Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends
March 3, 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
New College of Florida
Ferris State University
Texas Tech University
Southern Illinois University
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Illinois State University
University of Maryland - Baltimore County
University of Connecticut
Kent State University
The Ohio State University
Stonehill College
Saint Augustine's University
Marquette University
Frank Alcock Ph.D.
Director of Academic Initiatives and Special Projects, Professor of Political Science and Environmental StudiesNew College of Florida
Political Science Department
WebsiteIn your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Frank Alcock Ph.D.: I think the pandemic will accelerate a range of trends in the job market. Some sectors will be affected more than others by structural shifts in market demand, supply and the modalities of producing and consuming goods and services. Remote work has exploded during the pandemic, by necessity, and it will fundamentally alter the dispositions and preferences of both employers and employees moving forward. This will have implications for workplace "hubs" and the industries that serve them. Demand for software engineers and related data science skills will continue to grow. As will technical savvy paired with social IQ and communications skills. And outcome-oriented, project-based work will probably displace more traditional, full-time, functional positions.
If a graduate needs to take a gap year, what skills would you recommend they try to enhance and how should they go about doing it?
Frank Alcock Ph.D.: Cultivating experience might be as important to skills development for gap-year graduates. Anything that involves self-reflection, leadership, project management, teamwork, and/or collaborative working environments can be important for bolstering future employment prospects. With respect to skills development, familiarity with software and IT platforms can be increased during a gap year. Language skills can be further developed. Career networking is also increasingly important relative to qualifications on paper, so a gap year can provide the space to expand personal and professional networks.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Frank Alcock Ph.D.: You're just beginning on what will hopefully be a long and rewarding journey. Career paths are less stable and more turbulent than they were a decade ago, so understand this at the outset. You may find yourself moving into a well-defined career path that you enjoy and that's great. But professional versatility is becoming an increasingly important asset. Versatility will build over time as you cultivate more skills and experiences. Lifelong learning will continue to be indispensable so always look for opportunities to learn from your setbacks as well as your successes. And embrace your future. It won't be boring.
Nancy Hogan Ph.D.
Professor, Graduate CoordinatorFerris State University
School of Criminal Justice
WebsiteIn your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Nancy Hogan Ph.D.: Within the Criminal Justice system, the job market has been open despite the pandemic--Those with the master's degree or are working on their degree are being hired quicker than those with just a B.S. Case in point--One student just got hired last week at the Department of Health & Human Services.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact on your job prospects?
Nancy Hogan Ph.D.: In Michigan, to be a police officer you must have MCOLES certification and to be a correctional officer you need the MCOTC certification, which Ferris offers both for the undergraduate. We also have defensive tactics and firearms available for students as well. On the master's level, though, the degree itself works to 1) get on the ground floor of a desired job, 2) get federal employment, 3) prepare for law school, and 4) to apply to a Ph.D. program as well as 5) get promoted within the field. Thus, if an undergraduate has MCOLES certification and the master's degree, they get hired quicker than those who don't have the master's degree.
What's a good job out of college and why?
Nancy Hogan Ph.D.: In our field, policing, probation, jail or prison correctional officer, or social services (whether private or public) are very good jobs, particularly if they are state employed or federally employed.
Paula Smith
Assistant Dean for Career & Professional DevelopmentTexas Tech University
TTU School of Law
WebsiteWill there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Paula Smith: The answer to this is yes, but it will include both positive and negative impacts. I think the job market for law jobs remains a bit under previous years at this time. It may take more time for a robust rebound to the hiring levels of previous years. We are seeing constant, small steps toward recruiting both upcoming graduates and laterals. On the positive side, our upcoming graduates have proven themselves with resilience and agility to meet the challenges of remote learning and they maintain an expectation of success. I think the grit and determination of this group will be the enduring characteristics of the Class of 2021.
What's a good job out of college and why?
Paula Smith: The first professional legal job out of law school covers every area of law and every geography. Every legal job provides opportunity for growth and experience in the profession. Students choose law firms, government agencies, and public interest jobs according to their interest and passion. Some graduates work in civil litigation, others work in criminal prosecution or criminal defense. Some choose a more client-centered practice area including family law, personal injury, or legal aid services.
What technical skills stand out to employers?
Paula Smith: Legal employers are seeking young lawyers with a good academic grasp of the law, excellent legal research and writing skills, advocacy abilities including negotiation, trial, and appellate exposure, and personal attributes of integrity, teamwork, diligence, resilience, and an expectation of success.
