Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends
January 12, 2021
Given the change of course that has happened in the world, we wanted to provide expert opinions on what aspiring graduates can do to start off their careers in an uncertain economic climate. We wanted to know what skills will be more important, where the economy is doing relatively well, and if there will be any lasting effects on the job market.
Companies are looking for candidates that can handle the new responsibilities of the job market. Recent graduates actually have an advantage because they are comfortable using newer technologies and have been communicating virtually their whole lives. They can take what they've learned and apply it immediately.
We spoke to professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the job market for recent graduates is heading, as well as how young graduates entering the industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.
Our Panel of Experts
Meredith College
Meredith College
Aquinas College
University of Maine
Sul Ross State University
Rutgers University, Camden Campus
University of Northern Colorado
Southern Oregon University
Columbus State University
University of Pittsburgh
Eastern Illinois University
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Edgewood College
Seton Hall University
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Emily Howard: There is a noticeable increase in the number of and usage of online galleries and platforms for
visual artists. Saatchiart.com and Foundwork.art are good examples.
If a graduate needs to take a gap year, what skills would you recommend they try to enhance and how should they go about doing it?
Emily Howard: Given the increase in online and virtual marketing, having professional quality images of artwork
is more important than ever. I would recommend enhancing portfolio photography and
videography skills. Internships and apprenticeships are a great way to gain experience and
skills.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Emily Howard: Reach out to individuals working in the field you want to enter, those who have your "dream
job," and ask what path they took to get where they are and what advice they have for someone
beginning their career. Though no two paths are alike in the art world, forging connections with
those working in your chosen field is invaluable.
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Holly Fischer: Marketing and using social media to connect virtually. This is especially true for studio majors
that are working as artists and/or working in galleries and museums.
If a graduate needs to take a gap year, what skills would you recommend they try to enhance and how should they go about doing it?
Holly Fischer: Depending on the career goals, it is always recommended to work with professionals to learn
more about a certain area of the artworld. This could be working in a museum, gallery, and/or for
a professional, working artist as an intern or assistant.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Holly Fischer: To set long-term and short-term goals to work towards a "dream job." If the goal is to work as a
head curator in a museum, then I would encourage researching jobs that will help you get closer
to that position.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dana Freeman: Our art students are so varied, it's hard to pinpoint typical jobs, and I can't say how the pandemic might change the market or where in the country is best for art-related jobs. Most typical would be graphic design, (which one could do remotely, so no location is better than another) or teaching (and I bet the pandemic may prompt many art students to get their MFA now, instead of waiting). I can say our art students are resilient, creative thinkers in general, so they may be more able to pivot toward the "new normal" and envision what doesn't even exist right now.
What experience really stands out on resumes?
Dana Freeman: For resumes, I think substantial internships, and one that addresses the pandemic, wouldn't hurt (e.g., my daughter interned for a big yearly arts fair and figured out how to do it virtually). Otherwise, great references, and specifically for artists, great portfolios are essential. In the absence of a job, improve your portfolio!
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for graduates in this field in the next 5 years?
Dana Freeman: Phil Gardner from the MSU Collegiate Employment Research Institute recently presented the annual recruitment trends report which noted that they are cautiously optimistic about hiring for bachelor's degrees, despite the fact that nearly 40 percent of employers who recruit college students were absent from campus recruiting this fall. COVID-19 has had destructive economic consequences on many industries, including the arts and entertainment industry. Twenty-five percent of employers, according to the MSU survey, closed their open positions or rescinded offers made to graduating students in response to COVID-19.
Many organizations had to pivot to virtual internships, and that is currently exploding at the moment. The Career Services team and our employer partners have really adjusted to the reality of virtual recruiting, creating a blended and strategic approach. Students who connect with the career services team consistently and who participate in all available programs have fared better during this crisis. One art major alum indicated, "I had great help securing an internship, which I think improved my chances of securing my current job." This individual was one of the students that contributed to the 2019 First Destination Survey. which noted that 95.8 percent of Aquinas College graduates either were employed, attending graduate school, or participating in a volunteer program (such as Jesuit Volunteer Corp) within six months of graduation.
Constant Albertson Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Art / Art EducationUniversity of Maine
Department of Art
WebsiteIn your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Constant Albertson Ph.D.: Before the pandemic, schools were desperate to hire art teachers. Their need has only increased. Before the pandemic, our hire rate was 100 percent. There are more jobs than qualified art teachers. When I say qualified, I mean that they aren't merely artists in schools but people with expertize not only in the content areas of art and art history but also with conceptual and practical skills in teaching in the arts.
If a graduate needs to take a gap year, what skills would you recommend they try to enhance and how should they go about doing it?
