What is your ideal work scenario? For some people, it’s heading into the office every day, while others swear by working remotely.
There is one type of work schedule, however, that has become increasingly common since the COVID-19 pandemic: a hybrid work model, which gives employees the best of both worlds.
The beauty of hybrid work is that it allows people to form a community with their coworkers, enjoy in-person meetings and get out of their homes, while also giving them space, flexibility and fewer hours devoted to commutes.
In fact, 67 percent of workers said they would give up part of their salary to maintain a hybrid work schedule, and 61 percent said a hybrid work schedule would be a priority if they had to look for a new job, according to a recent survey. Hybrid work can also lead to increased employee satisfaction with no impact on productivity, reported the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Of course, hybrid work isn’t compatible with every field. Many people will find their roles require them to be in a workplace, while others will only encounter rafts of remote career opportunities. These jobs, however, tend to offer a hybrid schedule, whether that’s coming into the office three days out of the five-day work week or alternating weeks spent in office.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best career opportunities for hybrid work.
Human Resources Manager
Human resources (HR) managers spend their time recruiting and hiring new employees, supervising payroll and staff benefits, executing administrative functions, and fostering a respectful, positive work environment.
Still, many HR roles do not require you to be in person at an office every day. After all, more employee tools and technology can be accessed remotely, and the day-to-day tasks in HR can be completed from home.
If human resources is a field that interests you, consider looking into the online Master of Science in Human Resource Management program from USC Bovard College.
Software Engineer
Software engineers conduct the entirety of their work within a digital environment. Given the fact that they’re responsible for constructing and optimizing the codes that run our computer programs, the nature of their profession lends itself well to remote — and hybrid — work.
Those in the field are employed by numerous companies that place an importance on balancing remote and in-office work, making the role a viable option for hybrid schedules.
For those looking to break into the field or refine their coding knowledge, USC Viterbi School of Engineering offers a Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering) program, which is available both on-campus and online via DEN@Viterbi.
Accountant
Accountants play a crucial role in managing and monitoring clients’ financial resources, the majority of which are stored and tracked in online platforms. Given the predominance of virtual accounting tools and videoconferencing abilities, the accounting profession lends itself well to remote work.
Accountants, however, often deal with sensitive financial data that may necessitate in-person meetings, which is why the career is well-suited for hybrid work.
If being an accountant is the career path for you, there are plenty of online master’s programs at USC Marshall School of Business or USC Viterbi School of Engineering, including an MBA program and Master of Financial Engineering program.
Social Media Manager
Whether you’re a small business or a major conglomerate, it’s imperative to establish a presence on social media, making it an in-demand position across a variety of fields and industries.
As the postings and associated metrics are conducted online, but the necessary content is captured in person, social media makes for the ideal hybrid position.
Intrigued by a career in social media? Learn how to become an effective content creator with the online Master of Science in Digital Media Management program from USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Nurse Practitioner
A nursing role may seem incompatible with a hybrid work schedule, given the requirement for in-person interactions with patients in clinics and hospitals. The landscape, however, has evolved.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a marked rise in telehealth services, allowing patients to have videoconferencing appointments with their medical providers from anywhere in the world. As a result, nurse practitioners now have the opportunity to secure positions that involve both in-person and remote patient care, affording them a hybrid work schedule.
Of course, nursing is a career that requires heavy schooling. For those looking to gain the medical knowledge to thrive as a nurse practitioner, consider the online Master of Science in Nursing program from the UC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work.
Project Manager
Project managers play a pivotal role at many companies. They’re responsible for overseeing crucial projects from inception to completion, ensuring timelines are met, resources are allocated and team members are connected. The role requires considerable patience, a passion for organization, a talent for communication — and a WiFi connection.
While a substantial portion of a project manager’s tasks can be accomplished remotely, the collaborative nature of the role often requires a presence in the office. Working in person helps promote seamless communication with colleagues and provides a holistic understanding of a project’s status.
To get a jumpstart on a career in project management, consider the online Master of Science in Project Management program from USC Bovard College.
Paralegal
Paralegals help lawyers prepare for their cases by conducting research, writing legal documents, handling administrative tasks, communicating with clients and generally ensuring everything is ready for court proceedings. As you can imagine, with responsibilities such as these, hybrid work opportunities abound.
Plenty of paralegals are able to do their work from home, but they also have to head into the office to meet with clients, coordinate with lawyers and more. In fact, you’ll find that plenty of lawyers now have a similar schedule as more law firms become open to a flexible, hybrid schedule.
If learning more about the legal world is of interest to you, the online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program from USC Gould School of Law is a great fit for non-lawyers and other working professionals who want to advance their legal knowledge and skill sets.
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers are responsible for crafting the visual elements of a project, ensuring the imagery is compelling and conveys the intended narrative. Naturally, the majority of graphic design work is conducted online, making it easy for graphic designers to handle remote workloads. Still, plenty are employed by companies that emphasize in-office collaboration.
Given the necessity for graphic designers to collaborate with other teams and present their work, being physically present allows for more effective communication and engagement. So, the hybrid work schedule proves to be a perfect fit for graphic designers.
Those who are passionate about a career in graphic design can explore the online Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business and Technology (MSIDBT) from USC Iovine and Young Academy, which ensures students are as well-versed in marketing as they are in design.
Explore more online graduate programs at USC today.