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Job outlook for career services representatives in the United States
Are career services representative jobs in demand?
Career services representative job and salary trends over time
Career services representative jobs over time
Career services representative job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,151 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 3,107 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 3,152 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 3,035 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,885 | 0.00% |
Average career services representative salary over time
Career services representative salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $45,551 | $21.90 | +1.9% |
| 2025 | $44,705 | $21.49 | +1.3% |
| 2024 | $44,133 | $21.22 | +1.6% |
| 2023 | $43,427 | $20.88 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $42,761 | $20.56 | +1.7% |
Career services representative jobs by state
Most common states for career services representatives
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 172 | 25% |
| 2 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 556 | 18% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 821 | 15% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 205 | 15% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 84 | 13% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 840 | 12% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 833 | 11% |
| 8 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 120 | 11% |
| 9 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 92 | 11% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 80 | 11% |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,271 | 10% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 844 | 10% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 554 | 10% |
| 14 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 401 | 10% |
| 15 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 303 | 10% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 186 | 10% |
| 17 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 140 | 10% |
| 18 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 105 | 10% |
| 19 | Delaware | 961,939 | 92 | 10% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 79 | 10% |
Career Services Representative job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of career services representative experts
Siena College
Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg
Western Illinois University
Tuskegee University
Wisconsin Business School
High Point University
Humboldt State University
Monmouth University
Butler University
Lycoming College
Southern Methodist University
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Rutgers School of Public Health
University of Arkansas
Colorado State University
Emory University School of Law
Florida International University
University of Arkansas
University of Maine
Carleton College
What general advice would you give to a Career Services Representative?
Beverly Thompson: Job skills specific to a particular sector will likely be learned on the job. College can provide general skills useful for entering into professions that will be client facing: critical thinking abilities, assessing legitimate information sources, strategic abilities to address problem solving, and precise organizational abilities. Careers in the future are not anticipated to be long term, and 3-5 years may represent how long one spends in one position. Thus, coming into the position with a clear understanding of the job, keeping track of one's key goal posts, including the time period expectations, are essential. Proper communication skills, for each mode of delivery, are important. The ability to shift with the changing employment landscape and to develop one's own insights into the future trajectories will be key in staying on top of the trends.
What Career Services Representative skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Beverly Thompson: Employment fields are changing rapidly; far faster than college curriculum. Thus, I would encourage current students and recent graduates to use sites such as LinkedIn to reach out to people working in the targeted field one is interested in and speak to them directly, especially people who have entered the field in the last five years. Fields also change quickly, so it is best to speak to those recently entering the field about their experiences and advice. I would also encourage people to get experience in the field as soon as possible, such as pursuing a part time job, in order to begin seeing the reality of the field from the entry level perspective.
What will help Career Services Representatives increase their earning potential?
Beverly Thompson: One would need to understand the various job opportunities in a particular field, research the pay ranges of each of these different employment sectors, and gain the skills relevant to the highest paid area of the job market. However, when one is starting their career, it is going to take time to begin accumulating promotions, and thus, being the best worker one can be and understanding the dynamics of one's particular company or field will be required research for the employee. Employees are tracked from their very first entry level position, so dedicating research to understanding these different employment trajectories will be central for finding and staying in the trajectory that will lead to the highest salary. Networking is key for learning about opportunities.
Arpita Agnihotri
Associate ProfessorPennsylvania State University - Harrisburg
International Business
What general advice would you give to a Career Services Representative?
Arpita Agnihotri: PFA the responses. Please let me know if further elaboration is needed on any aspect or there are any questions.
What will help Career Services Representatives increase their earning potential?
Arpita Agnihotri: This is perfect! Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
Tammy Killian
Chair - Department of Theatre and DanceWestern Illinois University
Drama/Theatre Arts And Stagecraft
What Career Services Representative skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tammy Killian: Breathe, be patient and also make as many connections as possible. Create those relationships and continue to network them even after you get a job. You are enough! and you have a lot to offer. Remind folks often of your worth, skills and do so in a kind and generous way.