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Jennifer Brobst: Legal job growth often follows political conflict and calls for reform. In this respect, I think there will be an array of health law positions addressing the health insurance market, in both private practice and as counsel for insurance companies or for state and federal government agencies. We also continue to see the fallout from the 2008 economic crisis, where wages for all but the highest earners never seemed to recover, only to be exacerbated by the pandemic and resulting job losses.
This current administration will probably try to address this disparity by increasing government agency middle income positions in housing, employment, and education. Lawyers will be needed to fill those new agency positions and if grant funding increases to nonprofits, then starter positions in legal advocacy nonprofits will be interesting, but lower-paid jobs for new attorneys, particularly for the reform-minded Millennials and Gen Z cadre. The international global market is more important than ever and attorneys able to be mobile may find more opportunities in the larger firms and as corporate counsel if, and when, the pandemic shutdowns finally disappear. An interesting area of increasing need will be in the medical-legal and public health fields, where an Executive Order from President Biden has already put in place a new COVID-19 board to coordinate federal public health efforts and the creation of a national public health surveillance database. Privacy attorneys and those advocating for and against expansion of traditionally local public health law into a federal oversight approach will be needed. I also think that job opportunities will continue to grow for attorneys working for the online legal technology companies like LegalZoom, as cross-jurisdictional practice relaxes, as seen in some of the reform of the Rules of Professional Conduct and related ethics opinions.
Traditional job opportunities in small and medium-sized regional firms engaged, for example, in family law, small business law, and trusts and estates, may be fewer for awhile, as middle-class clients may not be able to afford legal services until their own employment situations recover. Positions in the criminal justice legal fields are more difficult to predict. Crime rates have been declining for decades, but movements against mass incarceration and racial injustice may support better resources for public defender offices that are cash-strapped and under-staffed.
What soft skills should all graduates possess?
Jennifer Brobst: Two soft skills come to mind immediately: kindness and self-restraint. I have noticed that this generation of new attorneys is less accustomed to taking conflict in stride. What I mean is that in a social media world, one can overreact without facing the other person or simply walk away without responding to a text or post that seems confrontational or disrespectful. In person, there is usually no way to walk away without making the situation worse, so we get better and better at figuring out how to respond with kindness, humor, and patience. That is an excellent skill to have with clients who naturally feel stressed, or with overworked or overzealous opposing counsel or judges.
As to self-restraint, many ethics violations occur among attorneys who feel overwhelmed by their workload. Law school is the best place to learn how to figure out how to manage one's time, and to learn self-restraint -- i.e., when to stop and move on to the next task. This quality of self-restraint will not only help to make sure that new attorneys are reliable on behalf of their clients, but that they are happy with their job for the long-haul. There will always be more clients, but an attorney who knows their limits, but still gets the job done, will be glad to be an attorney throughout their career.
What's a day at work going to look like for a recent graduate?
Jennifer Brobst: Recent graduates who are newly employed will be relieved to learn that there is always some leeway given to the new hire, at least for a little while. Even the harshest supervising attorneys will put together some form of onboarding. If they don't, and a recent graduate working as a deputy prosecuting attorney, for example, is sent to court without instruction, then it will show if they appear lost as to what to do. It's a little humiliating, but the best of attorneys have been through it. Recent graduates need to be willing to be professional and ask court clerks, opposing counsel, judges, and others in the profession basic questions when necessary.
On the other hand, new attorneys in large firms may find the onboarding process frustrating if it is very extensive, as they may want to jump in the deep end and have more responsibility more quickly. If the pandemic continues to impact whether attorneys must work from home, it may be a little lonely at first, working remotely at a new job. However, this will be temporary, and all new attorneys hopefully will remember to appreciate that they have successfully finished law school and passed the bar, a major accomplishment, in itself. During the pandemic, attorneys have been considered essential workers and there is a reason for that. They genuinely are of service to their communities, especially in times of crisis.
Jason Cieslik
Assistant Professor & Academic Advisor of Legal StudiesIllinois State University
Department of Politics & Government
WebsiteIn your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Jason Cieslik: In terms of trends in specific areas of law, it is expected that the legal field will see an increase in workload in labor and employment, family law, healthcare, bankruptcy, and estate planning. Some general practitioners have been able to sustain a healthy workload where there has been a decrease in one area of law, but an increase in others due to the pandemic, such as family law and bankruptcy.
