Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends
November 16, 2020
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 Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Carolina Christian College
Montana State University – Bozeman
California State University Long Beach
American University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Lubbock Christian University
Kent State University
Ohio University
Elms College
Oral Roberts University
Rider University
Portland State University
Vanguard University
Angelo State University
Rider University
Brian Ogolsky Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director of Graduate ProgramsUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Department of Human Development and Family Studies
WebsiteWhat type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
Brian Ogolsky Ph.D.: Critical thinking skills are crucial in science disciplines. Graduates need to be the right consumers of research because there is a lot of false information floating around. They need to be able to understand and critique science, methods, and data. Independence and creativity are also crucial. Employees are becoming more dependent on specific guidelines, tasks, and directives, but to thrive and move up the ranks, it is critical to come up with new and exciting ideas and take risks.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Brian Ogolsky Ph.D.: The pandemic has taught us that we have to adapt to change, and technology has proven an essential form of adaptability. It is clear that employers now see that employees can work remotely, so I expect a lot more of this in the future. It benefits the employers financially (less overhead, etc.) and to employees (more flexibility). That said, work at home arrangements disproportionately affects women with children because they pick up more of the child care burden. This means that more needs to be done to support working parents (women, mostly) to help allow productivity and promote mental health.
Dr. Andrew Wood
Adjunct ProfessorCarolina Christian College
Ministry Department
What type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
Dr. Andrew Wood: For Biblical Studies, it is vital that graduates have a genuine relationship with Jesus, that they are people of humility and integrity, desire to be lifelong learners, and have open minds to new things they learn that may challenge their original assumptions. They need to have a strong work ethic, organizational, and time management skills to work on their own productively and with integrity.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Dr. Andrew Wood: Many of the smaller churches across the country need part-time pastors. Our graduates could potentially find opportunities to pastor more than one rural church at the same time or to work part-time at a church as a "tentmaker," supporting themselves with a second job, as some of our missionaries and urban ministers do. Some larger churches and colleges are eager to diversify their staff, creating some unique opportunities for people of color from Carolina Christian College to minister in a way that bridges ethnic divides.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Dr. Andrew Wood: I believe more of our ministry and higher education will be done online. During the pandemic, many people have taken advantage of the opportunity to participate in online church, and I think not all will return to in-person church. Churches and educational institutions have an excellent opportunity to expand their impact globally. We need young people who are tech-savvy and culturally fluent while having a solid grounding in Scripture and an appreciation of the Christian tradition's positive aspects.
Dr. Mark Nelson
Professor and Program LeaderMontana State University – Bozeman
Department of Health and Human Development; Graduate Program – School Counseling
WebsiteWhat type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
Dr. Mark Nelson: I would argue that counseling, consulting, researching, problem-solving, and teaching skills form the top tier of a list for new school counselors. I would also suggest that creativity is an essential skill necessary to design, implement, and evaluate various aspects of delivering their school counseling program.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Dr. Mark Nelson: Rocky Mountain and western states seem to have many opportunities. This may be due to the westward migration in the U.S. population.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dr. Mark Nelson: I believe that over the next five years, technology will continue to have its greatest influence on a school counselor's students or counselees and not on the way counselors in schools work from day to day. Students still congregate in schools where counselors interact and facilitate their career, academic, and personal development. These efforts will likely continue to be conducted in a face-to-face manner. However, technology and its ensuing changes do have a pronounced impact on the life of students. Consequently, these impacts will become a part of a counselor's work as they assist students. It seems that with the increase in virtual/digital elements in our society, people, including students, appreciate and value personal contact with others. At my university, we have found that the isolation experienced by students as a result of changes precipitated by Covid-19 has prompted students to appreciate in-person contact with each other and our teaching faculty members. It would appear that technology may promote recognition among people that interpersonal contact continues to be important.
Maria Claver Ph.D.
