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Job outlook for office services coordinators in the United States
Office services coordinator job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected office services coordinator job growth rate is -5% from 2018-2028.
About -130,800 new jobs for office services coordinators are projected over the next decade.
Office services coordinator salaries have increased 16% for office services coordinators in the last 5 years.
There are over 11,481 office services coordinators currently employed in the United States.
There are 126,098 active office services coordinator job openings in the US.
The average office services coordinator salary is $38,924.
Are office services coordinator jobs in demand?
Office services coordinator job and salary trends over time
Office services coordinator jobs over time
Office services coordinator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11,481 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 12,415 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 13,163 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 13,239 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 13,215 | 0.00% |
Average office services coordinator salary over time
Office services coordinator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $38,924 | $18.71 | +3.8% |
| 2025 | $37,503 | $18.03 | +4.0% |
| 2024 | $36,060 | $17.34 | +3.9% |
| 2023 | $34,705 | $16.68 | +3.0% |
| 2022 | $33,691 | $16.20 | +3.4% |
Office services coordinator jobs by state
Most common states for office services coordinators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 273 | 39% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 231 | 31% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 280 | 29% |
| 4 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 442 | 26% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,405 | 25% |
| 6 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 488 | 23% |
| 7 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 197 | 23% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 172 | 23% |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,542 | 22% |
| 10 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 687 | 22% |
| 11 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 402 | 22% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 244 | 18% |
| 13 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 833 | 17% |
| 14 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 665 | 17% |
| 15 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 98 | 17% |
| 16 | Vermont | 623,657 | 100 | 16% |
| 17 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,147 | 15% |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 853 | 15% |
| 19 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 287 | 15% |
| 20 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 161 | 15% |
Most common cities for office services coordinators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Plainfield | 1 | 4% | $43,517 |
| 2 | Newport Beach | 3 | 3% | $47,007 |
| 3 | Inver Grove Heights | 1 | 3% | $41,643 |
| 4 | Bethesda | 1 | 2% | $40,716 |
| 5 | Springfield | 2 | 1% | $35,870 |
| 6 | Bloomington | 1 | 1% | $41,629 |
| 7 | New Haven | 1 | 1% | $42,223 |
| 8 | San Mateo | 1 | 1% | $49,174 |
| 9 | Stamford | 1 | 1% | $42,221 |
| 10 | Tempe | 1 | 1% | $40,935 |
| 11 | Vista | 1 | 1% | $46,672 |
| 12 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $47,328 |
| 13 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $35,519 |
| 14 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $41,324 |
| 15 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $37,960 |
| 16 | Henderson | 1 | 0% | $45,591 |
| 17 | Houston | 1 | 0% | $37,493 |
| 18 | Jacksonville | 1 | 0% | $35,204 |
| 19 | New York | 1 | 0% | $49,873 |
| 20 | Tampa | 1 | 0% | $35,486 |
Office Services Coordinator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of office services coordinator experts
Ohio University
Missouri University of Science & Technology
Heidelberg University
California State University Channel Islands
Ohio University - Lancaster Campus
Wichita State University
Marshall University
University of Iowa
College of Charleston
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Dixie State University
Albright College
West Liberty University
West Virginia State University
Meredith College
What skills will help Office Services Coordinators earn the most?
Allison White: I'll put professionalism at the top of the list, and then specialized skills come second regarding salary. The medical secretary used to be the one to earn top dollar. Now that there are Medical Assisting programs and licenses, the student must seek the special skills in terminology and clinical service from that degree to earn top dollar in the medical field. Employers want office skills (filing, customer service, scheduling, etc.) and clinical skills (vitals, patient intake, registration, etc.). Still, I recommend that those who are inexperienced seek skills and licenses in the area of their personal interest (law office, government office, medical office, education, and more). I took courses in legal terminology and legal office procedures while completing my associate's degree. I also pursued a business analyst certification and the MOS certifications early on. Later, I continued my education by earning a bachelor's degree in a dual major (business administration and marketing).
What skills stand out on Office Services Coordinator resumes?
