Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends
January 25, 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
University of Nevada - Reno
Longwood University
Montclair State University
Long Island University-Brooklyn
Dr. Tammy Abernathy Ph.D.
Professor Special Education, Special Education Program CoordinatorUniversity of Nevada - Reno
Special Education Program
WebsiteWill there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dr. Tammy Abernathy Ph.D.: Yes, of course. There will be an enduring impact on all of us and that holds true for our graduates as well. They have lost out on lots in school time and experiences with students with disabilities. We have filled in these gaps as best as we can through virtual classes, video work and other options, but the truth is, there is no substitute for real kids, with real problems in a real learning environments. I don't think the impact of COVID will be long lasting for our graduates. They have chosen teaching as life's work and they work diligently in class and out of class to be prepared. They may find some gaps in their knowledge or experience, but these will fill in very quickly. Our graduates know how to advocate for themselves and they are skilled at reflective practices that will help them overcome the challenges they may find.
What type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
Dr. Tammy Abernathy Ph.D.: Young graduates will need to linked to the host of resources that are available to them. To they will need to continue to be learners and willing to spend the time to hone their craft. Young graduates may need some financial assistance to join professional organizations that offer resources that will keep them on the cutting edge of policy, research and implementation. It is important that young graduates learn how to get and how to use the most current information and not rely solely on colleagues or their school district for information.
For example, the most cutting edge information for teaching students with disabilities in a COVID environment came of professional organizations posting information weekly and not from their employers. These organizations have been responsive to questions from educators and supportive of innovation from teachers. Young graduates are already technologically advanced and they know how to learn independently in some cases. We anticipate that they will be able generalize these skills into teaching practices for their own students. Young graduates must be knowledgeable in the content areas, but social emotional learning and trauma informed practices will be essential.
What experience really stands out on resumes?
Dr. Tammy Abernathy Ph.D.: Experience with students with disabilities in a variety of settings. A degree, a major and teaching license are important, but experience with students and their families matters. This is where the love of the profession and children is born. Special educators believe in their students. They set high expectations for students and they tirelessly push for these outcomes. We are not a sympathetic lot. We want our students to reach their own hopes and dreams and we can't do that unless we set high expectations and build self-determined students. Also, evidence that you are a strong collaborative partner, and you can show evidence of collaborative work will be noticed. Special education services are not provided by one teacher only. Being able to work within a group to serve students is essential. Advocacy skills are a plus. Experience advocating with and for students with disabilities will get attention. Further, demonstrating that you can teach students to advocate for themselves is also important.
Teresa Reynolds
Director of Field Education & Social Work Program CoordinatorLongwood University
Social Work and Communications Sciences and Disorders
WebsiteIn your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Teresa Reynolds: Due to the pandemic, many agencies have had to become well versed in Telehealth/Teleconferencing and/or Zoom/GoogleMeets/GoogleHangout. I believe that this is going to be a new norm for many service related agencies, so students will need to become familiar with the various platforms used for telehealth and perhaps even receive certification in telehealth.
What skills stand out on resumes?
Teresa Reynolds: Graduates who have had a variety of field experiences and not simply worked with one particular population definitely stand our as having more experience/skills. In addition, students who have a variety of leadership positions in extra-curricular activities or have demonstrated service through volunteering tend to "stand out" among his/her peers.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Teresa Reynolds: The unique feature that social work provides to its graduates is that there are a variety of settings to which graduates can apply. There are a variety of positions for BSW graduates in agencies such as Department of Social Services/Human Services, Nursing homes, hospice, foster care, probation & parole, domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, prevention agencies, child advocacy agencies, early intervention programs and more. The trends are showing that the job market will seek social workers to work with the older American population, as our society is aging. Students are encourage to seek experience with a variety of populations so that he/she will be marketable.
Lynette Reitz
MSW Program Director and Associate ProfessorMontclair State University
Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy
WebsiteWill there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Lynette Reitz: The coronavirus pandemic will impact graduates in several ways. The pandemic has forced social service agencies to embrace technology and to find innovative ways to deliver services to clients. Our graduates completed field education hours in agencies during the pandemic so they have seen how to pivot and build meaningful relationships with clients and coworkers under these extraordinary circumstances. With the overwhelming challenges that marginalized and oppressed populations experienced both before and during the pandemic, there are many unmet needs and graduates will be part of developing, implementing, and evaluating new programs. Social work graduates also need to be engaged in advocacy for social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
What type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
Lynette Reitz: The most important skills that social workers need are in relationship building, effective communication and practice, technology, and advocacy. In all areas of social work practice, it is crucial that social work graduates embrace the values of the profession and their ability to be culturally-sensitive in interacting with all constituents. Many social service agencies are utilizing technology in delivering services to clients and for workers to do their jobs effectively. Graduates need to learn how to incorporate technology into their practice and adhere to the profession's ethical standards for use of technology. Flexibility and adaptability in building and sustaining relationships are important characteristics for social workers because of the complexity of the people and systems where the work occurs.
What experience really stands out on resumes?
Lynette Reitz: Resumes that stand out are those that demonstrate that the graduate has experience in the field. Because social work is a profession that leads to employment in many different types of settings, it is important for the graduate to highlight his or her unique experiences including the knowledge and skills honed and gained from those experiences. Social workers work with marginalized and oppressed populations, so employers are looking for practitioners who are culturally sensitive, empowering, and dependable.
Dr. Telvis Rich
Associate ProfessorLong Island University-Brooklyn
Department of Social Wok
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Telvis Rich: With the worldwide presence of COVID-19, there has been arise of career opportunities for undergraduate and graduate level professional Social Workers. For example, there is an increase of case managers to level set the intake process in short and long term care faculties where bachelor level Social Workers fill a great need. Further, there is need for master level Social Workers to serve diverse populations in rural and metropolitan areas providing telehealth therapies, financial Social Work services and support, and community based practice leadership where housing needs have been dramatically been impacted in the United States.
What skills stand out on resumes?
Dr. Telvis Rich: For a 21st Century professional Social Worker, the following skills are essential to highlight on the resume: details of the roles, responsibilities and tasks completed during the bachelor level and/or master level Social Work practicum (internship), the interprofessional skills of working with diverse clients, communities, supervisors and colleagues during the practicum, and a clear vision of the population the applicant seeks to serve in an agency or organization. In short, today's workplace is very competitive; thus, a concise list of skills that highlight professionalism, diversity, service, competency in a practice area, and respect for others are truly essential. These required skills align to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and employers will seek to see such on a well written resume. Further, a quality cover letter outlining the skills will enhance the resume in a competitive and ever changing Social Work marketplace.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Dr. Telvis Rich: Social Work is a very 'in demand' profession. Hence, Social Workers are employed in small to large cities and in each state and territory in the United States. Further, there are opportunities to work in private and public agencies to government, personal care facilities and corporate America. In recent years, professional sports teams have hired Social Workers. Therefore, the opportunities are endless. Therefore, considering a career in Social Work allows a recent graduate to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, while having the awesome consideration to pivot from one population of interest to another, while not having to return to school to do so.
This is unlike other health care profession. It is advised that recent graduates consider state Social Work licensure to increase marketability and career mobility as the Master of Social Work degree is the terminal degree in the profession, and the licensure adds tremendous value to the candidate seeking employment in an state, territory and other global career pursuits. For example, I have served as a Social Worker in corporate America, School Social Worker, lead Case Manager, a CEO of a large non-profit, and commenced a college teaching career -all with the Master of Social Work degree. The career opportunities are truly vast and limitless with a Master of Social Work degree!
