Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends
March 26, 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
Stephen F. Austin State University
University of Cincinnati
NCOPE
University of Central Missouri
Eastern Kentucky University
Texas A&M University
Minnesota State University - Mankato
Shannon Darst Ph.D.
Program Facilitator & Assistant ProfessorStephen F. Austin State University
Perkins College of Education
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Shannon Darst Ph.D.: In the field of higher education, which includes both tenure-track and non-tenure-track/clinical faculty, we are seeing a trend toward more distance delivery of university courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This trend existed before restrictions related to COVID were put into place at face-to-face universities, but quarantining and other COVID-related restrictions have pushed most, if not all universities, toward offering more and more courses at a distance. This has created a need for faculty members who are well-versed in creating online courses in various course delivery platforms and in delivering lectures and course discussions in both a synchronous and asynchronous environment while keeping rigor and course standards intact.
At our particular university in Texas, we are also noting that more students are looking to decrease tuition costs, so they are seeking educational options like community colleges or trade schools before starting coursework at the university level. This has created a need for more clinical instructors and adjunct faculty in community colleges and trade schools.
In the field of visual impairment (areas of expertise include Teacher of Students with Visual Impairment, Teacher of Students who are Deafblind, Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Low Vision Therapist, Vocational Rehabilitation Therapist, Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist), trends toward more effective service delivery at a distance has come to the forefront due to restrictions related to COVID. This means that Clinical Instructors in the field of visual impairment have to become more adept at creating new methods and strategies of delivering services in a distance model. This requires some training in use of technology and training others to use technology in order to deliver lessons effectively and efficiently.
Also, a national push to provide more inclusive and effective training for those individuals who are Deafblind is on the horizon as one of the field's major focus areas. This means that more Clinical Instructors are going to be needed to address the increase in enrollment in training programs that provide educator personnel preparation for future Teachers of Students who are Deafblind.
What technical skills stand out to employers?
Shannon Darst Ph.D.: Technology skills are of the highest priority to employers in the field of higher education. Ranking close to technology in regard to employer priorities are those "soft skills" like flexibility, relatability, effective communication skills (both expressive and reception), adaptability, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Although these may not be considered true technical skills, these are the skills that can make the difference between an acceptable candidate and a preferred candidate. Candidates who can find a "win-win" solution in any challenging situation will be the candidate who will catch the eye of university employers.
Ilya Vilinsky Ph.D.
Associate Professor, EducatorUniversity of Cincinnati
Department of Biological Sciences
WebsiteIn your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Ilya Vilinsky Ph.D.: Most neuroscience bachelor's students are interested in health care in some form. Given the pandemic, I expect to see even more interest in the field. Traditionally, neuroscience (and biological sciences in general) grads were primarily interested in becoming medical doctors, but we are seeing more students go into related fields such as nursing, physician assistant, or anesthesia assistant. Outside of health care, neuroscience grads tend to work at biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
One of the biggest trends in neuroscience-related jobs is the incorporation of big data and machine learning into neuroscience research. These methods are not only useful to basic research but are applicable to a wide variety of fields.
What skills stand out on resumes?
Ilya Vilinsky Ph.D.: On a resume, items that stand out are quantitative skills (e.g., statistics, coding, analysis). Research experience is always a plus as well.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Ilya Vilinsky Ph.D.: Most jobs are in large metro areas. For neuroscience, there are the traditional: Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. Then, San Francisco Bay area, San Diego, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Chicago. More recently, places like Atlanta, the Research Triangle in North Carolina, Houston, Austin, Denver, and Dallas. There are also Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Minneapolis, and even Detroit to some extent.
Chris Robinson
Clinical Resource DirectorNCOPE
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Chris Robinson: The pandemic has refined the values for workers and employers alike. For instance, employees may value flexibility in the work setting or hours over higher compensation. Furthermore, the belief that a position "absolutely required the employee to be physically present" has been challenged, and often, new approaches enabled effective remote work. Given the opportunity to work remotely, this has also opened up the talent pools for many positions, as geographic proximity is not a necessity in many more instances than seen before COVID-19. For employees who must be physically present to perform their jobs, employers have been more open to allowing employees different work schedules, such as electing to work four 10 hour shifts versus the traditional 8-hour day every single weekday.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
Chris Robinson: I am of the mindset that technology isn't a separate concept, but something becoming deeply interwoven into our day-to-day lives. On the business side, I feel access to real-time data will become the relative norm, enabling employees at all levels to not only have access to critical data, but have it presented in a meaningful way. The term "data" brings with it a certain stigma, and to some, reflections of giant spreadsheets of data. A giant spreadsheet may contain critical data, but it must be visualized in a way that allows a person to quickly draw an appropriate conclusion. From a physical goods standpoint, additive manufacturing is no longer something exclusive to the prototyping and enthusiast community, but something accessible across professions. I would not be surprised if 3D printers were integrated into retailers the same way 1-hour photo labs are.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for graduates in this field in the next 5 years?
