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Job outlook for operations coordinators in the United States
Operations coordinator job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected operations coordinator job growth rate is 12% from 2018-2028.
About 52,400 new jobs for operations coordinators are projected over the next decade.
Operations coordinator salaries have increased 9% for operations coordinators in the last 5 years.
There are over 185,785 operations coordinators currently employed in the United States.
There are 102,598 active operations coordinator job openings in the US.
The average operations coordinator salary is $41,934.
Are operations coordinator jobs in demand?
Operations coordinator job and salary trends over time
Operations coordinator jobs over time
Operations coordinator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 185,785 | 0.06% |
| 2020 | 66,144 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 107,805 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 186,733 | 0.06% |
| 2017 | 178,685 | 0.05% |
Average operations coordinator salary over time
Operations coordinator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $41,934 | $20.16 | +4.0% |
| 2024 | $40,338 | $19.39 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $39,393 | $18.94 | +0.7% |
| 2022 | $39,102 | $18.80 | +1.4% |
| 2021 | $38,561 | $18.54 | +1.3% |
Operations coordinator jobs by state
Most common states for operations coordinators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 623,657 | 251 | 40% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 353 | 33% |
| 3 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 228 | 33% |
| 4 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 186 | 32% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 277 | 29% |
| 6 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 360 | 27% |
| 7 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 226 | 26% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 188 | 25% |
| 9 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 382 | 22% |
| 10 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 446 | 21% |
| 11 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 953 | 20% |
| 12 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 356 | 20% |
| 13 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 580 | 19% |
| 14 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 271 | 19% |
| 15 | Alaska | 739,795 | 141 | 19% |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 732 | 18% |
| 17 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,242 | 17% |
| 18 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 936 | 17% |
| 19 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 656 | 17% |
| 20 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 329 | 17% |
Most common cities for operations coordinators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bethesda | 8 | 13% | $41,744 |
| 2 | Cambridge | 6 | 5% | $48,346 |
| 3 | Boston | 19 | 3% | $48,395 |
| 4 | Washington | 19 | 3% | $44,789 |
| 5 | Atlanta | 15 | 3% | $38,034 |
| 6 | San Francisco | 19 | 2% | $50,141 |
| 7 | Denver | 14 | 2% | $41,487 |
| 8 | Baltimore | 13 | 2% | $42,265 |
| 9 | Miami | 9 | 2% | $42,997 |
| 10 | Tampa | 7 | 2% | $42,698 |
| 11 | Los Angeles | 21 | 1% | $48,868 |
| 12 | Chicago | 19 | 1% | $41,124 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 15 | 1% | $42,802 |
| 14 | Sacramento | 7 | 1% | $49,414 |
| 15 | Austin | 6 | 1% | $42,779 |
| 16 | Indianapolis | 6 | 1% | $36,529 |
| 17 | New York | 33 | 0% | $48,177 |
| 18 | Houston | 10 | 0% | $42,621 |
| 19 | Philadelphia | 7 | 0% | $42,551 |
| 20 | San Diego | 6 | 0% | $48,373 |
Operations Coordinator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of operations coordinator experts
Susquehanna University
Murray State University
Western Kentucky University
Connecticut College
Heidelberg University
California State University - San Bernardino
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
Brazosport College
Canisius College
Augsburg University
University of the District of Columbia
Austin Community College
Wichita State University
Marshall University
Drexel University
Northern Michigan University
Pepperdine University, Seaver College
Sam Houston State University
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Houston Baptist University
Lauren Smith
Lecturer of Management & MarketingSusquehanna University
Business Administration, Management And Operations
What general advice would you give to an Operations Coordinator?
Lauren Smith: Lauren Smith advises graduates to actively engage in a dual pursuit of entrepreneurship and traditional corporate roles, emphasizing the importance of gaining diverse experiences.
What Operations Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lauren Smith: Lauren Smith suggests that maximizing salary potential at the start of a career can be achieved by acquiring experience in different facets of business, such as entrepreneurship, corporate roles, and operational management.
What will help Operations Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Lauren Smith: Lauren Smith highlights the significance of skills in organizational management, operations, training development, and marketing, providing a well-rounded perspective on corporate dynamics.
Dr. Ben Littlepage
ProfessorMurray State University
Educational Administration And Supervision
What will help Operations Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Dr. Ben Littlepage: Salary is maximized when leaders are sought after. Leaders who pursue meaningful experiences and remain 'market ready' are viewed as an asset to any organization. Leaders must carefully consider where the field is moving and respond.