What will help Career Services Representatives increase their earning potential?
Tammy Killian: Communication - written as well as spoken. During the pandemic we got very comfortable texting, using text speak, and hiding behind a computer. Speaking with folks in person takes practice. We all need to practice making eye contact, connecting with others via verbal communication, and thinking quickly and then articulating our thoughts in an intelligent way.
Dr. Kai KOONG
Dean, Brimmer College of Business and Information ScienceTuskegee University
Business Administration, Management And Operations
What general advice would you give to a Career Services Representative?
Dr. Kai KOONG: First, besides working hard, work smart, in particular.
Second, find a mentor to help you adapt to the new work environment and culture.
Third, ask for help and be a true team player. You will be surprise most colleagues want you to do well.
Fourth, learn as much as you can and keep a balanced profile.
What Career Services Representative skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kai KOONG: First, industry certifications and electronic badges will be useful for your longevity in the workplace.
Second, acquire additional soft skills and know when to put them to work
Third, learn new tools (SAP, and AI and ML in particular) can help you to climb the ladder and avoid being laid off too
What will help Career Services Representatives increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kai KOONG: First, get an internship (within your targeted industry or segment) to show that you have work experience that are relevant.
Second, make sure you select a career in sectors known for high wages (examples: accounting, artificial intelligence, cyber technologies, finance, healthcare, and supply chain)
Third, acquire initial industry badges and beginner's certifications prior to graduation or immediately thereafter.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Career Services Representatives?
Claire Jablonsky: We have a lot of students wanting to head into the creative side of marketing and thus are getting certificates (minors) in digital studies and graphic design. They are working on getting experience with Adobe, Photoshop, Lightroom and other programs that will give them the skills to work in advertising. On the analytical side, they are getting certificates in Google Analytics.
William (Bill) Gentry Ph.D.
Assistant Vice PresidentHigh Point University
Career and Professional Development
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Career Services Representatives?
William (Bill) Gentry Ph.D.: In my opinion, yes. The pandemic is a once-in-a-century occurrence, I don't see how something like that will not affect philosophy graduates, or all of us. But graduates during this time have shown resiliency and flexibility particularly in the past 12+ months, which are great skills to showcase for employers right now. For the world of work, some organizations will go back to the way it was a couple of years ago (fully in person in offices) and other organizations have seen that people can work from home (or anywhere) and will allow that fully or partially. Organizations may need to shift their mindset on how work gets done to match how graduates now and in the future want to work in order to attract the best talent. To be marketable, graduates should focus not just on their resiliency and flexibility, but also other essential life skills such as the ability to communicate well (in person, phone, video, email, messaging systems), to span boundaries (organizational functions, time zones, cultural), and their problem solving, teamwork, and collaborative skills to be seen as high potential employees for organizations who are working fully in person, fully remote, or a mix of the two.
What's a day at work look like for a Career Services Representative?
William (Bill) Gentry Ph.D.: It depends on the organization. With more vaccines coming out and some clamoring to actually get out of their house and get back to being in an office, organizations will see that it is safer for people to come back to work, to fly to meetings, to be like it was a couple of years ago. In fact, some have already gone back to that. Other organizations have seen that people can indeed work from anywhere and production and work output still remain at a high level in quality or quantity, and they may allow virtual work in part or in full. Philosophy graduates need to be prepared for either of these. I and our office of Career and Professional Development encourage graduates to first think about what style they like best. In talking with graduates, I know some of them are burned out with video and miss being around people in person. For those graduates with that type of preference, we encourage them to be strategic and targeted in their approach to looking for jobs, ensuring that working in an office, around people, in person, should be a major priority when searching and applying for jobs. For other graduates who have enjoyed and become skilled at video meetings, like that type of interaction, and feel they want to work from home, they should make sure that any job they are applying to would allow the ability and flexibility to work from anywhere.
What will help Career Services Representatives increase their earning potential?