Director of the Gerontology ProgramCalifornia State University Long Beach
Gerontology Program
WebsiteWill there be an increase or decrease in demand for graduates in this field in the next 5 years?
Maria Claver Ph.D.: There will be an increase in the demand for graduates in Gerontology in the next five years. We know that, given the rapid aging of our population in the United States and throughout the world, there are not nearly enough professionals trained in meeting the various needs of an older community. Moreover, I believe that society will finally recognize the need for specialists in the aging field in areas that have not traditionally employed gerontologists, such as marketing and banking, and fashion design!
Dr. Michelle Newton-Francis Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Faculty AdvisorAmerican University
Department of Sociology
WebsiteWill there be an increase or decrease in demand for graduates in this field in the next 5 years?
Dr. Michelle Newton-Francis Ph.D.: The upheaval of the pandemic sees graduates entering the worst job market in more than a decade. Still, some forecasters say it is slowly getting better. I encourage graduates to remain flexible in their thinking and search strategies. For example, many companies will expand their remote positions, opening opportunities for jobs they may not have previously considered due to geographic location. Pandemic or not, graduates may not obtain their "dream job" right away and should also consider opportunities that build transferable skills. Pandemic or not, job searching should always be treated like a full-time job. It is just more challenging and competitive right now. Networking is vital and remains one of the most viable ways to get a job. To create networks, students should take advantage of virtual or socially distanced internships, which build contacts and skills. Students and alumni often overlook their college career centers, which offer invaluable services (and connections), including virtual career fairs and meetings with potential employers.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Dr. Michelle Newton-Francis Ph.D.: The applicability and utility of studying sociology opens the possibilities in numerous sectors. In business, graduates work in public relations, consumer research, marketing, and human resources. In health services, students work in administration, planning, education, and research. There are also opportunities throughout the criminal justice and social services fields. Many students go to graduate school to work in law and secondary or higher education.
Dr. Thomas Dearden Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of SociologyVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Department of Sociology
WebsiteWhat type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
Dr. Thomas Dearden Ph.D.: Indeed, the way we work is changing. The skills that young graduates will need are diverse. Transferable skills and soft skills will certainly be marketable. These include traditional crafts such as communication, but I also think the world expects more empathy from its employees. Young graduates with an understanding of racism, sexism, and environmental responsibility will become increasingly important.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Dr. Thomas Dearden Ph.D.: Graduates will have the opportunity to shape the future and help solve problems. Numerous organizations are attempting to solve social issues and environmental challenges. The world needs, and subsequently, employment is available for passionate graduates ready to invest their energy into solving problems.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Dr. Thomas Dearden Ph.D.: COVID-19 has shown us how much we rely on technology. It seems like all organizations are beginning to see their dependence on technology, for better or worse. Our field is no different. Everything from social conversations to crime is moving online. With so many human interactions happening online, it will be necessary for graduates to navigate technology with ease.
Chris Hennington Ph.D.
School Counseling Program CoordinatorLubbock Christian University
Department of Graduate Psychology and Counseling
WebsiteWhat type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
Chris Hennington Ph.D.: School counselors will be tasked with the usual school counseling responsibilities while also encountering trauma that students experience outside of school and in school. Being well versed in trauma response is going to be a vital aspect of being a school counselor. Kids are experiencing more trauma, but we are getting better at recognizing and treating trauma as well.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Chris Hennington Ph.D.: Small, rural areas have a high need but, sometimes, lower pay, while large metroplexes pay more, but have more competition for school counseling positions.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Chris Hennington Ph.D.: The possible move to a more hybrid form of teaching will pull the school counselor into a more telehealth model of guidance and counseling. This is a significant shift from just a few months ago, where telehealth was virtually non-existent.
Dr. Janice Byrd Ph.D.