Constant Albertson Ph.D.: I would recommend to any undergraduate to work with a non-profit on some community-based service, particularly one related to their area of study. Learning about people, the problems of communities, and social skills in working with people who are different from themselves in important ways. Learning to deal with frustration. Learning collaborative skills. Learning to trust their ability to learn, to be inventive, and to follow through even when things are not going the way they want.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Constant Albertson Ph.D.: Be open to changing your opinions and being out of your comfort zone. Don't hesitate to seek counseling. Do everything to the best of your ability. Ask for help. I think that's the big one. Ask for help - then follow through.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Carol Fairlie: I think the concept of reality has changed. This is good for graduates because they will now understand the flexibility and adapt or change and innovation.
What type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
Carol Fairlie:
-Teamwork
-The ability to plan
-The ability to project into the future and meet a schedule.
-The ability to understand writing, proposals, grant writing (boilerplates)
-The willingness to learn, evolve and apply what they already know.
What experience really stands out on resumes?
Carol Fairlie: -The ability to plan
Allan Espiritu
Professor, Graphic DesignRutgers University, Camden Campus
Department of Visual, Media and Performing Arts Fine Art, Area Head
WebsiteIn your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Allan Espiritu: Because of the pandemic, I've observed many companies reinventing themselves or pivoting from their normal direction and directives. Companies are looking for creative thinkers and specialists to help them devise creative, strategic plans, missions, and identifying new audiences. In my opinion, companies are looking for talented creative strategists, directors, and project managers. With many working remotely and consumers stuck at home, there is a push to ensure an online presence is secured. Companies are currently looking for a digital specialist-web developers, UI and UX designers, and social media specialists. I own a design and marketing studio, GDLOFT-many of our clients are currently utilizing us to help develop social media strategies and implementation.
What skills stand out on resumes?
Allan Espiritu: I feel it's currently desirable for a candidate to hold administrative and technical skills in addition to their specialized skill sets. For a designer, it is desirable to have the ability to be a content maker and producer. The ability to work independently and timely is always crucial, especially now.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Allan Espiritu: The pandemic has created infrastructures to work remotely that wasn't really established pre-pandemic. Companies have calibrated and appraised their workflow to account for working remotely. Post pandemic, I don't think this will go away or be dismantled. I think companies will continue to embrace remote working. Some companies are leveraging the financial benefits of going totally remote instead of renting office spaces. If this is true, the idea that location is equated with opportunities will dissipate. Also, the pandemic has allowed us to pause and evaluate our "quality of life" balance. Some of the popular hub cities don't accommodate this perspective. Remote working has started to create a shift. I believe major cities will not necessarily be the hub of talent and commerce. Good work opportunities will be accessible from anywhere- from Los Angeles, CA to New Hope, PA. I also see smaller cities like Philadelphia compete for the same talent that would have gone straight to NYC otherwise.
Donna Goodwin Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Art EducationUniversity of Northern Colorado
School of Art and Design
WebsiteIn your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Donna Goodwin Ph.D.: There is a promising outlook for the fine arts. They make strides in supporting communities and economies and creating and building bridges between varying and diverse groups. Artists are pivoting from large face-to-face venues to hybrid and blended experiences, and using online platforms for outreach, advocacy, and community networking. The arts provide connections across the human experience, big and small, and in times of crises are sought as an expressive outlet as much as in the time of prosperity.
What skills stand out on resumes?
Donna Goodwin Ph.D.: Demonstrated creativity continues to be one of the top applied skills sought by business leaders. Additionally, problem-solving, an entrepreneurial spirit, connection making, and community building are all skills much needed in our current and future societies and economies. The fine arts dominate in these outcomes.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Donna Goodwin Ph.D.: The arts are showcased and continue to uplift communities and regions across the country, in the rural areas and more metropolitan areas, with growing creative districts and cultural sectors. The boom in remote working brings an interest in artistic and craft expression and connections to many previously unexplored areas.
Robert Arellano
EMDA ProfessorSouthern Oregon University
Emerging Media & Digital Arts
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Robert Arellano: Employers, understandably, will need talented creatives who are prepared to work remotely, communicating with clients and coworkers efficiently and effectively while also managing their project workflow. But we'll again be returning to onsite jobs, so people at all stages of their careers will need to work together to adapt to new, hybrid configurations of workspaces.
If a graduate needs to take a gap year, what skills would you recommend they try to enhance and how should they go about doing it?
Robert Arellano: Good question! There are many internships (many that are paid in art and design industries) that are accepting applications now for June 2021 and beyond. But, even if it's working on a volunteer basis for a nonprofit, graduates should take on opportunities to do real-world projects that will enhance their portfolios, demonstrate how they work with clients, and, hopefully. supply glowing references.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Robert Arellano: Spend at least five hours a week deep-researching people who are at a place in their career where you want to be in three to five years - these are your potential career mentors. Reach out with a polite, professional email or LinkedIn message requesting an information interview (there are useful articles on how to do this allover the internet). Every positive response could lead to three more potential mentors, and before long, you'll have a personal, professional network.