William (Bill) Gentry Ph.D.: Philosophy majors are employable in a variety of fields such as education, law, ethics, business, religious-affiliated areas, community services, government, and communications to name a few. A 538 article in 2015 showed that philosophy majors have the fourth-highest median earnings for those with only undergraduate degrees. The Winter 2020 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) salary survey indicated philosophy majors have the highest mean and median salary across all humanities majors and is comparable to other majors as well. To increase their earning potential, we encourage our students to focus on life skills that can separate themselves from all the others who are applying to the job. How can you showcase pertinent life skills that philosophy majors are known for - such as resiliency, the flexibility and capacity for growth, analytical, organizational and research skills like idea generation, problem formulation and problem solving, persuasion, and communication skills - on your brand documents like your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn, or in interviews? Specifically, how can you display that you have learned and developed those skills inside and outside the classroom in strong bullet points on your resume or in your cover letter? How can you clearly articulate how you've displayed or enhanced those skills through your classwork, internships, jobs, volunteer work, or other experiences in answering interview questions like "Tell me about yourself" or "What are your strengths?" or "Tell me about a time you had to influence others?" A GPA will likely get your foot in the door, but the ability to demonstrate these important like skills on paper, online, and in person in networking and interviewing will show others that you will be successful not just on day one of the job, but be seen as a high potential in your fist year, five years, and beyond.
Loren Collins
Faculty support Coordinator for Service Learning and Career EducationHumboldt State University
Academic and Career Advising Center
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Career Services Representative job market given the pandemic?
Loren Collins: Service sector, hospitality, and travel have been and will continue to be impacted negatively but we will see a huge boom in employment and growth coming at the end of the pandemic. People will trend back into higher education as we begin coming out of the pandemic and when more face-to-face opportunities are available at universities and community colleges. Typically in a recession this happens earlier, but the nature of the pandemic has probably delayed this effect.
As we exit the pandemic, I believe federal and state programs will focus on increasing the number of people entering all sorts of trades, leveraging the end of the pandemic and work programs to close an increasing gap in the number of people in the trades. Meaning a boom in logistics, management, and project management related jobs as well lots of focus on sustainability.
What soft skills should all Career Services Representatives possess?
Loren Collins: According to NACE - the National Association of Colleges and Employers - the top ten skills employers want from college grads are: 1) Communication 2) Teamwork 3) Make Decisions and Solve Problems 4) Organize and Prioritize 5) Obtain and Process Information 6) Analyze Quantitative Data 7) Technical Skills related to the Position 8) Ability to Work with Computers 9) Creating Written Reports 10) Sell and Influence Others.
We share these and talk a lot with students about them. Including history students and helping them see where they've gotten these skills, like myself, through the major. Only one of the above is specific to any given job! The softer skills include showing up on time, interpersonal communication, and staying committed to a position for a reasonable amount of time!
How have salaries changed over time for Career Services Representatives?
Loren Collins: In my field - and probably in many fields - I think the big trend has been not as much focus on salary and more the cost of retirement programs and healthcare. Landing a job with good retirement and great healthcare is not always easy and for many worth a trade for a slightly lower salary.
What's a day at work look like for a Career Services Representative?
William Hill: That's hard to say because different jobs will have different requirements both now and post-COVID. Some jobs, like sales,will probably revert to more in-person activities, while other may be able to remain mostly or partially remote. Yes, a typical day might mean working from home more often than in the past. Technology, especially AI, will become a large influence. I suspect more professional/office jobs will evolve in to a hybrid model, with some in-person activity blended with remote.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Career Services Representative job market given the pandemic?
William Hill: Remote recruiting is here to stay. COVID showed employers that they don't need to come to campus, nor do they have to meet with students in person in order to hire them. It is a substantial time and money saver for businesses. Long after COVID is gone, employers will continue to use Zoom, WebEx and other remote platforms as part of their recruiting strategy. Even job fairs, long a staple of recruiting, are going remote.
What soft skills should all Career Services Representatives possess?