Since the pandemic began, we are seeing firms realize that much of the workload can be conducted remotely. Thus, firms are downsizing their workspaces and opting for smaller offices. This has allowed some firms to save money on physical space and hire additional personnel. However, some firms are asking their employees to work from the office, at least some days during the week. This requires some legal navigation with employee's health and safety concerns. Thus, management must have a social distancing policy in place, as well as taking into account privacy concerns of each employee.
Obviously, hiring practices have changed dramatically since the pandemic. Traditionally, interviews would take place in-person. However, most interviews are taking place via Zoom or some other interactive online format. Both firms and those seeking jobs in the legal field have had to adjust their advertising and job search methods due to the pandemic. In-person networking is not feasible. Thus, paralegals and attorneys seeking work have been advised to join professional organizations that meet online for the purpose of networking and sharing information. Jobs are available, but employers and future employees need to be creative and adjust to this alternative format of networking. Those seeking work need to be flexible, diligent in their search, and aggressive in following up with leads.
What skills stand out on resumes?
Jason Cieslik: Proofread, proofread, proofread! This is one absolute that the pandemic has not changed. The legal profession places a high value on written communication. Grammatical mistakes are an easy way to guarantee that you will not receive an opportunity to interview.
Since many employers are permitting their employees to work from home, the resume should demonstrate the ability to be a self-starter, ability to resolve a problem on their own, and computer literacy. Legal professionals that have training in specific legal technology platforms should make sure they emphasize those skills on their resume. Most ABA Approved Paralegal Programs require their students to take a course in legal technology. These skills should be emphasized, especially if they are going to be expected to work from home. On the flip side, employers should be as specific as possible in their job advertisements as to what qualities and skills they are seeking in a future employee.
When applying for any legal position, the applicant should modify their resume to the job that they are applying for, emphasizing the skills and qualities that the employer is seeking. Obviously, no applicant should stretch the truth, because those "facts" will eventually become exposed. Thus, if an applicant were applying for a position as a litigation paralegal, the applicant should emphasize the discovery experience they obtained during their internship, as opposed to their familiarity with probate law.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Jason Cieslik: The old saying in the legal profession used to be that 80% of the available legal jobs are not posted. Attorneys communicated their need to hire a legal professional by word of mouth and in-person interaction at social legal functions. It's not certain that this old adage holds true today. Attorneys may be utilizing more traditional methods of posting job opportunities.
Jobs are available, but certain legal specialties may be thriving more than others. However, this cyclical trend tends to hold true regardless of whether the country is experiencing a pandemic or not. Rather than focusing on the specific location of where jobs are located around the country, it appears that legal professionals seeking employment should focus on areas of law that have work and need employees to complete that work. The great aspect of the legal profession is that attorneys and paralegals have always been more than willing to assist one another. Employment is no different. Legal professionals seeking work need to start making as many connections as possible with other legal professionals by phone, email, and other socially distant forms of communication to establish a network.
Amy Froide Ph.D.
Professor and ChairUniversity of Maryland - Baltimore County
History Department
WebsiteIn your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Amy Froide Ph.D.: Ability to work remotely, ability to master changing technology and digital formats; ability to work independently without much direct supervision, ability to communicate in writing since we are geographically dispersed.
History majors are poised for these changes because we emphasize independent and project research; digital literacy, and writing and communication skills.
What skills stand out on resumes?
Amy Froide Ph.D.: Volunteer/internship work; foreign languages; computer and web-based skills; project learning.
Employers particularly are intrigued by History majors who combine the major with skills in another field, whether those are web or digital, languages, or art and design skills.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Amy Froide Ph.D.: For History majors we are located in an ideal part of the country. History majors interested in working in government, or in public history sites like archives, museums, and historic homes benefit from opportunities in Maryland and in D.C. Our History students often get internship experiences because we are close to many of these sites and then get hired after graduation.
Joseph McAlhany Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of HistoryUniversity of Connecticut
Department of History
WebsiteWill there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Joseph McAlhany Ph.D.: The pandemic, with all the changes it brought to higher ed as well as daily life, will remain a watershed moment for many graduates, and I'm sure it has affected all of us in ways as that will only be recognized years from now. But I think there should be some optimism about the way many graduates have handled a difficult situation: they were required to adapt suddenly to a whole new way of doing things, and on the whole met those challenges successfully. Many graduates can now have confidence in their ability to overcome unforeseen obstacles in unusual circumstances, and that's a valuable lesson difficult to learn without experiencing it first-hand.
