Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends
February 2, 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
Goshen College
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
University of Hawaii at Manoa
University of Central Florida
Chatham University
Virginia Wesleyan University
Mississippi University for Women
Indiana University South Bend
Seattle Pacific University
Grand Valley State University
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Keith Graber Miller: I would certainly assume there will be an enduring impact on college graduates. Some positions have been lost, permanently, during the pandemic, and others have shifted to remote settings. This might allow people in existing positions to keep their jobs even if they move to a new location to accommodate a partner or spouse: they wouldn't necessarily need to quit the job they are in. And many people graduating haven't been able to do face-to-face internships, which are one of the key gateways toward jobs.
What's a good job out of college and why?
Keith Graber Miller: No idea, honestly, though I think people will be working more from home or remote locations. Because much of the camaraderie in an office space happens in casual encounters in the hallways or at break times, and the quality of our work can better be identified when we are working in the same location, I think it's going to be more difficult to make friends at work, get promotions at work, or prove ourselves at work. That's not good for new graduates.
What technical skills stand out to employers?
Keith Graber Miller: Obviously an ability to work seamlessly online will be essential. Flexibility and adaptability will be critical for new graduates, as well as a strong work ethic and self-motivation. Not every graduate has these skills, but they'll be important for being successful in the coming years.
Chris Miller Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of PsychologyUniversity of Alaska, Fairbanks
Department of Psychology
WebsiteWill there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Chris Miller Ph.D.: For students graduating soon, I don't expect to see any impact of the coronavirus different specific to graduates. College students experienced all of the stresses and negative effects of the past year as we all did. But people who began college in the pandemic year, I wonder if we will see some unique effects. They've had that normal process of going off to college, meeting new people, working together, navigating classes significantly disrupted. Drop-out rates are up, and it's an open question if this temporary period of nearly all online classes leads to a more permanent shift in online classes (which I feel are often lower quality). College has been changing a lot in recent years, and not in ways that particularly improve the quality of education, and I'm worried the pandemic is going to accelerate some of the worst of those effects.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact on your job prospects?
Chris Miller Ph.D.: I'm afraid I'll have to punt on this one. I just don't know, and suspect the answer changes as the economy changes. Unfortunately, the biggest effects I'm aware of are the prestige and name recognition of your institution, not the more granular details of courses or certifications.
What soft skills should all graduates possess?
Chris Miller Ph.D.: Some of the most straightforward: Organization and planning, basic writing (surprisingly deficient these days) and email etiquette, effective teamwork (again, I worry how online classes affect that one). "Grit" is a popular one tossed around today. Psychometrically, "grit" is actually a bit of a kludge of different psychological factors (mostly personality factors). But one element of it I think is important: a growth mindset. That is the mindset that I can and still need to learn, and to be willing to take on challenges and risk failure. Failure is one of the most important learning opportunities, and increasingly our educational system seems to focus on shielding students from failure rather than teaching them to learn from it. I think that's a big problem. Students and new employees need to be willing to ask questions, challenge themselves and learn from their failures. Good management and mentorship is a big part of that, but so is that growth mindset in the graduate.
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Emily Daubert Ph.D.: The psychology job market is diverse, but despite the pandemic, I believe there will still be plenty of jobs available in the field of psychology in general. Though, I will qualify this answer by saying that it depends on one's training and area of expertise. Clinical/counseling jobs are always available, and there was a shortage of clinicians prior to the pandemic. Post pandemic, with the increased need for and acceptance of mental health services, I expect that those graduating with a specialty in clinical psychology will fare very well. There are some fields of psychology that may experience a temporary shortage due to budgetary constrictions, including those jobs in academia, which are always in high demand even prior to the pandemic. Last, with the change in federal administration, there is likely to be increased funding for science and research foundations in general, so those seeking research position in the government or at a private or non-profit institution should start to see more openings available in the not so distant future.
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?
