Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends
January 22, 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
Daemen College
Daemen College
The Catholic University of America
University of Georgia
University of Maine at Augusta
Brigham Young University
University of Memphis
California State University Long Beach
The University of Oklahoma
Western State College of Law
Troy University
University of Colorado
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
NALA
Margaret Phillips
Associate Professor, Director of Paralegal StudiesDaemen College
Paralegal Studies program
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Margaret Phillips: Given the national and local need for paralegals, I think we will continue to see a high need for well-educated paralegals who can take on a substantial role in a legal office. I expect to see a change in how paralegals work, which mirrors how we as a country have been working for the last year--more hybrid arrangements and working from home.
If a graduate needs to take a gap year, what skills would you recommend they try to enhance and how should they go about doing it?
Margaret Phillips: I would suggest a graduate gets certified in Microsoft Word as up-to-date and sophisticated computer skills are invaluable. Any additional law office computer skills would be equally invaluable. There are many online technology courses that are excellent.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Margaret Phillips: For graduates beginning their career--I would advise them to strap on their seatbelts and get ready to be a life-long learner. Remember to value principles over personalities, and keep learning everyday through reading, asking questions, and pursuing continuing legal education.
Marco Cercone
Adjunct Professor of Litigation, Advanced Litigation and Contract LawDaemen College
Paralegal Studies program
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Marco Cercone: Flexibility. Clients, law firms, and their staffs all are changing the way business was done. Remote working, Zoom meetings, knowledge of technology will be paramount.
If a graduate needs to take a gap year, what skills would you recommend they try to enhance and how should they go about doing it?
Marco Cercone: Focus on their writing and communication skills.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Marco Cercone: Be aware that no task is beneath you and the more value you can provide to your law firm, the more invaluable you become to the organization. Sometimes you may not be hired immediately as a paralegal but you can work your way toward becoming one by starting off at the law firm in a support role, like filing, reception, secretarial, etc.
Chad Smith
Director of Legal ProgramsThe Catholic University of America
Metropolitan School of Professional Studies
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Chad Smith: I would have to say the biggest trend is working from home, specifically, telecommuting. As we are all well aware, much of the country has turned to working from home, and this has led to a significant increase in the use of video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom and the greater use of Cloud Services (Google Drive, One Drive, etc.), to share documents. In turn, this is leveraging everyone's computer skills. It is more important than ever to be tech-savvy and possess the ability to troubleshoot technology issues.
The second biggest trend is an emphasis on communication. As mentioned, we are more digital than ever, so it is imperative that paralegals have good verbal and written communication skills. These skills need to be multifaceted and adaptable to the need/situation (i.e., email, legal pleading, client letter, Zoom/virtual meetings, etc.)
What skills stand out on resumes?
Chad Smith: Paralegal's skills that stand out in the current market:
-Experience with technology, online platforms, and digital/online research (Westlaw, Lexis, Bloomberg Law)
-Telework/telecommuting, e-discovery and cloud computing/services, and document creation and formatting
-Communication/writing skills, specifically, the ability to understand the law and communicate legal matters effectively for court, layman clients, and attorneys
-The ability to write effective legal documents that are clear, concise, and complete
-Organization, efficiency, time management, and case management
I definitely emphasize the requirement of computer skills, as I personally would not hire any paralegal who is not very competent and comfortable working digitally. Additionally, case management and the ability to juggle many cases at a time is extremely important. It definitely stands out when a paralegal has experience managing a large caseload and can produce quality legal pleadings in a very efficient manner.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Chad Smith: Yes. The paralegal job market is growing. The DC/DMV area is in the top five of the country for salary and is the largest paralegal market in the U.S. This is because we have an increased demand for paralegals as we have private firms, federal, state, and local governments. Additionally, there is a major trend in the legal industry with private firms who are transitioning to having fewer attorneys and more paralegals; thus, increasing the demand for competent paralegals.