ProfessorKent State University
School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences
WebsiteWill there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dr. Janice Byrd Ph.D.: COVID and the racial violence experienced by BIPOC people will both have an impact on all K-12 graduates, including school counselors, for various reasons. One, some school districts are facing budget constraints, and as a result, they may not renew a lost school counseling position, create new ones, and a decrease in retirements. I hope that these constraints do not decrease school counselors as they are needed the most during this time of a global pandemic and in the wake of racial violence against Black and Brown people.
A former principal in South Carolina, Cinthia Wolfe, often asserts, "school counselors are the heartbeat of the school," because their presence, influence on student development, and reach are essential for the continued and healthy life of any school. Like for many educators across the pipeline, the pandemic has an impact on how school counselors do their work. From classroom guidance to college/career preparation, school counselors are now pivoting to find ways to helps students make meaning of the now while also preparing for uncertain futures.
Some school counselors are faced with reimagining how to deliver necessary developmental content, connect with students in need of social/emotional support, and providing guidance in a virtual world. Now is the time for school counselors, especially those with experience working at online schools, school counselor educators, and other community members to collaborate to share and discover ways to create schools that are free of racism, responds to the changing needs of students, and provides spaces for students to reimagine what their "norm" or "future" looks like.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Dr. Janice Byrd Ph.D.: COVID-19 and racial violence are global phenomena that cause many mental health challenges for students globally. Schools are scrambling to identify solutions to address the social/emotional needs of their students. Some are investing in curriculum related to Social Emotional Learning, Trauma-Informed Schools, or seeking anti-racism experts to join their staff in conversations.
This emphasis is also illustrated in funding opportunities that have been advertised for schools and school-based researchers to consider innovative ways to address the increased stress our students are under, given the ongoing issues mentioned. While COVID-19 will hopefully, one day, decrease, the impact will be present for decades. As for racial violence against Black and Brown people, this oppression has/continues to harm communities across generations.
I implore schools to lean on school counselors as trained leaders to guide responses to these crises and support students. Due to budget constraints at the moment, we may see a decrease in job postings, but once the economy begins to heal, we will need more school counselors - not less. School counseling graduates awaiting employment should extend their knowledge about instructional based technology that may aid in their facilitation of counseling tasks, examine their bias/stereotypical thinking so they do not harm their BIPOC students, and create toolkits of information that may inform how they foster the development of anti-racist cultures in K-12 settings.
We all must remember that students do not perform well academically if they are not mentally/emotionally healthy or do not feel safe. Because COVID, the mental health challenges that have arisen due to the pandemic, and race-based violence, which causes mental health challenges for many, are global pandemics, school counselors face similar barriers to finding jobs across the nation. In time, given proper professional advocacy by school counselors, we will be acknowledged as leaders in the plight to heal students, schools, and communities.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Dr. Janice Byrd Ph.D.: Increased use of technology in school settings, I believe, is here to stay regardless of changes due to the nation's response to COVID. As school counselors and school counselor educators, we need to continue examining how parts of what we do look like in a virtual environment. I imagine educational tech companies will develop platforms that will help us complete tasks smoothly.
Most importantly, school counselors collaborating with instructional designers to identify meaningful solutions that do not require lots of money from schools or parents will be essential. For individual and group counseling tasks, school counselors may find themselves doing more Telehealth and/or increasing consultation with school-based clinical mental health counselors. Additionally, there is a lot of room for new tasks we can undertake as school counselors to support our students and school communities.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Christine Suniti Bhat: It is hard to predict what the enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on school counseling graduates will be, but I think it will continue to be a job that remains relevant and needed. It is unclear whether the tremendous increase in enrollment in online schooling will continue once the pandemic has passed. Once it has passed, having experienced online schooling, some parents and students may prefer to continue to engage in online schooling.
Regardless of the setting, school counselors are charged to address the academic, career, and social/emotional needs of all students. According to the federal government website O*Net Online, the job "educational guidance, school, and vocational counselors" has been designated a bright outlook occupation in 2020, one that is expected to proliferate in the next several years.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Christine Suniti Bhat: Regions and states experiencing a growth in population would be the places for graduates to find work opportunities in the field upon graduation. In the past year, for example, I noticed that there were several job openings in Nashville, Tennessee. In prior years, there seemed to be many opportunities for our graduates in North Carolina.