William Hill: Problem solving skills are essential in the workplace for new grads, especially now. They will find it increasingly difficult to engage more experienced co-workers for helpful problem solving advice in a virtual workspace. You can't just stroll over to someone's office for a quick chat anymore. They will be more often "on their own" when it comes to analyzing a challenge and crafting a solution. Verbal and written communication skills remain important in a workspace dominated by Zoom and email.
Julie Schrader
Sr. Associate DirectorButler University
Career and Professional Success
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Career Services Representative job market given the pandemic?
Julie Schrader: I think some trends we will see are more remote work components of internships or jobs given the pandemic. Some organizations will hope to return to fully in-person, but I think there will be more flexibility provided to employees to work remotely or partially remote. I also think some organizations may reduce their physical footprints and move from larger buildings to smaller spaces if they plan to have a mix of in-person and remote workforce, which can impact the culture. We have seen the impact the pandemic has had in some industries such as sports, events, hospitality, and others that rely on in-person functions and components, and I think we'll see fewer, more competitive opportunities in those areas for a while. Networking has always been important but I see a greater emphasis being put on networking and building connections during this time of limited in-person interactions and a more competitive job seeker environment. Finally, I think we have been pleased to see that many organizations have been hiring at the same or similar rate during the pandemic as they were prior to it.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Career Services Representatives?
Julie Schrader: It would depend on the industry, but I think the following can be impactful and attractive to future employers:
- Language(s): In a global market, speaking another language can provide great value to an organization
- Creative: More for marketing and advertising areas, having courses or certifications in creative and graphic design tools
- Project Management: Many roles across industry sectors involve some aspect of project management
- Design Thinking: Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are highly sought by recruiters
- Salesforce/CRMs: We are seeing more organizations list this as a preferred/desired certification or knowledge area
What's a good job out of college for Career Services Representatives?
Julie Schrader: I don't define a job as "good" only if it matches a student's area of study. It is great if it does, but to me the definition of "good job" is that the individual is fulfilled and utilizing skills, strengths, and interests and the position matches their value set. A good job can be one that also provides some sense of financial stability. The hope is that during college, students are exploring and discovering various career paths and participating in experiential learning such as internships, co-ops, rotations, case studies, informational interviews, and more. As they learn more about potential career paths, they can start to narrow what they think they would enjoy. I believe that a good job out of college includes an opportunity to be mentored and supported, provides the opportunity for growth and training, and engages the individual's strengths and abilities to make a positive impact. I think of an example of a young graduate with a Finance degree who started in an entry-level finance role. He liked the position and the people, but wasn't sure he wanted to stay with the organization when he was offered a promotion to a sales role. He said he was working in finance because that was his degree and he thought that is what he should be doing. But he longed to be active and outdoors, and reminisced about his time studying abroad in Australia and surfing. He saw a surf camp manager position in the country of Norway and was deciding if he should apply. I encouraged him to go for it. He did. And he got it. He has since returned to the states and in a sales role now, but has no regrets. To me, that was a good job because he followed his heart.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Career Services Representative job market given the pandemic?
Career Advisors of the CEAE : Fewer location-based positions due to the increased ability for remote and hybrid work environments.
What skills stand out on Career Services Representative resumes?
Career Advisors of the CEAE : Applicants need to connect their skills and experience with what an employer is looking for. With that being said, flexibility, adaptability, and experience with various technology is increasingly important during a pandemic. Quantifiable achievements are always important as well as leadership, presentation/communication skills, and teamwork ability.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Career Services Representatives to find work opportunities?
Career Advisors of the CEAE : Research what cities are ranked high for a strong and growing job market and don't limit yourself to a specific location. Be creative and don't rely on one or two sources in your search. Use the many online job search and research tools that are available. Networking is one of the most powerful tools to discover advertised - as well as unadvertised - opportunities. Use the capabilities of LinkedIn to connect with alumni and to develop and strengthen your brand! Don't dismiss social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok that are often used for entertainment and other purposes. You may find opportunities here as well.