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Tony Waller: Employers are being more deliberate with recruiting efforts, though in the legal market, it appears many firms are applying lessons learned from the Great Recession to recruiting. As always, students who have built a strong network and are active seekers will have the most success. I suspect there will also be a growth in remote working arrangements.
If a graduate needs to take a gap year, what skills would you recommend they try to enhance and how should they go about doing it?
Tony Waller: Develop client service skills. Any job that allows a student the opportunity to work for and with others, especially if it requires multi-tasking and high attention to detail, is valuable. Enhance networking skills by remaining active in local bar associations.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Tony Waller: Become known as the person in your office or company that is willing to do and learn. Within reason, do not consider any task "below" your job title. At the same time, set goals for the types of projects you would like to have during the first three years of practice and do what you can to meet those goals.
Sharon Sawyer
Program Coordinator of Justice Studies, Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Maine at Augusta
Justice Studies Program
WebsiteWill there be an increase or decrease in demand for graduates in this field in the next 5 years?
Sharon Sawyer: I can tell you that since all of our programs are offered online, as well as on-campus, we were able to keep our students on track during the past two semesters with little, if any, disruption. Our Mediation Certificate, for example, is taught completely online with a strong Zoom component in which students meet in small groups and do mock mediations. Before the pandemic, many mediators were skeptical about the efficacy of video conference mediation. However, once the pandemic hit, and court mediation programs were forced online, our mediation students were already equipped to mediate in the virtual world. Since our students live and work in communities all over Maine, they suddenly found that they were able to join professional development activities as fully as mediators practicing in southern Maine, which is where most Maine mediators work.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
Sharon Sawyer: Our Justice Studies paralegal students worked in virtual internships for social justice organizations and law firms. Our students were already very comfortable working online with video conferencing tools when law firms and non-profits moved online. In fact, they found that they had an advantage because of the skills they developed here at UMA in their online courses. If you think about it, most law-related office work involves research, document preparation, email, sending signed documents, and face-to-face meetings. We have found that all of this is easily done with secure signature and document editing software, email accounts, and video conferencing. While personal meetings in an office are desirable, they are not strictly necessary and might be unsafe in the current circumstances.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Sharon Sawyer: Students who plan to enter law enforcement and corrections have many opportunities in the state open to them. Many positions in law enforcement and corrections in Maine have gone unfilled, even before the pandemic. Maine is demographically the oldest state, so, many law enforcement professionals are nearing retirement age, and there are few qualified younger candidates to fill the vacancies. If anything, I would surmise that the extra stress put on first responders and corrections staff during the pandemic adds to the challenge of recruitment.
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Nathan Rockwood Ph.D.: During the pandemic, working remotely has become much more common. One consequence of this is that employees end up writing much more than they would under normal circumstances. Getting across ideas through writing is a skill that philosophy students develop, and this skill is particularly useful in our current circumstances.
What skills stand out on resumes?
Nathan Rockwood Ph.D.: Although I have some views on what skills philosophy students have that are useful, I have no expertise on what looks good on a resume.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Nathan Rockwood Ph.D.: Like other college graduates, philosophy students are going to want to get jobs in the knowledge economy (as opposed to service jobs or skilled labor, for example). These jobs have traditionally been in larger urban areas, but over the last decade or so, many of these jobs have moved to midsized urban areas such as the Provo-Orem area. This has only accelerated because of the pandemic.
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Alena Allen: I am not sure that anything about the pandemic has been predictable. So I am hesitant to make predications, but I think the acceptance of working from home is here to stay. I think that coupled with the increased acceptance of the UBE will create more opportunities for, in particular, transactional attorneys to work for employers who are not necessarily in the same city or state.
Corporate clients, I would expect, will greatly curtail travel for outside counsel. So, many meetings that would have required a plane ride or a drive will now simply be conducted by Zoom.
I expect that trust and estates, tax, labor and employment, and family practices in particular will see growth.
If a graduate needs to take a gap year, what skills would you recommend they try to enhance and how should they go about doing it?
