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| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,204 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 270 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,255 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 3,298 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 3,114 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,003 | $18.75 | +4.0% |
| 2024 | $37,518 | $18.04 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $36,639 | $17.61 | +0.7% |
| 2022 | $36,369 | $17.49 | +1.4% |
| 2021 | $35,865 | $17.24 | +1.3% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 553 | 41% |
| 2 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 414 | 31% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 232 | 27% |
| 4 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 435 | 21% |
| 5 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 361 | 20% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 191 | 20% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 147 | 20% |
| 8 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 931 | 19% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 576 | 19% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 200 | 19% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 988 | 18% |
| 12 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 317 | 17% |
| 13 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 175 | 17% |
| 14 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 129 | 17% |
| 15 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 648 | 16% |
| 16 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 501 | 16% |
| 17 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 465 | 16% |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 821 | 14% |
| 19 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 420 | 14% |
| 20 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 98 | 14% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bridgewater | 1 | 4% | $74,059 |
| 2 | Cypress | 1 | 2% | $53,979 |
| 3 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $44,607 |
| 4 | Omaha | 1 | 0% | $45,414 |

Penn State University - Harrisburg

Portland State University
Washington College

Purdue University Northwest
Arizona State University

University of Indianapolis

The University of Akron

Westminster College
The Ohio State University
Drexel University

Penn State University - Harrisburg
School of Business Administration
Faiza Abbas: In recent years employers have placed a high value on soft skills. Soft skills, also called human skills or behavioral skills, take years to master. The technical know-how of a job can take an employee only so far. To become a star employee, you need skills that might be hard to measure but critical for success. Some of the important in-demand soft skills are:
-Critical thinking
-Collaboration
-Communication
-Perseverance
-Adaptability
-Emotional Intelligence
According to LinkedIn's 2019 Global Talent Trends report, 89 percent of recruiters say when a hire doesn't work out, it usually comes down to a lack of soft skills. An engineer might have the best solution for her client, but if she misses deadlines or doesn't take action on time, upset clientele might cost her the job. The beauty of soft skills is that they're highly transferable. Creativity, responsibility, and communication skills can be applied to any job.
A recent Yale University study found that people with emotionally intelligent supervisors-those who are self-aware and empathetic-were happier, more creative, and more innovative. On the flip side, 70 percent of the employees whose managers were identified as having little emotional intelligence said their main feelings toward work were negative.

Portland State University
The School of Business
Becky Sanchez: -Microsoft Excel & Tableau - data visualization skills
-Data analysis skills
-Presentation skills
Washington College
Business Department
Dr. Michael Harvey: Across the business, the soft skills most in demand are the "3 C's": collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. Employers are especially interested in evidence of projects, experiential learning, and internships, not simply majors and minors.
Dr. Michael Harvey: Quantitative skills and computer coding skills are in the highest demand and shortest supply-and people who can combine them with strong, soft skills end up going the furthest.

Purdue University Northwest
Finance Department
Pat Obi Ph.D.: Data analysis and presentation skills - spreadsheet, statistical software, presentation software.
Pat Obi Ph.D.: Data analytics, accounting, risk management, and business analytical skills, especially as they relate to financial data.
Arizona State University
W. P. Carey Supply Chain Management
Adegoke Oke Ph.D.: In general, people skills: leadership, effective communication and negotiation skills, the ability to work effectively with people in different cultures and in a team environment.
Adegoke Oke Ph.D.: Data analytics skills are currently in high demand, so is understanding the impact of emerging technologies and digitization on business

Dr. Larry Belcher: The biggest post-pandemic trend we see involves the re-definition of a workspace. Many firms went to remote work via video conferencing and other technology and decided that they really did not need expensive office space, particularly in large cities and so they have employees working fully or partially remote on a permanent basis. In addition, for "at work" office space many firms have moved away from "offices" or even cubbies to common "plug-in" stations where workers find a spot and have access to power and internet so they can work. Add in conference/meeting space and you can still have face to face meetings if necessary but a much smaller, less expensive office footprint. It remains to be seen how this will work out long-term in terms of worker productivity. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence of "Zoom fatigue" and a desire for more human interaction among some workers so this is a trend worth watching. Another trend has been the speed of change. COVID showed us in many ways that our environments can be altered substantially almost overnight. Supply chain management is a great example. From a worker perspective, not being intimidated by this type of possibility will be a key going forward.