Allison White: Knowledge of spreadsheets software such as MS Excel is a commonly sought-after skill. Employers want word processing and spreadsheet skills but often say they want high school graduates and pay accordingly. These skills aren't always taught in high school. Those in the field should seek these skills. Additionally, medical and legal assistants have highly sought after. Terminology courses for these specialized areas are sometimes offered at the vocational schools but are usually offered at the post-secondary level.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Office Services Coordinators?
Allison White: In addition to production software skills, including MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, we often taught database skills using MS Access. Every employer has an employee database and a customer/client database that requires input and sometimes maintenance by office personnel. Keyboarding (65+ wpm), basic bookkeeping/accounting, and filing skills are a must.
Christi Patton Luks
Professor (NTT) and Associate Chair for Academic AffairsMissouri University of Science & Technology
Linda & Bipin Doshi Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Office Services Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Christi Patton Luks: I think that the pandemic has proven to everyone that online education can work. I think this will increase the number of undergraduates that want to take a course or two online while they are working on internship or co-op positions and professionals returning to school virtually for additional credentials and training. Some engineering jobs have been moved to work-from-home successfully, but many still need to be on site. Flexibility will continue, however.
What technical skills for an Office Services Coordinator stand out to employers?
Christi Patton Luks: I've always felt that the most important thing we teach our students is problem-solving skills. The students who can readily relate the theory to their practical experience to develop new solutions are the most valuable. Engineering students that are active on design teams or took advantage of internships and co-ops are in great position for this.
What's a good job out of college for Office Services Coordinators?
Christi Patton Luks: A good job out of college is one that can be adapted to the individual's skills and interests and encourages them to stretch. Frequently, students think they want to work in a particular type of job. Once they have it, they discover that it was not what they thought it would be. Many companies rotate new employees through a variety of positions. Those are great for helping people find their own hidden talents. I know that I have discovered abilities that I would not have even attempted when I was 20.
Paige Atterholt
Adjunct ProfessorHeidelberg University
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Office Services Coordinators?
Paige Atterholt: I think now, being in year 2 of the pandemic, I think if anything there will be more jobs for graduates. Just looking through the jobs online, there are many opportunities for graduates to get a job. I think the older community retired when things got bad, which opened the door for the younger generation.
Amanda Carpenter
DirectorCalifornia State University Channel Islands
Department of Career Development and Alumni Engagement
What's a good job out of college for Office Services Coordinators?
Amanda Carpenter: A solid position for a new college graduate offers training, ongoing development, organizational values alignment, and opportunities for professional growth within an organization. Gaining work experience is key and even if a new graduate is not applying for their ideal position. Staying focused on maintaining employment during this time is essential given the competitive market. Working with a staffing agency is a great way for a new graduate to explore career pathways and gain relevant work experience in temporary roles. For those who have seen job offers rescinded, this is a time to establish a career plan and maintain a keen focus on short and long-term career goals. New graduates should establish a career plan with contingency plans and always have backup options.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Office Services Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Amanda Carpenter: -Market competition- We are seeing an increase in the number of applicants per position, making entry-level employment opportunities extremely competitive. New graduates may be competing for positions with professionals who have significantly more work experience. This means, new graduates must stand out in the applicant pool distinguishing strengths and skills related to the position.
-Recruiting strategy- Employers are adjusting their recruiting strategies in response to the pandemic with more recruiters opting to source candidates virtually. In result, candidates need to polish interview skills in a virtual environment and be prepared to interview in 1:1 and group settings virtually. Employers want to see how candidates respond in these challenging situations. Demonstrating resiliency, adaptability, and the ability to pivot are key skills to demonstrate during these times.
-Remote work- a significant increase in remote work positions opening doors for candidates to consider applying for roles outside of their geographical areas to including international and across the United States.
What technical skills for an Office Services Coordinator stand out to employers?
Amanda Carpenter: -Data analytics skills are critical technical skills that stand out to employers in today's market. According to NACE (2018), the use of data analytics is projected to have the most significant impact on an organization's operational efficiency and revenue generation.
-Source (NACE): www.naceweb.org
Brandy Bailey
Career CoachOhio University - Lancaster Campus
Student Services, Career Services
What soft skills should all Office Services Coordinators possess?