Warren Beeler
Western Kentucky University
Food Science And Technology
What Operations Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Warren Beeler: 1. Communications or social skills, 2. a knowledge of logistics (tracking and traceability)
What will help Operations Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Warren Beeler: Be a good example, team members are measured by their effort, passion, knowledge and positive attitude. The example you set by doing things you don't have to is why projects are successful. That example gets notice. Enthusiasm and a positive attitude are contagious with co workers and make the work place productive and gets noticed. Success is earned. Earn your money and salary bumps should follow..
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Operations Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Julia Kushigian Ph.D.: The exciting trends for students graduating in Hispanic Studies and for those already in the job market are the potential benefits of a remote learning anticipated years ago through pedagogical tools designed by those in language, literature and culture. The interactive formulas, ability to engage participants and broaden the definition of language learning to include cultural studies of a variety of professional fields were already in the works and Covid was the impetus to move even faster. We know from a variety of studies, including a major report by the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages, for example, that 9 out of 10 U.S. employers rely on employees with language skills other than English. Spanish being in high demand is the most sought after language. Of course, beyond the more obvious benefits of being bilingual ("Why Bilinguals are Smarter" NYT 2012) are the less obvious of being adept at solving certain mental problems, thriving in ambiguity, flexibility with unknowns and the potential to stave off dementia later in life.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Operations Coordinators?
Julia Kushigian Ph.D.: A 4-year degree with a major in Hispanic Studies, a certificate from an International Studies Center (at Connecticut College the Center for International Studies in the Liberal Arts with an ACTFL ranking of Advanced, a local or global internship in the foreign language and/or foreign culture, nationally recognized ACTFL cerntification, translation licensing.
How have salaries changed over time for Operations Coordinators?
Julia Kushigian Ph.D.: As demand has increased, salaries have risen tremendously to try and keep pace. In fields like education, business, health care, government, social services, service related employment, law, etc., salaries have improved year over year to stay competitive.
Paige Atterholt
Adjunct ProfessorHeidelberg University
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operations 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.
What's a good job out of college for Operations Coordinators?
Paige Atterholt: A good job out of college is a job that you feel passionate about because I believe your happiness comes first. Being in the world of education, a good job in my eyes is a job that you enjoy going to every day, want to make an impact, and enjoy the time you have with your students.
What will help Operations Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Paige Atterholt: There are many ways a teacher can increase their earning potential. This can be done through continuing education, maybe looking at a Masters or more to move up on the pay scale. Teachers can advise student council, tutoring, or even look at coaching to earn more money. There's vast opportunities in the world of education! Schools always need teachers who are well-rounded.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operations Coordinators?
Daniel MacDonald Ph.D.: There will be an enduring impact of the pandemic on graduates because of the shift of preferences to remote work in some occupations. This could be a plus. While many jobs are not suitable for remote work, the jobs that graduates are looking for are more likely to be suitable for remote work than jobs that don't require a college degree. As a result of the preference for remote work, graduates might find that they have some options for where they live, and they might choose to live in lower-cost areas, even if it means not earning as much money.
On the other hand, graduates spent the last year or so in remote learning environments, and with the other social and economic changes brought about by the pandemic, this could mean they didn't pick up the same amount of skills they would have with in-person classes. Graduates need to make sure they are still learning the tools and skills that are so important in those senior-level courses - these will make them weather the job market more effectively.
What will help Operations Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Daniel MacDonald Ph.D.: In my field of economics, data and computer science skills, like advanced skills in Microsoft Excel or Python/R, would make graduates more competitive and will increase their long-run earnings potential.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Operations Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Dorothy Zilic: There are some aspects of COVID-19 that have been eye-opening in terms of exploring options to accomplish tasks and maintain services. From discussions with regional employers and HR professionals, it appears that there may be more virtual/remote opportunities. There has not always been a work-from-home mentality in many industries, but due to COVID-19, many more employers have adapted and been innovative in their practices to open up the format of the work. It does appear that some remote options may continue given the success that they have seen in various areas of work performed. Several companies have begun using virtual trainings with their employees for instance, which I believe will also see a continuation.