Emily Daubert Ph.D.: If a graduate decides to take a gap year, this is very normal in the field of psychology, and it should be viewed as an opportunity to enhance one's skills. In particular, statistical and coding skills that can be used for data analysis, computational modeling, data collection (e.g., web scraping) are extremely useful in nearly every research-oriented position. For those who know statistics and coding is not their passion, I would recommend acquiring more hands-on experience in their field of interest. For example, someone interested in being a school psychologist could volunteer, intern, or work for a school district, which will build their job skills, professional connections, and their resume. For someone seeking a research-oriented job, could explore lab manager or research associate positions (after undergrad or Masters, before a doctoral program), postdoctoral research positions (after doctoral training), where they will make connections, learn new methods, and build their CV.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Emily Daubert Ph.D.: The general advice I would give to a graduate beginning their career is two-fold. First, give yourself credit. Take a moment to celebrate how far you have come to achieve your goals. Everyone faces challenges along the way, and you are where you are because you overcame or adapted to those challenges. Second, believe in yourself. Oftentimes, when people start out in their careers, they may experience some self-doubt, or "imposter syndrome" - the belief that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. Just remember that you prepared and trained for years to get where you are. You may be new to something, and everyone makes mistakes, but try to view these early challenges as opportunities to grow. And remember, you are where you are supposed to be.
Dr. Victoria Pace
Director, M.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology ProgramUniversity of Central Florida
Psychology Department
WebsiteWill there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dr. Victoria Pace: There are likely to be ongoing effects of the pandemic on workplaces because both employers and students or recent graduates may have re-evaluated needs and strategies. For example, many employers were forced to make difficult choices regarding whom to retain when demand decreases. Other employers will have learned that quick learners and those who best adapt to changing expectations could be more easily trained in shorter times if demand increased. Job applicants may have learned to value greater employer flexibility and better work-life balance if presented with a choice, while also needing to think creatively to identify opportunities or lateral moves to better align with their career goals over time.
What's a day at work going to look like for a recent graduate?
Dr. Victoria Pace: I expect that average days at work will gradually approximate our prior normal due to the longing of many for enriched interactions with coworkers and clients. However, this may be combined with an increase in virtual teamwork and client interactions, more flexible work schedules, and ongoing reliance on online communication skills, both written and face-to-face. Those skills, now more developed than before, will continue to be important. Recent graduates may have an advantage over others in this area due to their comfort and experience with the virtual environment.
What technical skills stand out to employers?
Dr. Victoria Pace: For recent graduates, technical skills that are taught and/or more commonly used in education but that can be directly applied to solve organizational challenges are especially valuable. The tricky part for new graduates is being able to translate those skills and technology to the workplace, gathering insight into business priorities that might benefit, and effectively presenting the application to decision-makers in a way that makes good economic and practical sense. For technical skills or applications that are prevalent in the workplace but may be new to the recent graduate, quick adaptability and desire to learn will pay off. Good judgment, based on the ability to analyze situations and support conclusions and recommendations with data or other objective evidence, continues to be valued both in education and other types of workplaces.
Melissa Bell Ph.D.
Associate Professor/Social Work Program Director, Social Service Administration and Criminology Programs CoordinatorChatham University
Department of Social Sciences
WebsiteIn your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Melissa Bell Ph.D.: I think that there are numerous changes that we can expect to see in the job market given the pandemic. However, I would like to focus on one: The use of technology. We have grown more comfortable with the use of technology within professional work. People who may not have even heard of Zoom or Microsoft teams just a short time ago are now frequently using these types of interaction. Many social workers have become nimble in their ability to shift between an in-person format and virtual or online format for their jobs. This ability may become an expectation in the job market. Multiple interaction options open opportunities for clients as well. For example, geographical location is less of a barrier to receiving services given the possibility of virtual or online delivery. Also, some clients may prefer or be better served in a virtual or online format.