Rachel Blackburn Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorColumbus State University
Theatre Department
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Rachel Blackburn Ph.D.: Biggest trends we'll see in the market, given the pandemic: I think the biggest thing we will see in the theatre job market post-pandemic is theatres looking for technologically savvy graduates experienced with staging productions online for streaming purposes. The theatre will need innovators with fresh ideas about how to reorganize the traditional theatre business model, because the model, as it stands, will not sustain itself.
We need to be pushing our government to increase arts funding and spending because the business model for theatres in most developed countries outside the U.S. can rely more so on national and provincial grants, where we in the U.S. heavily depend on individual and corporate contributions. Theatres will hire folks who can rethink how we produce our work and how we sustain that work.
Right now, the business models we typically use are fragile, and I think the pandemic has exposed this. We need innovators to rethink how we support our artists and how our art is disseminated to audiences. The upside of all this, though, is, I think, that once things get back to a relative "normal" again, audiences and artists alike will be hungry for the live experience also.
What skills stand out on resumes?
Rachel Blackburn Ph.D.: Skills that stand out on resumes: Right now, in particular, post-pandemic, skills that are going to stand out for theatres will speak to technological savvy: they will include working with new ways of communicating and disseminating performance, likely tied to online platforms such as Zoom, Slack, Asana Project Management software, etc. People who can take the initiative, innovate, and collaborate will be the most sought-after candidates. The theatre world will be relying on this next generation to rethink our traditional modes of performance, communication, and dissemination, so someone who can demonstrate on their resume that they are reliable, highly communicative (excellent oral and written communication skills), and entrepreneurial will undoubtedly stand out.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Rachel Blackburn Ph.D.: Where to find opportunities: This is a bit of a loaded question because the most obvious place to become involved in theatre in the U.S. is New York City. However, that said, there are numerous reasons to go to other theatre markets, including outside of the U.S. So many local markets need practitioners to continue live performance in their city. I'd like to see theatre-makers move to the less obvious places that might desperately need community healing right now, such as Detroit or Flint, MI, Minneapolis, MN, St. Louis, MO, Phoenix, AZ, etc.
Those are places where communities have seen some rough patches, and I'd like to see how theatre might innovate by bringing people together to heal those communities. Otherwise, Seattle, Atlanta, LA, Houston, and some others are places that might surprise our graduates with the size and history of their theatre markets. For the intrepid explorer who is open to a little adventure, go abroad!
Your student loans will be deferred while you're out of the country, and if you have no spouse or kids, leap, it's a perfect time. London, Toronto, Dublin, Montreal, Paris, Edinburgh, Sydney - go to Auckland and see how you can support the theatre of the indigenous Maori peoples in New Zealand; why not? Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the possibilities, take the reins and enjoy this moment as a time when you can make the world your oyster, if you want. Sniff out places that have something to teach you besides just employing you.
What experience really stands out on resumes?
Scott Andrew: In my experience as a multimedia artist, educator, and event organizer/curator, it is good to have the following items on your CV: Education (ideally from top-rated programs with relevant mentors), Exhibition, Screening, and Performance history (notional and international), teaching and curation experience, the listing of guest lectures, presentations, mentorships, fellowships, residencies and awards, additional professional experience and internships, as well as a bibliography of publications and press.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Scott Andrew: As someone working with video, animation, sound, and other computer-generated work, technology advancements are very important. Advancements in equipment like cameras, computer processing, sound and lighting, AR/VR, etc. have, and will continue to have, great impacts on the ways that multimedia and new media artists can and will create work that reflects the world around us. Primarily, we have seen that social media, internet streaming, and other forms of virtual communication and generation of work online has grown due to Covid-19, whereas people are looking for more ways to stay engaged since live exhibitions and performances may seem less desirable, during this time, for health and safety reasons. There was already rich history of artists working within net art realms, but I believe this will continue to grow and adapt due to our current reality. In addition, as new technologies continue to become more affordable, I believe we will see more and more artists benefiting from and creating work that both utilizes and deals with issues that relate to said technological advancements.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Scott Andrew: I am not a job placement specialist by any means, and it isn't a secret that the job market in the arts (both in academia and for practicing artists) was already overly competitive and with a low level of support and opportunity, specifically within American culture. These problems are only embellished by a global pandemic and a serious economic crisis due to a lack of political leadership in our country. I speculate that these issues won't be going away any time soon, and students need to understand that, in order to have a more successful life outside of the institution, they will need to diversify their income streams, potentially participate in the gig economy, and commissioned or part-time labor from multiple sources, as well as apply for grants, residencies, and other institutional support in order to support their artistic careers.