Brandy Bailey: Soft skills may vary depending on the employer, industry, and personal opinions. My biggest ones are communication skills, adaptability, self-awareness, teamwork, problem-solving, intercultural competency, creativity or innovation, and time management.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Office Services Coordinators?
Brandy Bailey: Take a look at the job description for which you are applying, what certifications/licenses/courses do they list? If you personally have any of them that are included in the job description, be sure to include them on your resume. Tailoring your resume, including your skills and experiences, to the job description will have the biggest impact on your job prospects. If you have taken a course that the employer deems as necessary to be able to perform the job, list it on your resume and talk about it during your interview. If you are not quite ready to graduate and apply for jobs, you may still have some time to squeeze in a course or experience that will meet the qualifications of a job that you are interested in applying for in the future. Do your research and tailor your resume and experiences to the job you are applying for to increase your job prospects.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Office Services Coordinators?
Brandy Bailey: The coronavirus pandemic has changed the job market in many ways. For recent graduates, they should highlight the fact that they have persevered and graduated during this time. It has impacted how they live, work, and go to school for over a year now! Many jobs may be work-from-home or only require employees to go in to the workplace one or a few days a week. There is more flexibility with work schedules, and employers are putting the health and safety of employees first now more than ever before. Today's graduates may be more adaptable to change, appreciate work-life balance, and possess communication skills that allow them to utilize a variety of communication methods, not only in-person, but virtually as well.
Sonja Armbruster
Health Sciences EducatorWichita State University
Department of Public Health Sciences
What's a day at work look like for an Office Services Coordinator?
Sonja Armbruster: The pandemic has re-defined what it even means to have a "day at work". I'm writing this response from my home office. Work in public health jobs can involve so many kinds of roles and responsibilities. The only thing I can guarantee is that the successful person seeking a career in public will be constantly curious and constantly learning. There are many public health jobs that are clearly defined with a set of protocols and software and office time that is scripted. Many more public health jobs require learning something new about community members, community partners, the system (including the department/organization one works for), the latest science and political realities that enable and constrain public health work. A day at work will involve continuously learning and seeking to understand new connections.
Dr. E.Del Chrol
Chair of Humanities, Professor of ClassicsMarshall University
Humanities Department
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Office Services Coordinators?
Dr. E.Del Chrol: The courses that are most useful for employers are those that encourage writing, especially when it requires the student to conceive of and execute a large, complex project. If your major has a capstone project or Senior thesis option (and not just examination), take it. Secondarily, upper division courses that draw connections between the classical world and today are vital, especially with professors who aren't stupid. It's easy to say "Today is just like the fall of Rome!", you hear that all the time. But which fall of Rome? The one that created the long-enduring empire in 27 BCE? Or the final death in the West in 476CE (which doesn't include the Eastern empire in Constantinople)? Being able to recognize patterns as well as specificity of a historical moment is of vital importance to navigating our fraught times. That level of cultural awareness is infinitely adaptable to work that one does at a job, even a complex one. Finally, courses that tackle rhetoric are key, since, as Aristotle says, politics is the queen of disciplines. Everything is politics, and being able to navigate that is key.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Office Services Coordinators?
Dr. E.Del Chrol: I have three big fears about potential impacts of the pandemic on grads, and one hopeful one. I'm a believer in the old saying that goes the true judge of one's character is what one does when nobody is watching. Since students aren't under the same scrutiny as they would in a class of students, I am worried about the reward system some may have developed. So, first, if a student cheated on exams because they took it by themselves, not only does that undermine their education but may encourage cheating to get ahead. Second, it's easy to lose focus in a Zoom or Teams meeting or class. I myself more often than I should check my phone when I should be listening to some administrator or other delivering projections. Attention and focus is a skill, and when there's no obvious penalty to checking Insta during a proof, the ability to do deep and rewarding work with true focus is further diminished. Third, I'm concerned that the pandemic is reinforcing the digital divide. A student who has to share a space or a computer or bandwidth is going to have a harder time performing as well as someone who doesn't. The one thing I hope will come out of this is more people able to do their work in a space and a time of their choosing, and that folks won't be compelled to go sit under fluorescent lights in a cubicle 5 days a week. Learning to work creatively and independently is a skill and one that is sometimes ground out of our students by 19th century work-spaces. Fingers crossed we can develop flexibility thanks to the necessity.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Office Services Coordinators?