John Potter
Clinical Associate ProfessorSouthern Methodist University
Department of Dispute Resolution and Counseling
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Career Services Representatives?
John Potter: Indeed. Current students have experienced multiple ways of learning, which they would not necessarily experience otherwise. And this provides more skills and a broader understanding of the modalities to use to help others in the future.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Career Services Representatives to find work opportunities?
John Potter: Anywhere. Let me unpack that word, though. Many of our graduates are in the workplace and study dispute resolution and conflict management to expand their opportunities with the skills they learn. So, wherever the work will be is where they will excel, or perhaps move on to another growth opportunity in another workplace elsewhere. Other students seek the degree and the skills that come with it to create a new opportunity in an environment that does not have a core dispute resolution and conflict management already in place. So, anywhere there is conflict, our graduates can excel.
How do you envision technology impacting Career Services Representatives in the next 5 years?
John Potter: Faster. Disputes and conflicts will escalate more rapidly because of the speed of information. And, information can be gathered more quickly to help disputants engage more constructively and sooner. So, people who work in this field need to think faster and act quickly, and those needs will only increase with time and technology.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Career Services Representatives in the next 3-5 years?
Pamela Garcia-Rivera: I think the technology that will become more important and prevalent and needs improvement is video conferencing/meetings, the ability to connect virtually, and employees being well-versed in various technologies to edit, photograph, and produce their work. The technology will need to be mobile and very user friendly.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Career Services Representatives in the next 5 years?
Pamela Garcia-Rivera: I surely don't think there will be a decrease in demand for graduates, but the field of journalism has been evolving and changing and will continue to do so. There is a strong need for journalists, especially journalists who represent this country and are from diverse backgrounds, who can better share the stories and report on everyone's issues.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Career Services Representative job market given the pandemic?
Pamela Garcia-Rivera: Some of the trends that seem to be growing are the ability to work remotely, connect with people that we may not have been able to communicate with in-person (and do so virtually), and flexibility in one's work schedule. The pandemic has led to innovative ways of performing one's job function by using various technology forms and being more self-reliant. It also provides organizations an opportunity to think of ways of saving overhead costs - and operating at a lower budget. Freelance opportunities also seem to be growing as organizations' budgets may have been reduced, and hiring employees full-time may not be feasible.
Claire Brown
Assistant Director of Student Support Services and Head of Career ServicesRutgers School of Public Health
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Career Services Representatives?
Claire Brown: Yes, in a myriad of ways. The most significant impact we see right now is employment opportunities and work availability across the board, but even as we inch back towards economic recovery, there are going to be long-lasting impacts in our day-to-day working lives. Norms and expectations around productivity, workplace social support and connection, work-life balance, family and sick leave, and occupational health and safety have and will continue to require transformational change, and this has important implications for personal and public health.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Career Services Representatives to find work opportunities?
Claire Brown: For graduates in any field, it's important to stay on top of which organizations and companies are hiring during the pandemic-with many employers reducing or pausing hiring altogether, the key to an efficient job search is knowing the scope of your options. It also helps to tap into your networks-former supervisors and colleagues-to see where your public health skill set might be needed now and where you can stand out. For public health specifically, the CARES Act has allocated billions in funding towards public health staffing and capacity-building for the short- and long-term across a variety of federal, state, and local agencies. While it's hard to say what specific positions will be available or when some of this longer-term funding will actualize, there's reason to hope that public health workforce opportunities will increase over the next few years in areas such as emergency/disaster management, public health informatics and data, telehealth and school-based health programs, and mental health and substance use services.
How do you envision technology impacting Career Services Representatives in the next 5 years?
Claire Brown: As the COVID-19 pandemic has created a demand for innovative, effective, and secure technology-driven methods of conducting contact tracing, communicating health risks to the public, and staying in touch with each other personally and professionally, I think that we'll see a greater emphasis on how public health shapes technology and how technology shapes public health. The general public's awareness of and investment in the scope of public health has also increased, and with that, I think public health data visualization, integrity, accessibility, and transparency-all of which depend heavily on good technology-will become a professional priority for many working in the public health field.