If students are not restricted geographically, there will continue to be opportunities for them in the country as well as internationally. Further, graduates of school counseling programs should be aware of related jobs that they may be well-suited for, including positions such as Academic Advisor, Academic Counselor, Admissions Counselor, and Career Counselor at universities.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Christine Suniti Bhat: The pandemic has already altered the way in which school counselors are engaging with their students. The importance of learning management systems and dynamic tools to interact with students online will continue to grow. School counselors will have to be prepared to deliver individual services as well as group and class interventions using technologies such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
This is something that we would not have anticipated five years ago. School counselors may also have to address issues related to isolation, loneliness, and excessive screen time, along with some of the issues that are related to the misuse of technology such as cyberbullying and sexting. Prevention (before problems arise) and intervention (addressing issues after they arise) are both important. Overall, health and wellness in relation to the use of technology will become more important.
Dr. Meredith Bertrand
Chair of Education; Associate Professor of EducationElms College
Education
WebsiteWhat general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Dr. Meredith Bertrand: History is ever-changing, and teachers must clarify how current events are just as much a part of the study of history as any other socio-political period or event. If you are not comparing the civil rights movement of today to the ongoing civil rights movements of the past, and if you are not supporting the campaign against oppression and institutional racism upon which our nation was built, then you are doing continuous harm to those who need you to act and disrupt the cycle. History teachers better be ready to be activists, not just teachers, or else you are perpetuating the status quo.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Meredith Bertrand: No technology will replace a great teacher. But, online, flexible technology will be essential in the wake of this virus. The tricky part for new teachers will be to filter all critical information and technology and provide a learning experience that isn't overwhelming. I am a big proponent of the "less is more" theory of education, to get to the depth of what we are trying to teach, but the multitude of online options makes that problematic. I encourage new teachers to gather resources, and when you find that powerful piece that you want to use in your classroom, give it the time it deserves to be absorbed, discussed, and reflected upon.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dr. Meredith Bertrand: Because of the coronavirus, teachers are moving into a new age of schooling. Everything has been converted to digital delivery, and modern history teachers live in this historical moment. I'd like to see that digital distribution continues, to some extent, as it can be an engaging and flexible way for kids to learn. Our schools are so rigid in their structure, which is to the detriment of all, as we see in this current crisis.
What has become strikingly apparent during this pandemic is how critically essential schools (and the structure of school) are for children and families' general welfare. I am struck by the irony of how underfunded schools are. Yet, our society is dependent upon them to provide nutrition, healthcare, counseling, and academic learning. Now, schools are pressured to reopen for the good of the economy (because parents need childcare). How is it that schoolchildren and teachers come to carry the US economy on their backs, yet still have to hold bake sales and walk-a-thons to support programming?
Dr. Bill Buker
Associate Dean and Professor of Professional CounselingOral Roberts University
Theology
WebsiteWhat general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Dr. Bill Buker: In response to your first question, my general advice to graduates beginning their career in theological and ministerial studies, is to be aware of the manifold and diverse opportunities for meaningful ministry in today's world due, in no small part, to Covid-19. While traditional forms of ministry may be limited, new and creative ways of connecting are emerging. In the context of this current pandemic, the inherent human quest for meaning has people asking the big questions. In their attempts to make sense of what is happening in the world, people are open to discussions and reflections on which theology has much to contribute. Engaging in such conversations, by becoming caring and competent listeners, not only opens doors for ministry, it constitutes ministry. However, I would add this reminder that listening well to the struggles of others goes far beyond what theological and ministerial graduates have learned in the classroom. It has everything to do with who they are as persons, which means that their spiritual formation will be the critical variable as they seek to incarnate Jesus in their contexts of ministry.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Bill Buker: Your second question about technology is challenging to predict, as that innovation area seems to change so rapidly. One thing that we are learning, as a result of coping with the challenges created by Covid-19, is that virtual learning, which technology makes possible, allows us to extend the influence of our classrooms and ministries, literally, around the world. I suspect that as the pandemic subsides, and a new normal is eventually established, it will involve more telelearning platforms.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dr. Bill Buker: In response to your third question regarding the possibility of an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates, I think it's impossible to walk through such a challenging and unprecedented experience without lasting effects. While I can't predict what all of these might entail, I hope, that in discovering the positive and creative outcomes that will emerge out of this pandemic, one effect will be increased trust in God's redemptive activity's Spirit in the world. I'm hopeful that our theology and ministry graduates will recognize the importance of following the Spirit's leading and will intentionally seek to keep in step with what the Spirit is doing, so that they can be collaborative partners with God in the unfolding of his redemptive story.