Alena Allen: Writing is critically important to effective lawyering, so any job that provides opportunities to write would be beneficial. Many law journals accept submissions from lawyers. So, even if a graduate can't find a job that allows her to practice writing, there are other opportunities for writing like law journals or bar journals.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Alena Allen: Many people describe law school as a marathon, not a sprint, and I think the same is true for one's legal career. It is important to be patient and manage expectations. Your first, second, or even third job might not be your dream job, but keep the faith. Be open to opportunities and willing to take some risks, but also never forget what motivated you to go law school in the first place.
Dr. Amy Cabrera Rasmussen Ph.D.
Professor, Director, Design Your Long BeachCalifornia State University Long Beach
Department of Political Science
WebsiteIn your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Amy Cabrera Rasmussen Ph.D.: While we are already seeing cuts to some local and state government operations - with more likely - due to the ongoing economic downturn associated with the pandemic, there is the possibility of some areas of work actually seeing funding gains. For example, governments will likely be hiring to support public health-related efforts such as vaccinations.
Likewise, regardless of larger patterns in the non-profit sector, there are also likely to be opportunities for trusted community organizations to help outreach and communication to local residents - especially in the communities most impacted by the pandemic. We are also seeing greater attention to our public education system and the important role of teachers during the pandemic, so there could be opportunities for political science graduates to put their knowledge to use to help educate the next generation of young people in grades K-12.
What skills stand out on resumes?
Dr. Amy Cabrera Rasmussen Ph.D.: In the case of political science students, substantive knowledge and skill-based knowledge are inextricably linked. Having both and highlighting this combination can be a way for students to stand out to potential employers. For instance, highlighting their grasp of the governmental system, policymaking processes and content might make them an important contributor to a collaborative team. They might build on their knowledge of the complexity of identity and difference to showcase a nuanced understanding of communities and inequities. They could showcasing their work on projects that demonstrate their ability to analyze data that governments, nonprofits, and businesses need to make informed decisions, apply for funding, or develop outreach and marketing efforts. In my experience, political science students stand out most for their ability to analyze complex circumstances and in their ability to convey this to others in written and verbal communication forms.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Dr. Amy Cabrera Rasmussen Ph.D.: I expect that there will be some hiring in locations where government is centered; in particular, with a new presidential administration taking office that has new policy priorities and a need to fill many existing vacancies, there could be opportunities for those wanting to step into civil service roles in Washington, D.C. That said, with the nature of the pandemic increasingly spreading across the nation - in both urban and rural areas - the need for capable individuals who are invested in the public good has never been greater, nor has it ever been so clear that government's impact is geographically dispersed.
Shelly Grunsted
Executive Director - Center for Student Success, Director, First Fidelity Integrated Business Core Program (IBC), Associate ProfessorThe University of Oklahoma
Management & International Business Department
WebsiteIn your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Shelly Grunsted: The most significant trends we see include flexibility, communication through emails and zoom conference calls effectively, and adaptability. A lot depends on how the student will be reporting to work, but these three trends tend to be what we hear the most.
What skills stand out on resumes?
Shelly Grunsted: Depending on the job, but some that stand out: experiential learning experience, leadership skills, communication skills, problem-solving/analytical, internship experience, and collaboration efforts/group-work
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Shelly Grunsted: Right now, we see the trend of the Midwest and South is our biggest job markets. While I am sure there are jobs, the coasts are more shut-down or have restrictions based on Covid-19 limits, and it is harder for a company to hire. We are also seeing that some employers, if they want a student, will employ a student to work but work remotely for a time until the pandemic settles down and they are allowed to be in the office. We had a student work for a DC-based company, but he has been remote since he started in May and hopes to make it to the office in February for the first time.