The University of Akron
George W. Davario School of Accountancy
Julianne Jones: Yes, I believe there will be an enduring impact on graduates. Most notably it will be the increase in flexible work schedules (i.e. work from anywhere programs). Employers and employees have now experienced remote working and how successful it can be. While remote working is not viable for every project, employers and employees are likely to work together to create flexible programs allowing employees to come to the office when needed and work from "anywhere" at other times.
Julianne Jones: Data have consistently shown that people with either a CPA or a CMA license can earn substantially more. People should consider obtaining a Master's degree either in accounting or in taxation. This will not only help them pass the CPA or CMA exam, but also help them gain specialized knowledge and advance their careers. These advanced degrees can enhance people's expertise, the likelihood for faster promotions, the ability for lateral moves, and thus increase their long-term earnings. A specialized Master's degree has a greater link to students' success at the CPA exam and promotions than a second major or minor. Statistics consistently report that people in accounting with a specialized Master's degree earn substantially more over lifetime than those with a Bachelor's degree. Students at The University of Akron can enroll in our Accelerated Accounting degree programs, which allows them to graduate in 5 years with their Bachelor's and Master's degrees (BS/MSA or BS/MTax). This saves the students money and time and increases their long-term earning potential!

Michael Mamo Ph.D.: Not sure how this relates to the previous themes but I do not believe the quest to increase one's earning potential is a noble goal. As humans we value (or should value) the benefits of enlightenment that come from education and life-long learning. Of course, enlightenment could translate to monetary gains. Enlightenment also comes with a greater sense of fulfilment in life and provides the person with traits of empathy, integrity, and other virtues such as justice and perseverance. Beyond improving ones earningn potential, education is a life-affirming process and that is what I would advise people in my field to aspire for.
Adam Cahill: Thankfully what we are seeing in regard to trends in the job market are good ones. Interactions taking place between employers and candidates, jobs being posted, and employers actively recruiting students and alumni in the plant science industries has kept steady throughout the pandemic. The biggest difference is that these things are now taking place virtually instead of on campus.
We have also seen a change with more remote work being mentioned in job descriptions and deeper intentionality placed on how employers are managing their employees to make sure they feel safe and are kept safe. More clear and transparent communication is really taking a front seat throughout the hiring process; mostly because a lot of procedures and processes are new given the pandemic, so everyone is being re-educated on how things are done.
Based on the employer requests for new hires and job postings we are receiving at the university, we are not seeing much, if any, reduction in work force in the plant science industry. Homes and businesses are still being landscaped, food still needs to be grown, and plant diseases are still being researched and combated just to name a few of the many driving forces in the positive job outlook for plant science industries.
Adam Cahill: We have seen a steady increase in reported starting salaries from our graduates each year in the plant sciences area. Geographic location tends to be one of the biggest differentiators to help adjust for cost of living in a specific area. The "add on" benefits from companies is also often a contributing factor that comes into play. Signing bonuses or higher starting salaries for candidates who interned with the company are being seen more often as well as more flexible work arrangements. This comes as no surprise to our career office in response to the pandemic and evolving health and safely guidelines. With many organizations tightening their belts around monetary compensation, we are hearing more flexibility in candidates abilities to negotiate other benefit areas such as time off, work/life balance items, and other reimbursement items for them to accomplish their work such as work vehicles, phones, and travel expenses.
Susan Epstein: Clearly the pandemic has had both an emotional and financial impact on recent graduates, as it has had on everyone, really. For some college students, the financial implications mean postponing completion of their degree. For those who are completing their degree this year, the job market will be tight. There are many unemployed professionals with far more experience than a recent grad. It is a time of extreme uncertainty.
But I don't think the picture is all bleak. I think current students and graduates will be some of the most flexible and technically savvy candidates out there. They have proven their ability to pivot. They have had to change their style of learning, practically overnight. They have had to perfect their communication with classmates, teachers, and potential employers over Zoom, as opposed to having the benefit of face to face interaction - and they have done a great job! I think the perspective of these graduates will be quite different than those who graduated even 5 years ago. They have experienced first-hand how to adapt to the unexpected. They left campus in March, 2020 and likely have not been back.
This year's graduates are to be admired for their ability to stay focused amid such chaos. They have endured disruption and loss, yet are still working hard in school and in their communities, and as such are setting a wonderful example for the rest of us. As future leaders, I think this experience will influence their empathy, their relationships, and their willingness to think critically and consider alternate perspectives. And if that is the case, the future looks very bright.
Susan Epstein: The best job for a recent graduate is one for which her or she is passionate and prepared. The pandemic has not changed that. Taking a job that does not meet those criteria, regardless of what is going on in the world, will not be satisfying for the long term. In addition, working for an organization whose culture aligns with your own personal values is extremely important. Your first professional position sets the tone for the rest of your career. You want to ensure that there are challenging responsibilities and room for advancement. You should also take advantage of the networking opportunities within any organization you join. Feeling good about what you are doing and who you are doing it with affects not only your performance, but also the relationships you have with those around you. This is important as you pave the way for a career, as the reputation you create now will influence the way others respond to you going forward.
Susan Epstein: Technology-based skills such as software proficiency and data analysis are important in today's business environment, but obviously this will vary by industry and even job specifications. On the other hand, soft skills transcend job and industry. Strong interpersonal skills (including listening, often a weakness in our communication skill set), critical thinking, and time management make strong leaders and equally strong followers.