What type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
Joseph McAlhany Ph.D.: In recent years, the stereotype of millennials in the workplace had become something of a running gag: they required constant affirmation, were unable to function independently, and believed the workplace should accommodate their individual needs. Whatever grains of truth in that stereotype, it is clear that adaptability, flexibility, and independence are the skills they will now need, as workplaces will expect employees to be able to adjust to drastically different circumstances on the fly, and to do so without the necessary processes and structures already in place.
What experience really stands out on resumes?
Joseph McAlhany Ph.D.: Because so many students are encouraged to fill up their resumes with extracurricular activities, these no longer stand out as they once did, and in fact a CV with a lengthy list of organizations and clubs more likely raises a suspicion that the student was never sincerely committed to any one of them. But now I think independent extracurriculars stand out-creating something from scratch, even on a small scale, or engaging in an independent research project with a faculty member. These types pf projects demonstrate a range of qualities an employer would find attractive: having an original idea, developing a research plan or agenda, seeking support and funding, carrying out the research, and producing a result. Every college and university has some support for undergraduate research, and I think too few students, particularly in the humanities, take advantage of these opportunities. Simply having the motivation to apply for one of these is a positive indicator to a prospective employer.
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Leslie Heaphy Ph.D.: The biggest trends I believe in the job market will continue to be an emphasis on knowledge of technology and especially those related to digital humanities. Overall, the job market seems to be pretty static according to the AHA with tenure track positions continuing to be at research heavy institutions and NTT positions plus one year visiting job will be more prevalent. American history fields continue to be most asked for but there seems to be a growing interest in graduates who have multiple fields to help out a department that is likely to be smaller in the future. Diversity hires also seem to be an increasing interest.
What skills stand out on resumes?
Leslie Heaphy Ph.D.: As students think about how to make things stand out on their resumes they want to make sure they highlight any teaching experience that have, especially online and remote teaching. Flexibility in teaching modalities is important. Research abilities and critical thinking skills continue to be among the most important skills to highlight as these skills translate to so many different career opportunities. Find ways to highlight knowledge of digital technologies and writing skills. History graduates should also emphasize that their study makes them good at understanding facts and asking good questions for problem solving.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Leslie Heaphy Ph.D.: As graduates look for places to find work they need to be flexible and willing to move where the jobs are. If they limit themselves to small areas they may find it harder. If students explore job opportunities at places like the NCPH and AHA they will see openings all over the country.
Richard Meltz
Senior Advisor and Internship Manager StaffThe Ohio State University
International Studies
WebsiteWill there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Richard Meltz: Very difficult to predict. In general the covid crisis has decreased direct contact between students and professors/staff. Many special events like professor panels, student organization events, study abroad trips and one-on-one research experiences have been curtailed. The opportunities for students to forge new contacts and be introduced to new career options have decreased due to covid. Having said this, if the crisis passes and the job market returns to normality, we understand a college education is still a valuable credential.
What type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
Richard Meltz: For global affairs careers, many skill sets are sought. Language skills are valuable. All job seekers need basic computer skills. Word processing, spreadsheet and data analysis, excellent writing and communication skills are all sought. After these basic skills, the range of skills employers seeks becomes more specialized. Computer mapping skills, the ability to analyze political, economic, social and environmental issues in an in-depth manner are sought. By numbers of jobs, the private sector is larger than the government sector. The understanding of how business and international trade works is useful.
What experience really stands out on resumes?
Richard Meltz: Higher level language skills. A study abroad experience of at least three months. An internship or work experience of interest to the potential employer, especially if accompanied by a good letter of recommendation. A research or academic experience of high quality, especially if accompanied by a good letter of recommendation.
Dr. Karen Teoh
Associate Professor of History and Director of Asian StudiesStonehill College
Department of History
WebsiteIn your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Karen Teoh: Besides the obvious and immediate changes - a shift to online and remote work, in some cases permanently, and perhaps an increase in contingent or contract-based hiring - employers will likely emphasize employees' ability to be flexible, to adapt to new conditions and technologies, and to have broad skill sets that can be applied in varied contexts or job functions. For example, an educational technology consulting firm might seek to hire someone who doesn't just have knowledge of or experience in education or software, but someone with demonstrated skills in research and communication or the ability to adopt multiple analytical perspectives that can be applied to their products/services. Inter-disciplinary approaches such as area studies or majoring and minoring in different fields can be a useful preparation for this - after all, life itself is an inter-disciplinary experience.