Aspects to the recruitment process may continue, such as virtual information sessions from recruiters across the county to virtual interviewing. Virtual and/or video interviews had begun to take off prior to last March and it has been very beneficial to giving the students and alumni opportunities to connect, use technology, and make a positive impression. Many networking opportunities that have been significant in the past have continued in virtual platforms. It is important to make valuable connections and this can be done in different formats. The importance of skills that employers have looked for universally also still appears to be consistent. Some examples include: verbal and written communication, organization, adaptability, leadership, and problem solving. More than ever, familiarity with technology and the ability to be flexible can be helpful within one's work.
Students may also see less of a barrier to their geographic location, if they do not want to move. They may want to explore remote/virtual opportunities where they can utilize technology to help them gain valuable experience and/or enter the workforce.
What soft skills should all Operations Coordinators possess?
Dorothy Zilic: This is a time to consider all kinds of opportunities for one's next step. Every opportunity can open a new door. Graduates may want to explore their options. There are many employers hiring. Colleges and universities are working to connect students and especially graduates to employment and opportunities for continuing education. There are virtual and in-person job and internship fairs, graduate school information sessions, prospects for public-service positions, and virtual interview and networking opportunities. Many schools are not only working to connect students with employers, but also with caring and supportive alumni. There are many opportunities to connect for career-related opportunities, service learning, and mentoring.
There are entry-level options both in the private and public sector. Management training programs and rotational leadership programs are both examples of a starting point for business-related students to enter the workforce, enhance their experience, and build skills for success in their current position, as well as to make lateral moves and to ultimately look toward upper-level positions. I encourage students to look into options also within the government to learn what kinds of opportunities exist for your major.
What will help Operations Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Dorothy Zilic: Experience continues to be an important factor when entering the workforce in numerous fields. The majority of employers want to see some kind of related experience, such as an internship, part-time employment, volunteer/service and course-related experiences relevant to their major. There are many employers offering internships, both in-person and virtual. There are also numerous volunteer opportunities to explore that are virtual in nature. This can be a time to be creative! Some students and graduates start their own businesses for example.
It is important to look at the requirements of entry-level jobs within the industry to know what experience one should strive for throughout his/her college career. There are several fields, such as Accounting and Public Relations/Marketing, where more than one internship may be advisable. Including a "Related Experience" section on a resume allows the students/candidates to display their most relevant work quickly to an employer.
Skills are also noteworthy and may help someone to be a competitive applicant when applying. Are there skills the employer is seeking, such as needing proficiency with Excel for an Accounting position? In addition to highlighting examples of related experience on a resume, skills are essential to include on a resume, cover letter, and/or in an interview. There may be skills specific to the position and also transferable skills.
Transferrable skills are beneficial to showcase because they transcend the position. These skills may be applicable to any position and often when employers interview, they use behavioral interviewing to determine how someone has reacted/acted in the past to help them to predict how the person will behave in the future. These skills and also one's attitude can show he/she is a capable and enthusiastic candidate.
While in college, students may work in different areas other than their chosen field of study. They may have had part-time positions that are more related to their major, but they might not be as directly related. It is important to think about each position/experience one has had, what has been learned, and what strengths have been brought out or enhanced. When talking to students about their strengths, I often ask the question, "What was the worst day you had on the job?" Thinking about one's most difficult day and how he/she handled it can demonstrate where a person's strengths lie and this is important to remember when talking about skills, abilities, and values. Connecting with the institution's career centers and all the wonderful resources at one's disposal (e.g., faculty, advisors, staff, peers, personal network) can help students not only navigate the job search process, but also to learn how to effectively discuss their experience, skills, and how to market/brand themselves. Each person has so much to give and bring to a position. I encourage students to think about their experiences (e.g., course-related, employment, internship, volunteer, club/organization, public service) and the valuable things they take away from them.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operations Coordinators?
Kenneth Resecker: There is no doubt that the disruption caused by the Coronavirus impact will have, and has already had, a significant impact on students who had to learn through it. While there are many excellent online programs in the world, the program I teach in is not designed for remote or virtual learning. The students who come through the Process Technology program will end up in an industrial or manufacturing career field. The majority of the courses in the program involve hands-on training, and actual operation of the various pieces of equipment they will be working with after graduation. Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, all but two of the courses in the program were in-person learning only. The other courses involved face-to-face instruction, in an environment that had a multitude of visual aids, and many of them involved lab time that was spent interacting with the equipment. Today, the vast majority of the courses in our program are provided with an online/virtual lecture, with lab time on a separate day. Some courses even utilize pre-recorded lectures that student will watch on their own time, in an attempt to maximize the virtual interaction and lab time expanding on what was seen in the pre-recorded lecture. All that to say, it just isn't the same as being face-to-face with the students. Being able to read their body language and see their facial expressions as you teach is invaluable, and when it isn't there, the quality of instruction diminishes. The students who will graduate thought this pandemic will have lost a lot of the quality instruction they should have received. I wouldn't go so far as to say the impact would be enduring, so to speak, because I believe they can overcome the impact given enough time and on the job training.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Operations Coordinators?