Deirdre Kelly
Assistant Dean for Career DevelopmentWestern State College of Law
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Deirdre Kelly: It's difficult to tell at this point what/if the enduring impact of COVID-19 will be on graduates. It appears that there may be a shift in how lawyers work and in their work environment, with more remote work and job flexibility a possibility. In fact, it may be possible for some lawyers to live long distances away from their jobs, even in different states, and work remotely.
What type of skills will young graduates need when they enter the workforce in the coming years?
Deirdre Kelly: Young graduates will need the same traditional legal skills that they have always needed. Additionally, they will need to be resilient and creative to weather a more challenging and ever-evolving work environment. They will need to be very disciplined and able to work independently if they are working more remotely and have enough technical skills to navigate the virtual world. New graduates will need to think about how they build relationships with their co-workers and develop mentors, as well as develop clients and networks if the future means working remotely more and not as many in-person meetings.
What experience really stands out on resumes?
Deirdre Kelly: Practical experience. There is no substitute for learning from working in the field under real conditions with real clients, opposing counsel, and judges under the pressure of deadlines and the need to have a successful outcome. Graduates and students need to remember that an experience's depth and quality are far more impactful than sometimes what you perceive as a more prestigious opportunity on paper.
Dr. Jeffrey Rush
Coordinator, Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Assistant Professor of Criminal JusticeTroy University
Division of Anthropology, Sociology and Criminology
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Jeffrey Rush: I think the primary trend will, at least in the short term, be in how we recruit, hire, and onboard new employees. This is particularly true in the private sector. Recruiting will be necessary for public criminal justice. Still, I think, as the post-Floyd stuff starts to wind down and calmer heads prevail, we should be able to resume filling our positions, especially in law enforcement. Also, I think people will be more strategic about where they choose to work. Fallout not only of the pandemic but of the post-Floyd protests and riots. This will make recruiting, where and how, all the more important.
If a graduate needs to take a gap year, what skills would you recommend they try to enhance and how should they go about doing it?
Dr. Jeffrey Rush: Communications and relationship building. Any position that allows the student to improve in these areas will help them pursue a criminal justice position.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Dr. Jeffrey Rush: Be a reader. Read multiple things (books, articles, etc.), including material that is not necessarily aligned with your thinking. Be quiet, listen, and learn on the job. Take advantage of opportunities that might present themselves, even if it requires you to pay, take a vacation, etc. Know what you're getting into. This is the most splendid profession globally, and you need to understand it is a calling. If at any time you don't think the call is still there for you, think about why that might be, talk to trusted friends, counselors, and mentors. Find a mentor, a Rabbi that will help you navigate your career.
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Mary Ann Cutter Ph.D.: The biggest trends are (1) working remotely and (2) delivering products (including educational ones) online and virtually. (Note how companies are moving to these modes of delivery, despite the consequences to brick-and-mortar stores and institutions.) A third trend is (3) thinking about 1 and 2 in innovative and creative ways. Because of 3, philosophy and its focus on critical thinking skills have great relevance in our lives!
If a graduate needs to take a gap year, what skills would you recommend they try to enhance and how should they go about doing it?
Mary Ann Cutter Ph.D.: -I recommend that students develop information technology skills and ways to deliver products online and virtually. This is the future at work. Students will probably not receive this type of training in their higher education experiences because many higher education educators are behind the curve.
-If (1) is not possible, get outside yourself. Volunteer in an area that you are passionate about and learn something about yourself and the site you care about.
-And, read. Read in areas that interest you. It's amazing what you can learn from others!
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Mary Ann Cutter Ph.D.: Two things: (1) be good at what you do and (2) love what you do. Otherwise, you will become frustrated with what you do and then will not do it! And it is hard to live life without doing something, so choose what you do in life thoughtfully and meaningfully. Be yourself, but don't be just about yourself.
Emily Allen-Hornblower
Associate Professor of Classics, Director of Undergraduate StudiesRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
WebsiteWhat skills stand out on resumes?
