Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends
February 28, 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
Case Western Reserve University
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Manish Valiathan: Dentistry has been around since 7000 B.C years and is clearly one of the most resilient professions in healthcare. Given that fact, I expect the pandemic to have some impact but not a negative one. I expect a steeper trajectory in areas such as teledentistry, use of advanced and emerging technologies that will require fewer and shorter appointments for patients and providers alike, and expect a continued emphasis on preventing the spread of infectious diseases (that our profession has been on top of since the HIV crisis).
What's a day at work going to look like for a recent graduate?
Manish Valiathan: In the short run, so long as the social distancing requirements are in place, all providers will work at a slightly reduced capacity. This is also an opportunity to take one's time to cultivate relationships in the office, evaluate systems and processes, with a keen eye towards opportunities for improvements.
What will help people in your field increase their earning potential?
Manish Valiathan: Even for the provider who is in a heavily insurance-driven operation, at the end of the day, our ability to connect with people determines our success. We are really in the "relationship" business, with both our patients and staff. In my opinion, earnings are simply a trailing metric/index, that gauges if we have done the right thing as providers.