Chris Robinson: While I do not have a crystal ball, the value that orthotic & prosthetic professionals bring to an interdisciplinary health care team cannot be ignored. The same way a pharmacist guides treatment to the most appropriate prescription for a clinical problem, the O&P professional has the knowledge and training to develop treatment plans for conditions such as pain, congenital deformities, or difficulty with walking. I feel any healthcare provider that can empower patients to participate in their day-to-day activities, return to work, or even enjoy recreational activities will have a strong future. The most recent workforce demand study, funded by NCOPE and AOPA in 2015, identified a likely increase in demand for O&P professionals at all levels of education, from associate to master's degree trained practitioners.
Dr. Klaire Brumbaugh
Assistant Professor, Director of Clinical ServicesUniversity of Central Missouri
Department of Communication Disorders
WebsiteWhat type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
Dr. Klaire Brumbaugh: Novice SLPs (and skilled SLPs) should focus on developing their ability to interpret the evidence. Get comfortable asking yourself, and being asked, why? Be able to justify your goals, intervention strategies, and evaluation procedures. Work smarter- not harder!
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Dr. Klaire Brumbaugh: I'm not sure what is available outside of my geographic region, but I would say wherever they end up, make sure there are mentorship opportunities. Make a plan with the clinical fellowship supervisor and stick to it.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Dr. Klaire Brumbaugh: There has been a significant shift to teletherapy since COVID-19 has impacted face-to-face services. I anticipate that this shift will not continue to grow as SLPs can reach a wider population with fewer resources (travel, time, etc.).
Dr. Brooke Bentley Ph.D.
School of Nursing Chair & Full ProfessorEastern Kentucky University
School of Nursing
WebsiteWhat type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
Dr. Brooke Bentley Ph.D.: Whether entering during the COVID pandemic or after the health crisis has ended, nurses will need to possess various essential skills. While caring for patients, nurses will need to have a quick physical assessment and critical thinking skills-the ability to recognize subtle changes in their patients' status. The ability to care for patients in the community setting as more and more patients are cared for in their homes and ambulatory settings. Flexibility and adaptability will be essential skills-resilience to the changing patient and health care needs. Leadership skills to lead an interprofessional health care team. The ability to balance their holistic wellness, especially their mental health, recognizes their psychological needs from both work exhaustion and the aftermath of COVID 19. They will also need to possess skills to advocate for their patients and their profession, not only at the institutional level but also politically on state and national levels.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Dr. Brooke Bentley Ph.D.: There is a national shortage of nurses, and the current pandemic will likely lead to a more significant need. Employment after graduation should not be an issue.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Dr. Brooke Bentley Ph.D.: Technology will likely increase telehealth use to care for more and more patients in home and community settings. More apps and newer software will be integrated into health care. Nurses will need to be technologically savvy and astute, and confident in their assessment skills and patient care knowledge. Nurses will need to make sure their assessment, judgment, and intuition match patient data output from technology.
What experience really stands out on resumes?
Dawn Nelson: A significant experience with a client caseload, including strong communication skills and an understanding of theory applications, is essential for those graduates seeking direct practice positions. The ability to clearly and concisely explain that experience on the resume will invite an invitation to interview.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Dawn Nelson: Coronavirus has exponentially increased the growth of technology within the social work field. I foresee that the trend will continue; however, I do not believe that technology will ever completely replace human interaction. When in crisis, people tend to seek out in-person interactions to reassure genuine interest in the client's goals and well-being.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dawn Nelson: These graduates have an awareness regarding the importance of flexibility within the field that will enable them to adapt to clients' future needs. Also, many have developed crisis intervention skills because they had to use them. The result will be a generation of resilient and self-confident social workers.
What are the best companies to work for?
Brigette Cooper: General trends in the dental field are leaning towards an increased presence of DSO organizations, although private practices are still a popular employment place. A DSO organization is a Dental Support Organization, or the corporation of dental offices. Some of the DSOs include Heartland Dental, Aspen Dental, Park Dental, Metro Dentalcare, and Pacific Dental Services. Private practices are dental offices that are privately owned by one or more dentists.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for graduates in this field in the next 5 years?
Brigette Cooper: There will be an increase in demand for dental hygiene graduates in the next five years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than average for all occupations. The demand for dental services will increase as the population ages and as research continues to link oral health to overall health.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Brigette Cooper: I do not believe one area is better than another to find employment as a dental hygienist. There appears to be a need for dental hygienists across the country.