Juleen Buser Ph.D.
Professor and Director, School Counseling and Coaching ProgramsRider University
Graduate Education
WebsiteWhat general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Juleen Buser Ph.D.: Counseling Services (school counseling concentration) and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (we have a CMHC concentration and a Dance Movement Therapy concentration in this program). The general advice I would give to graduates starting positions in the counseling field would be to understand the critical importance of the work of helping professionals. Counselors optimally provide a safe space for clients to discuss their fears, worries, anxieties, joys, traumas, insecurities, accomplishments, etc. This ability to be an empathic, listening, accepting presence will be even more crucial for clients in our current situation.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
Juleen Buser Ph.D.: I believe the methods of distance-based services will be more relevant and prevalent. Remote counseling services have been growing in the field for some time, but I would expect the pandemic and the shift for remote counseling during this time will lead to even higher use of such modalities in the future.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Juleen Buser Ph.D.: I talked about this with one of my colleagues, back in March, when everything was closing down, and our students were left in temporary limbo regarding their internships, etc. My colleague made the astute point that our students were getting an immediate, present experience dealing with a crisis. The ability to be flexible, capable, functional, and responsible in an emergency is something that students finishing their training during this pandemic were able to experience and practice in an ongoing way. This will make them excellent candidates for counseling positions, as they enter the job market, and serve them well in their careers as professional counselors.
Dr. Javier Casado Pérez Ph.D.
Counselor EducationPortland State University
Mental Health Counseling
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Dr. Javier Casado Pérez Ph.D.: New professionals entering the mental health counseling professions must expect substantive differences in the client's needs and goals for the counseling process. The global pandemic has increased both stress and social isolation, making the counselor's job even more critical, as they are often the client's only non-work-related virtual interaction. With the global pandemic and widespread anti-racist demonstrations, counselors should anticipate clients' desire to discuss work stress and burnout, parenting and caretaker stress, culture, identity development, and racial trauma, virtual fatigue, and difficulties in social relationships.
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.
Dr., Assistant Professor of Historical and Systematic TheologyVanguard University
Religion, Undergraduate Religion
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.: Opportunities come in many different shapes and sizes, but they are still out there. Whether you are seeking to land a job in education or the non-profit sector, you will need to familiarize yourself and get used to all things digital, for the sake of communicating effectively. The younger your student or service partner's mindset, the more digitally savvy you will need to be, especially in the classroom and in the non-profit world.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.: The goal is to connect and to be able to create meaningful connections with those you serve, those you are attempting to teach or preach. Zoom will continue to be a vital video-conferencing platform. Depending on the age group you serve, social media platforms such as Youtube, Instagram, and FB (Live) will also be essential to creating community and delivering transformative content.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.: The new normal consist of a both/ and rather than an either/ or. Life as we have known it will never be the same. So, get used to making digital SWAG, in the classroom, and the non-profit arena, a regular part of your professional life if you seek to survive and thrive in an industry dedicated to making a difference in the world.