Kenneth Resecker: In the Process Technology program, it would be difficult to point to one particular course that would have the biggest impact. The program is designed in such a way that each course builds on the previous course, so the bigger impact would be the quality of instruction received on the previous course as student progresses through. The first courses taken have a lot of information that students need to memorize. The next course requires them to identify equipment and explain how it works. The next gives them multiple pieces of equipment working together, and they have to analyze the system and explain how the system is affected by other parts of the system, and so on. By the end of the program they are actually starting up a small plant and bringing it within normal operating parameters. So, that being said, receiving a quality education throughout the entire program is what will ultimately have the biggest impact on your job prospects. Also, given the hands-on and physical labor aspects of our industry, the individual skill set and aptitude of the student will play a large role in both their success in the program and their ability to find a spot in the industry.
What will help Operations Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Kenneth Resecker: In our field, your earning potential is both deep and wide. What I mean by that is, a Process Technician can make a lot of money, and can also fill a lot of different roles within the industry. The Process Technology field is present in a variety of different markets: chemical and petrochemical, pharmaceutical, water treatment, paper production, oil & gas exploration, and many more. There's a wide variety of options to choose from and the amount of money that can be made in any of them depends on the person's drive to excel. Many in the Process Technology field are satisfied with being a technician for their entire career with a 100k salary each year. Others, who may not want to stay in the same role that long, have a variety of different roles they could transition to. Many technicians move in to training roles, become a Technical Advisor, or move up to a supervisor position. So, like I said, the biggest factor to a person's earning potential increasing would be their individual drive to want to do more. The possibilities are near endless if the person wants to pursue them.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operations Coordinators?
Robyn Brouer Ph.D.: Yes, in that it will impact the world of business. The landscape of working for an organization is going to change drastically. I suspect that many jobs will remain remote or partly remote. Rather than dipping a toe into remote work options, organizations were forced to adopt them whole. Many will realize that remote work is more cost effective. This same impact will be felt for jobs that used to include travel. Many organizations have seen how easy it is to use online meeting tools and will not go back.
What technical skills for an Operations Coordinator stand out to employers?
Robyn Brouer Ph.D.: Employers can train on technical skills, what they routinely ask for are "soft skills"- they want graduates who can think critically, effectively communicate, can work well in teams, and do so in a professional manner with a strong work ethic.
George Dierberger
MBA Director, Associate ProfessorAugsburg University
Business Administration
What's a day at work look like for an Operations Coordinator?
George Dierberger: Recent college graduates have had a tough time with covid and working from home. For workers who have children in school, it has been incredibly stressful with online demands for everyone in the family. For younger workers, the lack of connection has been challenging for everyone--Zoom meetings only get you so far. I look forward to a hybrid approach in the fall, when workers will have the option of going into the office. I do believe the days of commuting to work 5 days a week is over. I would be very concerned for the major downtown infrastructures (large buildings, high rents, parking spaces, restaurants) that the party will never be the same moving forward. Companies have discovered that their people may be more productive at home then commuting an hour each way into work.
What soft skills should all Operations Coordinators possess?
George Dierberger: Soft skills are a requirement for business graduates. The ability to play nicely in the sandbox with coworkers is critical for success. Also, a major trend is diversity and inclusion and equity for all workers.
Carolyn Cousin Ph.D.
ProfessorUniversity of the District of Columbia
Division of Science and Mathematics
What technical skills for an Operations Coordinator stand out to employers?
Carolyn Cousin Ph.D.: In biology, you must have skills in molecular biology or biotechnology. You must be able to analyze data and relate it to the known literature which is obtained mainly from refereed journal articles in the field. You must have exceptional writing skills. No one has the time to teach you how to write.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operations Coordinators?