How do you envision technology impacting Career Services Representatives in the next 5 years?
Terri Dill Chadick: Zoom is here to stay. As a result, graduates are not limited by the geographic boundaries that existed pre-pandemic. Remote legal internships are becoming more common, and I expect that trend to continue. We are also seeing an increase in video interviewing, which makes it easier for graduates to pursue opportunities outside their current location. Similarly, virtual job fairs are commonplace this year, and I expect they will be in the future. The move to virtual will follow graduates as they enter practice, as judges are expected to continue virtual court proceedings in situations where it makes sense, long after the pandemic ends.
Leanna Biddle
Career Education ManagerColorado State University
Career Center and Warner College of Natural Resources
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Career Services Representatives?
Leanna Biddle: Last March, with COVID-19 and the shift to virtual business and engagement, the economy was negatively impacted, shown by high unemployment rates and business closures. Though this was unforeseen for many, jobs in this field have started to recover. As a Career Education Manager, I have seen the following: employers actively attending and engaging in virtual career fairs, job opportunities available for graduates, and the advertisement of internship opportunities for current students, offered both in-person and virtually.
In the career world, the new word I use is pivoting, looking for different ways to stand out as a candidate. It may not be as simple as applying for opportunities - there are different strategies to consider: attending networking events offered at your institution and/or in the community, making connections with faculty and staff in the field, and leaning into engagement opportunities, whether that be nationwide with an organization, like the American Fisheries Society, or volunteering in your city.
We don't know what the lasting impact will be. The landscape is still changing by the day, with hiring fluctuations and changing employer needs. I do know that graduates are not alone in this process; many institutions offer career support for recent graduates and alum.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Career Services Representatives to find work opportunities?
Leanna Biddle: When thinking about places that may better suit our fisheries graduates, many factors come to mind: economic sector, job availability and interest, and the graduate's ability to relocate, if needed. As students prepare to graduate, many consider different economic sectors, including employment with federal, state, or local government, a nonprofit agency, or with privately-owned businesses. There are benefits of each, and job opportunities increase with the size of the organization; for example, the federal government offers a variety of jobs at various agencies, including US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Additionally, many Colorado State University (CSU) graduates find employment and gain experience in state, local, and nonprofit organizations, including the Bellvue-Watson Fish Hatchery and Trout Unlimited, a national organization.
As students prepare to graduate, I recommend the following: identifying places that interest the student while simultaneously considering the above; economic sector, job availability and interest, and ability to relocate. From there, specific search strategies can be implemented: identifying those organizations that interest the student, finding employment opportunities, and pivoting; looking for ways to connect with employers in the field, specifically in that location of interest.
How do you envision technology impacting Career Services Representatives in the next 5 years?
Leanna Biddle: Within the field of fisheries sciences and management, the use of technology has offered great advancements towards conservation efforts and the fishing industry. Technology has provided new information to managers, fishers, and consumers alike, and, when done in a sustainable manner, has improved fisheries management practices. Globally, the emerging technology within marine fisheries will be hugely useful as, for example, remote data sensors and satellite internet will enable fishing vessels to access real-time information on sea conditions, helping fishers locate fish anywhere on the planet. The development of technology will continue to aid in enforcement as well, offering the ability to quickly identify species of fish with DNA technology to help stop illegal fishing. This technology will undoubtedly impact recreational fishing as well, allowing anglers to learn more about the water they are fishing and where fish are. Ultimately, all fisheries worldwide will benefit from better data collection as smartphones are ever-present, and global internet coverage is continuing to expand.
As it relates to job opportunities, I foresee technical positions increasing with need, like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the need for GIS Technicians across our nation. An increase in job opportunities includes academic preparedness for students at universities, with the recent addition of the GIS Minor at CSU, as an example. I encourage students to seek minors or certifications that focus on these technologies to diversify their skillset and knowledge for future employment.
