Remote work is no longer just a necessity or a passing fad; it is a viable option for many workers and companies.
Flexible schedules, saving time on commutes, and the ability to better balance work and personal life are leading more and more people to wonder how they can start working from home.
While there are many options for finding remote work, simply having a computer and an internet connection isn't enough. Learning skills that are both useful and in demand in today's job market is crucial for standing out from the growing competition.
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Remote Work Today
Remote work, also known as telework or working from home, is a work arrangement in which tasks are performed outside the traditional office setting.
This can be from home, a shared coworking space, or any place with an internet connection. There are also various options available: fully remote jobs, hybrid roles, and even freelance work.
According to the website Statista, remote and hybrid work is no longer considered a temporary trend, but rather the new norm in almost every part of the world.
The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and digital innovation have transformed the way we work.
However, there are also challenges: maintaining productivity, a lack of connection with coworkers, and learning to effectively separate work spaces from rest areas.
However, an increasing number of people and companies are adopting it as a permanent model.
Technology Degrees
The tech sector is one of the fields that offers the most remote work opportunities, and many of these positions can be performed from anywhere in the world.
According to Vena Solutions, in the technology sector, more than 67% of employees work entirely remotely or in a hybrid model.
Web Programming and Development
For those interested in technology, one of the first options to consider is programming. Learning to develop apps, websites, or software is one of the best investments you can make if you want to work from home.
- Key programming languages: Python, JavaScript, Java, PHP, and C#.
- Areas of application: web development, mobile apps, artificial intelligence, automation.
UX/UI Design
Another option in the digital world is interface and user experience design. Every time someone interacts with an app or a website, there’s a designer behind the scenes who thought about what that experience should be like.
- What to study: design fundamentals, tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
- Why it's useful: Every company that develops digital products needs to optimize the user experience.
Data analysis
In an age where data is key to decision-making, knowing how to interpret it has become a highly sought-after skill. Data analysts and scientists turn numbers into effective strategies, and this work can often be done remotely.
- What to learn: statistics, SQL, Python, data visualization with Power BI or Tableau.
- Career opportunities: data analyst, data scientist, business intelligence.
Still not sure what to study?
Learn about all the degree programs at the School of Engineering
Marketing Careers
If the online world is what interests you, digital marketing is another field with plenty of opportunities for remote work.
According to 2024 data from MarketingHire, 13.6% of marketing job openings in the U.S. were remote. It is estimated that by the end of 2025, 20% of these jobs will be remote.
Social Media Management
The role of a community manager can be applied to a wide range of industries. Learning how to manage social media, plan content, and analyze metrics is now a highly sought-after job that can be done from home.
- What to study: content strategies, copywriting, managing platforms such as Facebook Business, or management tools.
- Why it's useful: Most brands, even the smallest ones, invest in social media to grow.
SEO Copywriting
SEO (search engine optimization) is a key discipline for improving a website’s visibility on search engines like Google. SEO content writers are in high demand among companies and news sites looking to improve their search rankings.
- What to learn: keyword research, SEO writing, link building, technical optimization, persuasive writing.
- Opportunities: SEO writer, SEO consultant, or website optimization specialist.
Online advertising
Almost all companies, from small startups to multinational corporations, are looking to increase their online visibility, and to do so, they turn to digital marketing experts with skills in managing paid ads on Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Instagram, or TikTok.
- What to study: audience segmentation, campaign creation, budget optimization.
- Career opportunities: digital media specialist, performance marketer.
Still not sure what to study?
Check out all the degree programs offered by the School of Communication
Design and Art Programs
For those who find their niche in the world of design and art, studying graphic design, digital illustration, or animation can be a gateway to working from home.
Graphic design
Graphic design remains one of the most in-demand services across a wide range of industries. According to data from WifiTalents, approximately 43% of graphic design projects worldwide are carried out remotely.
- What to study: design fundamentals, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Canva Pro.
- Applications: logos, digital flyers, social media content, comprehensive brand identity.
Digital illustration and animation
Today, digital illustrators work on everything from character design to storyboards for film and advertising, while animators bring movement and dynamism to campaigns, video games, and streaming platforms.
- What to learn: illustration techniques, software such as Procreate, After Effects, or Blender.
- Where to work: animation studios, advertising agencies, or as a freelancer on entertainment and marketing projects.
3D Modeling and Design
We’re all familiar with 3D art for film and video games, but more and more industries are incorporating 3D models to showcase products, design experiences, or create virtual worlds, which is expanding opportunities for remote work.
- What you'll learn: 3D modeling, texturing, rigging, and animation using software such as Maya, Blender, ZBrush, or Cinema 4D.
- Where to work: video game studios, augmented reality agencies, film and television production companies, architecture firms, and product visualization firms.
Still not sure what to study?
Check out all the degree programs at the School of Design
Virtual support
Many companies and independent professionals need to hire virtual assistants for administrative, organizational, and management tasks.
Administrative support
The most common tasks include responding to emails, scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and handling documents.
- What to study: Basic software such as Word, Excel, and Google Workspace; written communication; and time management.
- Advantage: It does not require a lengthy college degree; you can start with short courses and hands-on experience.
Project Management
In an increasingly globalized world, where teams may be spread across different countries and time zones, there is a need for professionals who can organize tasks, streamline processes, and ensure that goals are met.
- What to learn: agile methodologies such as Scrum, and how to use tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.
- Career opportunities: remote project manager, distributed team coordinator.
Benefits of Remote Work
According to a report by the International Labour Organization, remote work helps improve work-life balance by reducing commuting and allowing for greater flexibility in time management.
Data from Pumble indicates that 98% of remote workers would continue working remotely for the rest of their careers and would recommend it to others.
From a performance perspective, a study published in *Nature* found that a two-day-at-home schedule does not negatively impact performance. On the contrary, this model improved employee retention by reducing turnover.
Other key benefits of remote work include:
- Flexibility and work-life balance
- Saves time and money
- Greater autonomy
- Reduced stress and increased satisfaction
In addition, many careers open the door to freelance work, where you can choose your clients and projects and manage your time with greater independence.
Practical tips
With so many remote work options available and so many different paths to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start, especially if you haven't yet decided what to major in.
Here are some tips to help you make the best possible decision :
- Identify your interests: The first step is to choose an area you’ll truly enjoy so you can stay motivated in the long run.
- Analyzing demand: By taking into account the needs of today’s market, you can get a clearer picture of which remote professions best align with your personal goals.
- Invest in continuing education: The digital world is changing rapidly, which is why it’s important to stay up to date.
- Start small: One suggestion is to take on freelance projects or collaborations before committing to a full-time career.
- Building a portfolio: When you start working remotely, showcasing your previous work is essential for attracting clients and landing job opportunities.
Deciding what to study is no easy task. Among the many factors to consider, the possibility of working remotely can be a deciding factor.
With perseverance, focus, and thorough research, anyone can build a solid and flexible career from home.
Choosing a career and skills that are in high demand in the digital world opens the door to a global job market, where geographic location is no longer a limitation but becomes an opportunity.
The good news is that there is a huge variety of options available today. From programming and marketing to online teaching, design, finance, and virtual assistance.
All you have to do is explore your options and choose the one that best suits your personal goals.
Still not sure what to study?
Check out all the degree programs at ORT