Emily Allen-Hornblower: It really depends on what their long-term goals are... if they are planning on graduate school, then a post-bacc (which we offer) is an excellent idea. Students who want to go on to another course of study often take this year to do LSAT's, med school applications, etc. I hasten to add that no matter what career they ended up going into (including software engineering!), students always say that their Classics degree served them well - as individuals, as professionals, and as critical thinkers.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Emily Allen-Hornblower: I would say, think broadly. Your CV gives you an edge - you chose a course of study that is somewhat atypical, original (and a great conversation starter!) that gave you widely applicable skills.
I mean, who studies Classics? Who willingly subjects themselves to the rigors of Latin or Greek - or both? Who commits to navigating the intricacies of an interdisciplinary path that combines some of the most vital areas of inquiry for our time: social and cultural history, political science, philosophy, psychology, literary studies, material culture?
A go-getter. Someone who is passionate. And is Driven.
And you know what? Employers know that. They see that on your CV, and they think, wow - here is someone interesting and hard-working and who thinks out of the box. And they are right. Xerox saw that. Macy's saw that. The Air Force Intelligence Officer who hired one of our (female!) undergraduates as an officer saw that. The software engineer who hired another one of our grads to join his team as a full-time software engineer saw that. Oxford University Press in New York City saw that - and hired another recent grad as a full-time intern in their Higher Education Editorial Development department. SO: Classics majors, think big and broad. There is no restricted path for what is next.
So - Graduating seniors in Classics (and other Liberal Arts degrees), as you prepare to go forward into the world, you have good reason to go forth
A Classics major is excellent preparation for the pursuit of a wide range of careers in a large number of fields, including, but not limited to, government, law, education, business, journalism, library science, publishing, foreign service, finance, the entertainment industry, museum, and preservation work, pharmaceutical sciences, music, and the arts, foundations, technology, web design, and labor relations. So think broadly. You've got this.
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Emily Allen-Hornblower: No question our economy has been hit hard, and the job market will be very competitive, for students in all courses of study but those who have solid training in the Humanities, along with the strong writing and communication skills that come with it, should do well. Good writers and critical thinkers are essential across the board, and those who have studied history, philosophy, oratory, and literature at its source (that is, the Classics) are well equipped to be competitive in any market.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Vanessa Finley: Entering the workforce in 2020 as a paralegal will, naturally, be different than in previous years, but the demand for legal support positions will not be as negatively impacted as the demand for many other professions. Prior to the pandemic, the paralegal field was growing at a rate significantly higher than the average occupation in the U.S. The legal field is well-established, and there will always be demand for legal services through the public, private, and non-profit sectors, even in financially tight times. In fact, the demand could grow even more, as law firms and legal departments seek cost-effective ways to manage through an uncertain economy.
As defined by the American Bar Association, a paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training, or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. Adding a paralegal position to support and expand the capacity of existing lawyers is far less expensive than hiring a new lawyer, often with comparable results.
As millions of positions have shifted to remote/at-home work environments in 2020, young people entering the workforce have some distinct advantages over established workers due to their comfort level with the technology that comes with remote work and their embracing of the gig economy. There are growing opportunities for project-based jobs for paralegals, especially as lawyers seek expanded legal support but are not yet able to create a new permanent position.
NALA has some specific advice for paralegals entering the field at this time. First, be open to positions that have growth potential. You might have to start in a less-complex role to get your foot in the door, but starting "smaller" is better than not starting at all. An internship or an administrative support position in the right company can open the door to many more opportunities that are better fitted to your interests and education.
Second, stand out in the paralegal profession by becoming a Certified Paralegal (CP). Becoming a CP is a mark of high professional achievement. Passing takes determination, time, and effort. Achieving this designation shows employers and fellow professionals that you are willing to go above and beyond to learn, grow, and excel in your professionalism and knowledge of the legal field.
And finally, strive to be a team player in any position or role you are in. Once technical skills are learned and demonstrated, more often than not, it is the emotional intelligence and soft skills that will really help a paralegal excel and advance in the field.