Brian Lai Ph.D.: I think the impact of the pandemic will be around for another year or so as in-person opportunities start to return. For graduates, the disruption in the economy and lack of in-person opportunities in traditional hiring areas (e.g. DC) has made it harder to find opportunities than before the pandemic.
What type of skills will young Office Services Coordinators need?
Brian Lai Ph.D.: They need to be able to write well, specifically be able to clearly summarize and analyze ideas, policies, and arguments in a succinct manner. They will need at least a working understanding of data analysis techniques, if not some ability to analyze data. In the field of IR, the ability to network and work in a group environment will be important.
What experience really stands out on Office Services Coordinator resumes?
Brian Lai Ph.D.: Authentic experiences that mirror what they will be doing in a job. So internships in similar kinds of positions or experiential learning opportunities that mirror what positions require you to do.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Office Services Coordinators?
Jacob Craig Ph.D.: Yes, without question. I graduated with my undergraduate degree in 2008 while the economy was in collapse, and those impacts are still reverberating.
There are some smart people thinking about this right now. Scott Galloway and Fareed Zakaria have both published compelling books about the effects of COVID on the economic trends-including the education industry. Both of those thinkers have influenced my own ideas.
What's clear is that COVID-19 really only accelerated trends that people have been discussing for some time. Education has been shifting online, movie theaters have been dying, brick and mortar retail has been on decline, and the print industry has been in distress for at least 10 years because of consolidation. Aside from the economic impacts of COVID-19 that have affected the job market, there are a few other impacts graduates should consider. But many of these are good news for graduates who can write and learn to write in new forms for new audiences.
What's key for graduates to know is that the job they want still exists. It's just not in the same industry and goes by a different name.
What type of skills will young Office Services Coordinators need?
Jacob Craig Ph.D.: In school, students are often taught to work by themselves. In some cases, they are even penalized for working with others. In some rare cases, students are asked to do a little group work but only for a short amount of time, at the end of their learning in a class.
The first thing that graduates need to know is that the workplace is nearly opposite from school. Employees, especially professional, technical, and content writer jobs, are more often than not collaborative and teams-based. The added wrinkle is that office culture is unlikely to go back to pre-pandemic occupancy rates.
So graduates need to know is that odds are good that at least part of their job will be remote. And that might be the case for at least part of the time. Announcements from tech, finance, and insurance about their latest work-from-home policies keep making the news. So not only are the chances good that they'll be working in teams, their team members and co-workers won't be in the same room with them. They'll be working collaboratively through writing. This is good news for English graduates. Much of the writing someone in a professional, technical, or content writing job are products meant for public readership. Like press releases that are sent to news outlets. But all of that writing is built on a network of notes, memos, policies, and text threads meant for co-workers. Remote work just means that co-workers will be writing each other more and more often. English graduates who can make texts for public audiences and write effectively to co-workers are positioned to do well.
The second thing that students need to know is how to start and stop writing in the context of someone else's draft. They will rarely begin with a blank screen and end with a finished text.
The third thing is that it's likely small businesses will take some time to bounce back. In those workplace settings, it is likely that an employee will need to have a range of knowledge and skills because their job will combine parts multiple roles. So a copywriter in a small marketing firm might need to also know something about SEO and social analytics and visual design. In larger offices, however, jobs tend to be much more specialized and team-based. So graduates need to be comfortable working in teams where they have an assigned role, and they need to be able to receive work in-process, complete their assigned part, and hand that work off still in-process.
And finally, students need to learn how to learn new technologies. Learn just through documentation, without a human tutorial. Even if employees are exclusively using the Microsoft Suite, it will be used for writing, editing, project management. It will be used to collaborate and present. Depending on where a student studies and what classes they take, those digital pieces might not be a part of their coursework. So, at the very least, students need to know that the workforce will constantly ask them to learn new technologies and new uses for familiar technologies.