If a graduate needs to take a gap year, what skills would you recommend they try to enhance and how should they go about doing it?
Dr. Karen Teoh: I would encourage graduates to keep honing their skills in professional communication, global awareness, and emotional maturity/independence. One way to do this is to broaden your horizons as much as possible, using your own initiative. Whether you work, intern, study, travel, or some combination of the above, aim to learn as much as you can about the people and environment in which you are immersed. The more you know about the world around you, whether it ranges as far as one zip code or one continent away, the more you will be able to see things from a variety of perspectives and get a sense of how interconnected our global society is today. Talk to different people; be curious about their work, interests, and viewpoints. Take advantage of your institution's alumni network to request informational interviews. Even as a graduate, you can usually still use your career counseling office's services to get feedback on writing cover letters or speaking well in interviews and presentations.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Dr. Karen Teoh: Be bold, but be humble. If you have worked hard and prepared well for the professional world, you should take stock of your strengths and present your best self with confidence and enthusiasm. At the same time, be aware that you are still in the position of proving yourself before your employer will give you major responsibilities. No job is perfect and few paths are simple. Try to learn something from every person or project you come in contact with; be respectful of others regardless of their position; and remember to thank people who help you along the way, whether in the form of an informational interview or a job recommendation.
Patrick Webb Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorSaint Augustine's University
Department of Criminal Justice
WebsiteIn your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Patrick Webb Ph.D.: Based upon the existence of a pandemic, or any other catastrophic event which simultaneously affects a significant amount of the populations in the U.S., there are currently (and projected) a number of job market opportunities which require a multi-faceted and adaptable skill set for potential employers. This includes the capability of learning and fulfilling multiple roles in an organization. Often referred to as cross-training, which is a common employment practice that exists in other countries (i.e., Japan, etc.), this process serves as a potential benefit for both employers (e.g., reduced expenses, increased efficiency, etc.) and employees (e.g., increased skill set, marketability, etc.).
If a graduate needs to take a gap year, what skills would you recommend they try to enhance and how should they go about doing it?
Patrick Webb Ph.D.: Given the influence and efficacy of data analysis and the use of data in decision-making, I would encourage students to receive additional instruction in the area of data analytics and interpretation. This includes enrolling in courses or receiving one-on-one instruction (i.e., tutoring) in the subject area of statistics and/or research methods. In addition, given the impact of global catastrophic events, I would also encourage students to receive instruction within the disciplines of sociology, social psychology, and developmental psychology.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Patrick Webb Ph.D.: The advice I offer to individuals (regardless of their status) is to 1) assume individual responsibility as a professional within the workplace environment, 2) continue to further your knowledgebase by developing the habit of reading (this includes topics centered around professional and personal growth), 3) commit to becoming an advocate for the truth, especially in the lives of those who are less fortunate than you are, and 4) prioritize relationships over resources.
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Andrea Schneider: In terms of dispute resolution, the demand for online dispute resolution (ODR), particularly mediation, will only be increasing. The trend towards ODR has been accelerated by the pandemic, and many are realizing the significant advantages to resolving disputes through online platforms, particularly those related to being able to convene people from all over the world at one time with no travel costs. Students who have comfort with online work should be in high demand. In addition, those students who want to go into system design - supporting courts or institutions who are structuring these online platforms - will also be able to look for jobs that meet this increased need.
If a graduate needs to take a gap year, what skills would you recommend they try to enhance and how should they go about doing it?
Andrea Schneider: Law school graduates should focus on developing client interaction skills and dispute resolution skills, including active listening, understanding emotional intelligence, and non-defensive communication. The need for low-cost legal assistance, particularly in large urban areas, in foreclosure, eviction, unemployment, and bankruptcy will be significant. Volunteers with legal training will be needed to address unprecedented impacts on individuals in many areas of the law. They could also work on the software or technological skills that law school may not have provided but which will make them even more attractive to employers after the pandemic.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Andrea Schneider: Take every opportunity to network and volunteer. Make connections with leaders in your local and state bar organizations and those who lead legal service organizations in your area. Think about how your skills can be used in a variety of ways, and make connections throughout the community.