Natasha Pate
Senior DirectorEmory University School of Law
Center for Professional Development & Career Strategy
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Career Services Representatives?
Natasha Pate: Members of the class of 2020 have seen jobs postponed and bar exams delayed, in addition to suffering the health impact of the pandemic personally and on their loved ones. Moreover, the manner in how legal services provided to clients has also changed during the pandemic, with courts holding virtual hearings and M&A deals closing over secured software platforms. Some of these changes could become the new standard for the industry because they reduce the cost of delivering legal services to clients. This could negatively impact some entry-level legal positions.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Career Services Representatives to find work opportunities?
Natasha Pate: The Bureau of Labor Statistics' ten-year national projection for the growth of legal jobs is 8%. (This is the ten years from 2014 to 2024). States that showed greater than national average increases include Texas, Florida, and Colorado.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Career Services Representatives?
Katherine Martin: This epidemic will impact everyone in the future in ways we are not clear about yet. However, even though the pandemic has greatly affected the hospitality industry throughout the latter part of spring and through the summer, many companies and sectors within the hospitality industry have been recovering well and seeing an increase in guest reservations for the fall and upcoming winter. With that, our upcoming graduates should be able to find more opportunities in the hospitality industry as well in non-traditional hospitality companies that are seeking our students' guest service, creative problem solving, and leadership skills and experiences.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Career Services Representatives?
Donna Graham: While Coronavirus will leave a mark on all our lives, it has uniquely affected college graduates. A time in their life that should have led to the celebration, optimism, and new beginnings was tainted by canceled plans, uncertainty, and at times, tragedy. As unfair as this may be, I believe today's graduates will rise above adversity and become more adaptive and innovative. Already characteristic of this generation, I also think the 2020 graduates will continue to be civic-minded and will look to work for companies with purpose who want to take action to make the world a better place.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Career Services Representatives to find work opportunities?
Donna Graham: Working for the University of Arkansas, I would be remiss if I did not respond with Northwest Arkansas as my answer. Agriculture is the largest industry in Arkansas, and the University of Arkansas is fortunate to have leading companies like Tyson Foods, Simmons Foods, and George's Inc. in our backyard.
How do you envision technology impacting Career Services Representatives in the next 5 years?
Donna Graham: People commonly underestimate the sophistication of modern agriculture and the amount of technology involved. Faced with the challenge to feed a growing world population, a technology that improves sustainability, efficiency, and production is essential and widely used. While agricultural technology is often misunderstood, optimization software and other advances used in agriculture will make it possible to feed the world while remaining good stewards to our environment. I predict that this technology, which is part of the curriculum for many of our majors, will accelerate quickly in the next five years.
What general advice would you give to a Career Services Representative?
Crisanne Blackie: A first job is always exciting, so make the most of this experience by being willing to excel at your responsibilities, take the initiative, be curious and ask questions, be ready to learn, and do your very best. Networking with your fellow employees will help you to meet the staff and learn about the organizational culture. If you are working remotely, make sure you understand the expectations and implement your time management skills. If you are searching for a position, be open to all opportunities; consider an internship, project, or volunteer position to expand your skills. Your college or university's career center is typically still available to you after you graduate and continue to use its services for extra assistance.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Career Services Representatives in the next 3-5 years?
Crisanne Blackie: The use of technology in the workplace has increased. It will be essential to understand the new platforms available. However, it is equally important to know why a specific technology or platform is the best choice. The more you know how to increase efficiencies in your position, the more effective you will be in selecting the best technology.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Career Services Representatives?
Crisanne Blackie: During the coronavirus pandemic, our graduates experienced many losses as they finished their final year of college. They have also been given opportunities to build new skills.This will be a memorable as well as formative time. Graduates have become resilient and have developed the capacity to adapt to change quickly. They will bring, to the workforce, a new outlook and adaptability. Graduates will find themselves in unexpected places and excel in ways that they would never have predicted and, in doing so, will achieve greatness.
Keri Asp
Program Director for Career Coaching and the First-Year ExperienceCarleton College
Career Coaching
What general advice would you give to a Career Services Representative?
