwater origins, sparking curiosity and a wave of speculation. While the existence of underwater alien bases remains unconfirmed, the buzz has led to increased interest in certain sectors.

Here’s how this intrigue could impact the job market and how you can ride this wave:

1. Emerging Opportunities in Marine Research and Defense

The possibility of underwater UAPs has heightened the focus on oceanic research and defense. This surge in interest could lead to increased funding and job openings in:

• Marine Biology and Oceanography: Exploring uncharted marine territories and studying unexplained phenomena.

• Underwater Robotics and Engineering: Developing advanced submersible vehicles and equipment for deep-sea exploration.

• Defense and Surveillance: Enhancing underwater monitoring systems to detect and analyze unidentified objects.

2. Skills to Cultivate

To tap into these emerging fields, consider developing the following skills:

• Data Analysis and Interpretation: Proficiency in analyzing complex data sets is crucial for research roles.

• Robotics and Engineering: Understanding the design and operation of underwater drones and equipment.

• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Ability to approach unexplained phenomena with a scientific and open-minded perspective.

3. Exploring Career Opportunities in Marine Research and Underwater Technology

The growing interest in unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) and their potential underwater origins has highlighted several sectors, including marine research, defense, and underwater robotics. If you’re considering a career in these areas, the following organizations offer promising opportunities:

1. Marine Research and Oceanography

• Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: An independent, nonprofit marine research organization based in Sarasota, Florida, focusing on marine and environmental health. Company Website

• Saltwater Inc.: Provides high-quality data on fisheries and oceans through electronic monitoring and observer services. Company Website

2. Underwater Robotics and Engineering

• Liquid Robotics, a Boeing Company: Specializes in autonomous ocean robots and has been involved in various marine research projects. Company Website

• Marine Advanced Robotics: Located in Richmond, California, this company develops Wave Adaptive Modular Vessels (WAM-Vs) for various marine applications. Company Website

• Nauticus Robotics: Focuses on developing sustainable blue economy technologies, including subsea robotics. Company Website

3. Defense and Surveillance

• Northrop Grumman: Aerospace and defense company with projects related to underwater surveillance and unmanned systems. Company Website

• Lockheed Martin: Engages in various defense projects, including underwater systems and technologies. Company Website

4. Government Agencies

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Conducts research and provides information on the oceans and atmosphere. Company Website

• U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research: Supports science and technology programs that can include underwater research and unmanned systems. Company Website

5. Academic and Research Institutions

• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: A leading organization in ocean exploration and research. Company Website

• Scripps Institution of Oceanography: Part of UC San Diego, it offers various research opportunities in marine science. Company Website

Exploring career opportunities with these organizations can position you at the forefront of marine research and technology, especially in areas intersecting with the study of unexplained underwater phenomena.

Is the Remote Dream Over? The Data Says It Might Be

Hey job seekers, let’s talk about the elephant in the Zoom room: remote work isn’t what it used to be. According to the latest data from Indeed’s Hiring Lab, remote and hybrid job postings have dipped from a peak of 10.4% in February 2022 to just 7.8% by October 2024. Yep, the golden era of fully remote roles might be cooling off.

But don’t panic just yet—here’s the lowdown on what this means for you.

Key Stats:

• Remote and hybrid job postings dropped to 7.8% in October 2024, down from 10.4% in February 2022.

• Across 59% of sectors analyzed, including non-tech industries, remote opportunities either declined or stayed flat.

What’s Going On?

• Fewer Remote Roles in Key Sectors: Industries like tech and finance, which used to be remote-friendly havens, are leading the shift back toward office life.

• The Great Recalibration: Employers are rethinking the remote vs. in-office balance, leaning more toward the watercooler moments they’ve been missing.

What This Means for Your Job Search

• Be Open to Hybrid: Remote jobs aren’t extinct, but they’re becoming rarer. Expanding your search to include hybrid or occasional in-office roles could make all the difference.

• Show Off Your Flexibility: Employers love a candidate who can crush it from their couch and the conference room. Highlight your adaptability in interviews and your resume.

• Follow the Trends: Not every industry is heading back to the office at the same pace. Keep an eye on which fields are still championing remote work to target your search.

The bottom line? The remote work dream isn’t dead—it’s just evolving. Staying adaptable and informed will help you land the role that works best for you, whether it’s fully remote or a blend of both worlds. Keep your head up and your Wi-Fi strong! 💻✨

Sources:
1. https://www.hiringlab.org/2024/09/25/artificial-intelligence-skills-at-work/

Audo - Unlock Your Potential With Audo

Follow your AI-personalized path to master in-demand skills, land your dream job, and get paid what you deserve.

Other Jobseeker Tools

COACH - Personalized career coaching for everyone, from students to job-seekers. Built by CareerVillage and a coalition of experts with decades of experience helping millions of people prepare for and get jobs.

HireBase - Unsuckify the job search. They use AI to scan 1,218,655 jobs in real-time directly from company pages. Every company, every job, actually hiring on the internet.

AI Apply - Get a job specific cover letter, resume and followup email instantly – undetected!

👁️ Browse the full Tool Directory (or submit your own)→