Lesley Casarez Ph.D.
Director, Quality Enhancement Plan Program Coordinator, M.S. Professional School Counseling Associate Professor, Curriculum and InstructionAngelo State University
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
WebsiteWhat general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Lesley Casarez Ph.D.: Curriculum and instruction are such a broad field that graduates can tailor their job searches to fit their particular interests. Whether a candidate wants to focus on pedagogical development, curriculum development, instructional strategies, or program evaluation and data analysis, advanced degree programs in curriculum and instruction allow them to do so. The job market is changing right now, with many educational entities shifting to either a hybrid or entirely virtual model for students. With this change, graduates will need to adapt to a more technological-based environment in which they operate.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
Lesley Casarez Ph.D.: Graduates will need to learn to use technology in which virtual platforms are taking place and web conferencing platforms. Numerous platforms are being used, so the particular platform itself is not as crucial as being well-versed in how virtual education differs from face-to-face environments. Typically, the instructional role in online learning is more of a facilitator, as the educator guides the students to think critically, integrate, and apply new knowledge. This may be difficult for educators who would rather stand in front of a classroom and pass on their knowledge through lecture-based formats. Additionally, being well-versed in various web conferencing platforms will benefit graduates, as they move into a career that is currently requiring communication in virtual environments.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Lesley Casarez Ph.D.: One thing the coronavirus pandemic has done is open up more educators to the various possibilities of utilizing technology to communicate with students and families that they did not realize before. The need wasn't necessarily there previously, but as many were forced into creative ways to inform and educate on various platforms, the increase in utilizing technology for multiple purposes that weren't apparent before was suddenly on the forefront. Continuing to use this technology as we move forward will benefit educators and students alike.
Aubrey Daniels Ph.D.
Acting Assistant ProfessorRider University
Department of Graduate Education, Leadership, and Counseling
WebsiteWhat general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Aubrey Daniels Ph.D.: Those who are beginning their career with a degree in mental and social health services and allied professions should aim to get as much experience as possible! Apply for positions where you are allowed to work with others, whether through one-on-one counseling, groups, or consulting. Also, take this time to learn about the business component of the profession, too.
Other ways to gain more experience is by partaking in a variety of training, online webinars, and conferences. There are many free online instructions you can partake in to gain more knowledge about topics of interest, whether it is a specific type of therapeutic approach or more information about a mental health disorder.
Also, be open! You never know which population you enjoy serving most, until you get the most experience possible. Lastly, a more diverse caseload will provide you with a better idea about how to help a wide range of individuals. It will also assist you in learning more about the different ways people view the world, which will widen your view of the world.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
Aubrey Daniels Ph.D.: A few years before the pandemic, the use of technology was beginning to be seen more in the mental and social health services and allied professions. Now, there are a variety of video platforms in which counseling and consulting services can be provided ethically. While teaching the introduction to counsel techniques course at Rider University, the students practice delivering robust counseling services, via video conferencing platforms, and in person. This is important, considering the push to use more technology due to the higher levels of accessibility it brings.
Presently when using video technology, we can access people who live in remote areas where there are not many counselors or those who are struggling in a way that prevents them from leaving their homes due to a variety of mobility and health concerns.
Phone apps have been popular in the mental and social health services and allied professions as well. Apps for meditation, such as Calm and headspace, are some of my favorite. Also, many health apps have been created to assist individuals with tracking their physical and mental health. Some of these are also accessible to the individual's counselor who can follow the client's daily progress and help the individual more than ever!
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Aubrey Daniels Ph.D.: There will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates. Luckily, most of the effects for those in mental health and social services professions will still be able to be employed as the pandemic occurring is currently having a massive impact on the mental health of people around the world, and it will have a lasting effect on individuals and families for years to come. As I was saying before, the use of video technology in these professions has allowed us to continue working and serving those who have been deeply impacted by this pandemic. So, the job market is still looking hopeful for these professions.
