Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends
January 28, 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
Chapman University
Naveen Jonathan Ph.D.
Clinical Associate Professor and Department ChairChapman University
Department of Marriage & Family Therapy
WebsiteIn your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Naveen Jonathan Ph.D.: The biggest trends I see in the job market include therapist who have experience in providing telehealth in addition to in-person counseling services. Therapists have learned to adapt to new technology and in providing these sessions. They also have learned how to deliver effective mental health care across technology platforms. I also see therapists who are advocates of mental health stigma. I feel that the pandemic has made visible the importance of mental health. I see more therapists entering the field who have a passion to serve the public and ensure that mental health is important. I see therapists also actively working to eradicate mental health stigma.
What technical skills stand out to employers?
Naveen Jonathan Ph.D.: Technical skills that I see employers looking for due to the pandemic, include flexibility and comfort of providing therapy services both in-person and via telehealth. I also see employers looking for therapists who are trained in trauma-informed care. When situations such as the pandemic emerge, they can evoke a traumatic response. If a client has experienced past trauma in their life, these can also reemerge. Therefore, knowledge of trauma-informed care would be important.
What's a good job out of college and why?
Naveen Jonathan Ph.D.: I am not sure how to answer this question, because in my program, my students are training to graduate and become licensed Marriage & Family Therapists. There isn't a different career that they would pursue if they stayed in the field.