Keri Asp: A political science degree provides students with a vast array of options upon graduation. With a curriculum that encourages thoughtful and productive citizenship, graduates are prepared to take on challenges in any sector. More traditional paths upon graduation include politics, public administration, law, and work in government and international organizations. Others will pursue roles in education, journalism, and the private sector. Investing in self-knowledge and career education is a worthwhile effort for new graduates.
Political science majors will be well-versed in analytical and technical skills, and being able to articulate the value of these skills to future employers is essential. Transferable skills such as persuasive communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking also are well developed through coursework. A depth of knowledge of U.S. politics, international relations, and political philosophy provides insights into best practices that can be applied to any number of organizations.
Networking can help inform graduates about their career options and increase their chances of being hired for an opportunity. It's true what they say; often, you need to know someone to get your foot in the door, to secure related employment. This plays out in many political environments where shared affiliations, such as graduating from the same school, can often lead to a candidate's resume being put to the top of the proverbial application pile. Professionals often want to help and mentor new professionals entering the field.
We encourage new graduates to step out of their comfort zone by arranging an informational interview with someone who works in the desired field or to learn more about hiring practices. Informational meetings and referrals. With each conversation, ask for recommendations about other professionals to contact. Building networks, coalitions, and alliances with other associations is highly valued and has the bonus of honing interpersonal and communication skills.
Graduates should research hiring practices for different positions. For instance, congressional aid positions are significantly impacted by budget allocations, and therefore, vary over time. Political staffers often start their careers as unpaid campaign volunteers. U.S. government hiring is generally done through the USAJOBS system and is highly competitive with internal U.S. government candidates (or previous interns) holding a significant advantage over outside, unknown applicants. Using networking connections to learn about these hiring practices can help alleviate frustration.
Throughout an application process, it quickly becomes evident if a candidate is not knowledgeable about, nor committed to the work at hand. Candidates are best served when they can demonstrate their interest and commitment to an issue by their experiences in internships, volunteer, and advocacy work, or even a course project. Being well informed about current events such as disparate treatment in policing, public health crises, unequal education, prison reform, etc. is essential given the impact on policymaking.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Career Services Representatives?
Keri Asp: The most recent graduates (Class of 2020) are entering the job market in a time of uncertainty.
We are most concerned with our most vulnerable students whose personal circumstances have required significant compromise. Our BIPOC students have encountered racism, exacerbated by the pandemic. Some graduates were expected to return home to provide care for younger siblings and contribute to their families' household income. Our international students have been impacted by restrictive immigration policies that have reduced the likelihood of spending a fifth year working in the U.S., which often serves as the culminating experience of four years in U.S. higher education.
Another implication could be that the starting salaries that people are offered will be lower than in years past, with employers trimming compensation budgets. This can impact future earning potential, with the lower starting salary being harder to make up for over the long run.
We anticipate that even a delay of 6 - 8 months that some graduates are experiencing can delay loan repayment options, resulting in students holding onto debt longer into their future. This could influence the decisions that they make related to the sector that they choose to work in or even delaying personal choices related to lifestyle.
One upside is that they have the advantage of having significant opportunities during their college years. A strong job market afforded many internships and experiential opportunities that helped them to build networking connections and develop skills that can be leveraged in the job market perhaps better than future graduates. We are cautiously optimistic about this Class's experience.
A review of relevant literature reveals the following: voters who experience significant events between the ages of 14 - 24 tend to cement/solidify their political attitudes/views for the rest of their lives. The Class of 2020's cohort generation expressed the following: About 8% of Americans between 18 - 29 think the government is working as it should be, with fewer than 1 in 5 describing themselves "very patriotic," (2020 Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics survey of young Americans). In conclusion, emerging/young adults view U.S. institutions with skepticism; however, they remain hopeful for change, despite feeling let down by the current system. So, while the pandemic represents a global and national public health crisis, the Class of 2020's entry into the world of work is also a defining moment.