Dr. Robert Longwell-Grice EdD
Recruitment & Scholarship CoordinatorUniversity of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Office of Student Services
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Office Services Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Robert Longwell-Grice EdD: Despite the pandemic, careers that have direct contact with people continue to be in high demand. these include careers in teaching and social work. they are considered depression-proof careers. given the increased diversity in the USA, adding a second language to any career will be amazingly useful. Two-year degrees will not be seen as useful. If people are seeking post-secondary credits they need to think about a specific trade certificate, or a four-year degree.
What Office Services Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Robert Longwell-Grice EdD: Most colleges want to see a gap year that is connected to making the world a better place. An internship or a job with a non-profit can be life changing for ones personal development, and ones career. These can be local with an agency in ones community, or national with an agency like City Year or Americorps. Gap years should focus on 'soft skills' where possible so working with the public is ideal. Having said that, any job will give young people valuable experience. My gap year included driving a taxi in Dubuque, Iowa. Boy did I learn a lot about working with people!
Dr. Mike Peterson Ph.D.
Department Chair and Associate Professor of EnglishDixie State University
English Department
What skills stand out on Office Services Coordinator resumes?
Dr. Mike Peterson Ph.D.: Writing skills have always been valued by employers, but anything that shows an ability to write, produce, or communicate in digital spaces will stand out. While employers are becoming increasingly comfortable having employees work and collaborate digitally (from home or elsewhere), they may still be reluctant to train employees how to do that. They want to see evidence that applicants will know how to use technology and stay productive without extensive training and without a supervisor having to stand behind them. That isn't to say training won't take place, but employers want to use their valuable time and resources training employees on their own systems, policies, and procedures; they don't want to have to show new-hires how to use Zoom, how to format a memo, how to write an email, or how to co-edit a document using OneDrive.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Office Services Coordinators to find work opportunities?
Dr. Mike Peterson Ph.D.: The great thing about a degree in English is that graduates can find work anywhere: teaching, freelance writing, technical writing, content production, editing, reporting-you name it. There are ample jobs in small towns and large cities in all of these areas. English degrees are also highly valued in a variety of jobs-such as sales, public relations, marketing, and paralegal work-because employers know these applicants, from day one, will have strong skills in writing, communication, critical thinking, and creative thinking.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Office Services Coordinators?
Guillaume de Syon Ph.D.: In the short term, yes, partly because the learning varied in coverage and sometimes quality. Compressed courses may have included the same objectives as regular, semester-long ones, but reading and writing had to be rescaled. Even courses running a regular semester were affected by distance learning.
Furthermore, internships and other campus jobs were frozen, thus affecting income, but also experience the graduates could share with potential employers. It is too soon to tell how much more of an impact the pandemic will have, but the fact that it will have affected at least two college years will prompt a reevaluation of the campus experience.
What type of skills will young Office Services Coordinators need?
Guillaume de Syon Ph.D.: The same as the ones they needed before. Employers want a combination of experience as well as writing and reading capacities. There may even be a greater need for decent writing, as the shift to online has affected the workforce. On the positive side, successfully negotiating the pandemic conditions could be considered a sign of adaptability.
What experience really stands out on Office Services Coordinator resumes?
Guillaume de Syon Ph.D.: It all depends on the job one seeks, but longer service with one employer suggests stability. Adding an internship or two, even short ones (e.g. from summer) reveals openness of mind. This is important in the case of a humanities degree. Employers welcome these, but do want to see that the applicant has put their skills to work. Finally, stressing one's technical skills in various programs or generic software is good, even if acquired on the go (who knew of "Zoom" before the pandemic?). It also points to adaptability, especially when starting in an office at the entry level.
Dr. Darrin Cox
Professor of HistoryWest Liberty University
College of Liberal Arts
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Office Services Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Darrin Cox: The need for adaptability. Companies are going to focus more on hiring people with a wide array of skills and abilities that provide them the kind of adaptability needed for the modern workspace. It's one of the reasons why I think humanities and social science degrees will be in more demand in the coming years. At their core, these degrees are about analyzing how we interact in the social world while providing specific training in critical thinking, reasoning, and writing. Basically, employers will be looking for those who are tech savvy, but less so in terms of how to operate specific applications or technology and more so in ways that they can be adapted to best suit the needs of the company.
What general advice would you give to an Office Services Coordinator?