Barbara Bonnekessen Ph.D.
Professor and DeanEastern Illinois University
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
WebsiteWhat general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Barbara Bonnekessen Ph.D.: The liberal arts encompass a wide variety of fields in the humanities, fine and performing arts, and even social sciences. A major in any of those, coupled with a strong general education background that adds more social sciences, the natural sciences, and mathematics, crafts an educational portfolio that can be adapted to many career paths. As you apply for jobs, focus not as much on an effective = job title strategy, but pay attention to the research skills (quantitative and qualitative) that each field teaches and the so-called "soft skills," assertive verbal and written communication, in several languages, adaptability to work with different population groups, and a focus on continuous learning. These fields are career-builders, allowing you to take advantage of multiple opportunities over your working life. Your first job is just a stepping stone.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
Barbara Bonnekessen Ph.D.: From using musical instruments, whose history spans thousands of years, to studying gamers and how people adapt to online classes, meetings, and family occasions, the liberal arts' fields use a variety of very old to very new technologies (some even study the emergence and users of new technologies), just as people do in the world. Communication technologies and computer skills remain necessary skills for most, and one needs to adapt as these change.
How would you rate the starting salaries for graduates in this field, as well as the salary prospects down the line as they advance in their careers?
Barbara Bonnekessen Ph.D.: Starting salaries depend on the particular job you take (and having a master's degree will always increase that). That depends on your abilities (initially documented through your academic work), mobility, and sometimes sheer luck. But most people hold 5-7 jobs during their lifetime, and each job change could be a career move to better pay and a better work environment and more exciting work. Liberal arts graduates increase their wages by 43% throughout their work-life (compared to the business at 44% and STEM at 50%); the abovementioned broad educational portfolio of the liberal arts graduate allows for that movement. And while salaries are necessary, don't forget to factor in job satisfaction with a supportive work environment and work in which you can take pride.
Kevin Hagan
Associate Professor of Graphic Design and Interim Department HeadUniversity of Louisiana at Lafayette
Department of Visual Arts
WebsiteIn your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Kevin Hagan: Now, more than ever, there is a need for students to graduate with the ability to be self-motivated and work independently. With many different companies asking employees to work remotely and communicate through email or online video conferencing, it's imperative that one has the ability to pick up a project and make it work by a given deadline.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
Kevin Hagan: For now, I would say emerging technology that allows people to collaborate on the project remotely will be growing over the next several years. While these types of product have been slowly gaining momentum over the past few years, it has recently been accelerated by the COVID pandemic; and I can only see it continuing. Collaborative platforms offer a much easier way for people to communicate their ideas visually, without having as much of a delay in waiting for a response, due to other individuals involved in a project being located in other parts of town or across the country.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for graduates in this field in the next 5 years?
Kevin Hagan: I certainly see there is an increase in visual arts majors over the next five years. The main reason for this is due to our students' ability to creatively problem solve the challenges presented to them. Companies are always looking for individuals who are creative, inquisitive, and are able to look at a problem from many different perspectives in order to find the best solution, and that is where our students excel. The more broadly the future employee can think about a problem, and try multiple different approaches until the best solution is discovered, is something that is always highly sought after.
What experience really stands out on resumes?
Robert Tarrell: Our Art & Design Teaching Majors complete practicums, as well as student teaching. The students teach at an assigned elementary school for nine weeks, followed by a high school for nine weeks. Teaching related experiences, such as working at art-related organizations, businesses, non-profits, camps, etc. is always a plus.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Robert Tarrell: An accomplished student teacher needs to be technologically savvy. Given the current climate, student teachers need to adapt with the change to virtual learning. They should be able to create Power Points, videos, and communicate through alternative resources. They need to be able to pivot to on-line learning. Remote teaching requires creativity, innovation and invention.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Robert Tarrell: Yes, I believe there will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on my Art & Design Teaching Major graduates, especially those who are nearing graduation in 2020 and 2021. They have had to wholly adapt their mode of delivery, from learning in the classroom to teaching themselves. They need to plan successful learning experiences for all students, keeping in mind different skill levels and technical experience. Using distance learning, they must create relevant lessons to engage their students. Furthermore, graduates need to facilitate instruction in a safe and positive manner, focusing on social-emotional learning.
Lauren Schiller
Professor of Fine ArtsSeton Hall University
Art, Design and Interactive Multimedia program.
WebsiteWhat general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Lauren Schiller: Students will need digital skills - technology will definitely continue to impact the field. With iPads and Wacom tablets, there is a growing connection between technology and fine art. While there are art related jobs all over the world, cities have been the best places for artists to find meaningful work. The sheer number of artists and arts organizations concentrated in cities offer the best chance for a young artist to find their way.