Carolyn Cousin Ph.D.: I think the impact on our graduates will be no greater than the impact that the pandemic will have on the Nation or the world as a whole. Making use of technology for interactive activities is cheaper and suitable to a degree but I have not found it totally satisfactory. A virtual meeting is not tantamount to a face-to-face meeting and our students have indicated to me that they have felt this difference. Also, I, as an instructor, have felt the difference and have tried to correct this but have not been successful. The University of the District of Columbia is known for its nurturing quality and virtual communications does not allow for the face-to-face association that most nurturing protocols required. I have only been able to achieve this relationship when I can sit with a student in the same room, listen and serve as a mentor.
I am able to relate my knowledge and assess my mentee's conversation couple with his/her body language and this allows me to determine my success or failure. Further, I have found it very difficult to almost impossible to hire a person in a position of authority or one in a position that I have to supervise, without a face to face meeting. This may be possible, if I interview the individual several times. Possibly then, I can get a better assessment. Personally, I feel that face-to-face interactions allow for better assessments. Further, I have had to change my research focus during the pandemic and I look forward to helping my students perfect their research skills which could not be enhanced via the internet. Observing a protocol performed is not the same as doing it yourself. This is, especially, true in our electron microscopy laboratory where perfecting ultramicrotomy is impossible to teach without close interactions.
What's a good job out of college for Operations Coordinators?
Carolyn Cousin Ph.D.: A job that will allow you to advance and assist you in this advancement.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operations Coordinators?
Stuart Greenfield Ph.D.: According to the National Student Clearinghouse estimates for Fall 2018-Fall 2020, Nscresearchcenter, enrollment inf post-secondary institutions declined by 703.9K. Of this decline, 621.4K (88.3%) were attributed to Public 2-year institutions.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Operations Coordinators?
Stuart Greenfield Ph.D.: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupation Outlook, half the twenty fastest jobs, BLS, require only a high school diploma. The three fastest-growing jobs, Care Aides, Fast-food workers, and Cooks, only require a high school diploma.
The health care sector has been and will continue to be the fastest-growing sector in the economy. Many of these occupations require certifications. The health care sector's growth should provide community colleges an area for growth as they can provide health care training at an affordable cost.
The Philadelphia Fed has a tool, Philadelphiafed, that shows what training/skills are required for job seekers to improve their earnings.
What soft skills should all Operations Coordinators possess?
Stuart Greenfield Ph.D.: Given the changing demographics that the country has experienced, the entire education continuum must change. According to the Brookings Institution, Brookings, the non-Hispanic White population in the under 18 cohort since 2000 has declined.
As you'll note from the occupations that are projected to increase the greatest, most require face-to-face contact, so that soft-skills will be necessary. I would also expect that critical thinking skills will be needed as more responsibility will be required of front-line workers.
Sonja Armbruster
Health Sciences EducatorWichita State University
Department of Public Health Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operations Coordinators?
Sonja Armbruster: Absolutely. For most of my 20-year career in public health, my colleagues and I have been frustrated by the fact that most people have no idea what public health is. At least now, most people have some understanding of some aspects of the field of public health. Particularly, people see that policy development, assessing community needs, community engagement and addressing equity are all core responsibilities of this field. After 9/11/2001 and the anthrax events, new preparedness dollars flowed into public health, and over times those funding streams slowly eroded again. Over the next few years, it is reasonable to expect increased funding to support public health. This article from The Nation's Health would be a good resource to learn more: www.thenationshealth.org
What's a day at work look like for an Operations 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.
What technical skills for an Operations Coordinator stand out to employers?
Sonja Armbruster: The technology of this moment may change in the next moment. The capacity to quickly learn new systems and processes is a critical skill. In large-part, this requires a willingness to say yes, and perhaps a willingness to make mistakes and try again. Successful new-graduates are coachable. None of us is as smart as all of us. New grads need to seek coaching and feedback from others. Older co-workers may have wisdom to share, or they may be missing a perspective or skill needed - and either way, new grads can learn so much by watching and paying attention. One of the most valuable skills one can hone is the approach to the work. New responsibilities are an opportunity to grow in the job, not a burden. While you likely won't see this on a normal "technical skills" list, stand-out employees have a healthy willingness to "go-figure-it-out" and then consult with one's supervisor or team rather than waiting to be told what to do or having a narrowly defined "job-jar". GFIO.