Dr. Darrin Cox: Be open to new opportunities and be patient. Degrees in the humanities and social sciences don't just open a single door to a specific job like some others might. They open a wider array of doors that may not be as clearly defined in a recruiter's job placement or headspace. Remember, STEM fields might experience more initial salary, but overall they experience slower salary growth and higher attrition rates than those in the humanities and social sciences. Indeed, people specializing in degrees that train "soft skills" (like history) actually end up earning more than all other degrees on average, due in part to being able to slide more deftly into other positions because their skill set hasn't become obsolete as technology changed.*
*Nytimes
What Office Services Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Darrin Cox: Reading. Then read some more. Read a wide array of materials from multiple perspectives related to your fields of interest and on topics that impact your immediate world. Reading will increase your specific knowledge in these areas, introduce you to competing interpretations, and hopefully stimulate critical thinking as you reconcile new information and perspectives into your own conclusions. Oh, and then read some more. Did I mention you should read?
Anne McConnell Ph.D.
ProfessorWest Virginia State University
English Department
What general advice would you give to an Office Services Coordinator?
Anne McConnell Ph.D.: I would say it's important to be very attentive to the way you communicate with your employers, managers, and co-workers. Even sending an e-mail can be an opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism and communication skills. Some people think that no one knows how to write anymore, or how to communicate in a professional way. I don't think that's true. But we don't always think about how our writing can be a tool to communicate our competence and seriousness. If you know how to write and communicate professionally-which college grads do-then make sure to demonstrate that in the workplace.
What Office Services Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Anne McConnell Ph.D.: I would encourage someone taking a gap year to branch out, seeking work experiences and employment situations that expose them to new skills and allow them to interact with a diverse set of people. Sometimes we find ourselves in a bubble-communicating with the same people, who tend to share the same ideas-and a gap year provides the opportunity to extend beyond that. Employers value employees who have open, flexible minds, and seeking out experiences that demonstrate that openness can be helpful.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Office Services Coordinators?
Angela Robbins Ph.D.: That has yet to be seen, but WFH is here to stay in many sectors. This crisis has had many negative effects, both short term and long term, on workers. We are a women's college, so how this crisis has affected women in the workplace is particularly salient. For some, WFH has been an option and also a positive, because they have kept their jobs while practicing safety measures. But women with young children at home have been the most negatively affected as they try to balance work and family commitments, particularly when children can't be in school or day care. Some mothers have had to give up their jobs because of these conditions. More moms than dads have walked away from their jobs to care for their children, often because moms earn less and also because society expects women to put child care above career aspirations. So the normal mechanisms which, when in place, allow women to pursue the same career opportunities as men but, when missing, make it nearly impossible for women to pursue their career goals, threaten the gains women have made as professionals over the past couple of generations. That's another alarming aspect of this crisis.
Women in the service sector have been hit the hardest, perhaps keeping their jobs, but without the flexibility to work from home and stay safe and keep their families safe. This shines a spotlight on how many working women are in low-paying jobs and viewed as somehow dispensable and essential at the same time, which is not the focus of this feature but is a critical discussion about compensation and worker rights in America. It also impresses upon college women how a college education not only improves their future earnings potential-which is something we have traditionally emphasized-but also offers them a degree of job security. This crisis drives home the reality that, if it's at all possible to stay in college now, it will pay off in the long run. We are witnessing this in real time, so it's not just an idea about what might be. The evidence is in front of us. But for these future working moms to be able to keep their careers on track, we have to do a better job with child care, flexible work schedules, and pay equity, too. This is something that feminists have emphasized for generations.
What experience really stands out on Office Services Coordinator resumes?
Angela Robbins Ph.D.: History majors-and in fact, all students in the Humanities-practice skills in the classroom which have real-world, job performance implications, as laid out above. In my experience, students need to do a better job of communicating on their resumes what exactly those skills are so they do stand out. Job-seekers might list critical thinking skills, leadership skills, and the ability to work on a team on their resumes, for example, but for them to be able to point to specific examples from their classes and projects, and to be able to talk about those in interviews, is especially valuable. Internships also really stand out, because employers want to know that students have practiced these skills outside the classroom and have gained real-world experience, too.