Dr. E.Del Chrol
Chair of Humanities, Professor of ClassicsMarshall University
Humanities Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operations 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.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Operations 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 Operations Coordinators?
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.
What's a good job out of college for Operations Coordinators?
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.
What technical skills for an Operations Coordinator stand out to employers?
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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operations Coordinators?
Dr. Jim Marquardson: In the short term, the job market may be tough. Companies may be unsure about their financial situations and therefore hesitant to hire right away. But I am already seeing a lot of companies start to post more job openings. All businesses know that they need better cybersecurity solutions, and they need good people to implement those solutions, so those projects cannot be delayed until we're completely past the pandemic. Criminal activity is not slowing down just because of COVID-19. Job seekers may have to be flexible in where they move, whether they are willing to work remotely, or what kind of company they want to work for starting out in their careers. But the great thing about cybersecurity is that a degree, some certifications, and a few years of work experience make you extremely marketable. Long-term career prospects are excellent.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Operations Coordinators?
Steven Bauer: The coronavirus has accelerated the transformation to a digital world, and this effect will continue after the pandemic is behind us. Graduates will need to be able to navigate a hybrid business environment, with in-person and virtual meetings, interactions and platforms. There will also be increased opportunities to be entrepreneurial and innovative in the digital area. In addition, graduates will have to become more skilled at navigating a global environment since greater digitization will draw countries closer to each other.
What soft skills should all Operations Coordinators possess?
Steven Bauer: The new hybrid world will make leading teams more challenging. This reality will put a premium on interpersonal skills. When the NASA astronaut, Richard Arnold, spoke at Pepperdine in 2019, he mentioned that team building was the single most important ability undergraduates could develop to become a good astronaut. The same holds for graduates wanting to go into business, particularly in the post coronavirus era. As part of their skills in this area, graduates will also need to be able and committed to addressing issues in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Carliss Miller Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of ManagementSam Houston State University
Department of Management & Marketing
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Operations Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Carliss Miller Ph.D.: Flexible working arrangements were considered a perk or benefit, but given the pandemic more and more jobs will be designed with flexible work arrangements in mind. We will continue to see trends in the labor market with a push towards personal services (e.g. virtual assistants, professional organizers) and professional services. There will also continue to be a demand for knowledge work. More and more, employers are looking to hire applicants that can provide concrete evidence of being "Day 1" ready.
Employers will focus more on identifying prospects with certain "soft skills" which were a nice-to-have pre-pandemic, but are now critical for organizational survival. These skills include: critical thinking, agility, ability to adapt to change, resilience, virtual team effectiveness, crisis management, emotional intelligence, empathy, and inclusive leadership. Additionally, data analysis and interpretation is a highly sought after skill even for jobs that historically did not require analytical ability.
What's a good job out of college for Operations Coordinators?
Carliss Miller Ph.D.: Good jobs out of college are those that offer structured training, development, and job rotation. While some college students identified their career at age 5 and never veered away, some are still figuring out what they want to do after college. A job opportunity that recognizes the potential of new talent, willing to invest in training and development, and provides opportunities for new employees to experience different job functions enables new graduates to gain a realistic job preview that pays and allows them to identify an opportunity within the company that best aligns with skills and interests. Positions that are for a specific job function but have an apprenticeship model, like a "sales trainee" position, are also great for career stepping stones right out of college.
Michelle Ruiz Ph.D.
Assistant professor, Healthcare administration Program DirectorSaint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Master of Healthcare Administration, Business and Leadership Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Operations Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Michelle Ruiz Ph.D.: When looking at specific fields, like healthcare, there are unusually high stressors right now that are bringing about higher than average turnover. This changes the job market for qualified candidates who are looking for work, making it easier for applicants to find a position than during previous economic downturns. Other industries will see a more permanent shift in their hiring, people who were employed in entertainment, travel, and dining for example are seeing a shrinking job market. Employees from those areas are pivoting to more stable industries to find work again, through entry level positions or going back to school for a new bachelors or master's degree.
Michael Kraten Ph.D.
Professor of Accounting, Chair, Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance, Program Coordinator, Accounting, BBAHouston Baptist University
Accounting, Economics and Finance Department
What technical skills for an Operations Coordinator stand out to employers?
Michael Kraten Ph.D.: Short-term skills like data analytics establish college graduates as credible staff professionals. Long-term skills like critical thinking and persuasive communication can place graduates on long-term career paths to senior management.