However, technology is still lacking when considering the type of human interaction that is often necessary in a field such as social work. Thus, we have to be cautious about an overreliance on technology. There are client populations with whom we work who are not able to be electronically connected, especially confidentially, or are not comfortable with technology. We should be aware of disparities that may evolve between those who are able to receive services that utilize newer technology and those who are not, and create solutions to bridge the gaps. As a profession, social work has needed to manage change while adhering to the theories, values, models, and perspectives that are central to our work. The competencies required in social work are fundamental regardless of changes to the job market.
For example, maintaining client-centered interventions and continuing to understand the person in the environmental will remain critical even as technology may become an increasingly salient consideration of the needs of clients. Hopefully, technology will prove to be a benefit to the social work profession and the clients which we serve.
What skills stand out on resumes?
Melissa Bell Ph.D.: I can probably best respond to this question by reporting what field instructors and supervisors at agencies describe as necessary for an employee to be successful. First, I frequently hear the need for professionals to be focused on the task at hand and avoid distractions. It has become increasingly easier to be distracted by influences outside of work. One can also argue that it has become more acceptable in society to allow interruptions to interactions that are occurring in that moment. Social work relies on establishing rapport and developing relationships. Needing to remain engaged, while avoiding disruption, is important. Employees also need to be able to communicate effectively through their speaking, writing, and even non-verbal communication.
Similar to remaining focused, communication skills are required for engagement with clients and colleagues. Finally, flexibility and willingness to learn new skills have been reported as critical to success. As our world is always changing, so too are the demands on the workforce. The social work profession values lifelong learning. Continuing to learn, remain engaged, and communicate effectively are essential to the success of a social work professional. How these skills and attributes are interpreted on a resume as relevant to the position may differ based on the needs of the agency.
A resume that demonstrates the ability to complete team-based, long-term, and community engagement initiatives, and highlights scholarship endeavors could stand out. Also, given that social workers are required to complete hundreds of hours of field placement, at the BSW or MSW level, they can clearly outline on their resume those responsibilities and achievements that require engagement, communication, flexibility, and new learning.
Gabriela Martorell Ph.D.
Professor of PsychologyVirginia Wesleyan University
Psychology Department
WebsiteIn your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Gabriela Martorell Ph.D.: Much of the future is uncertain right now, but we can still make some predictions about what we are likely to see in the near future. First off, until COVID is under control, the economy cannot fully recover. Although I think we will see conditions improve overall as vaccines become more widespread, there are likely to be ups and downs in the recovery process, with rolling epicenters of infection and lockdowns. Many industries will continue to be negatively affected for some time. Current racial and socioeconomic disparities are likely to become worse.
I would suspect we will continue to see poor performance in the low-skilled service and hospitality industries, bricks-and-mortar retail, and other professions that expose people to close contact indoors. Arts and entertainment industries have been hurt too. The job losses have been concentrated in low wage jobs, which unfortunately disproportionately affect young people. Professionals in jobs which can be performed remotely have been more fortunate in being able to withstand the turbulence brought by the virus.
I think we will continue to see a great deal of remote work. Jobs focused on technology, e-commerce, and essential services are likely to remain viable although the competition for such jobs, given the high numbers of unemployed people, is likely to be high. After the current crisis profile of the pandemic has faded, I would suspect we'll see continued job growth in health care and health care services, in services for the elderly, technology and innovation, and in biomedical fields.
If we want to be optimistic we can talk about how the rollout of the vaccines and the change to warmer weather in which more outdoor activities are possible should slow the spread and influence of the virus, and hopefully lead to positive changes in job growth and salaries in the more near term, especially in service and hospitality occupations.
What technical skills stand out to employers?
Gabriela Martorell Ph.D.: There are some skills which are not technical in nature but nonetheless matter greatly. Behaving ethically and professionally and having a strong work ethic are important. Being able to engage in collaborative team-work is really important too. I always tell my students - when they gripe about group projects - that group projects don't stop when you finish college, they're just called committees or task-forces then.You still have to deal with the same issues group work always entails. You still have to learn to get along and work with people you might not necessarily like, and deal with people who are too pushy and take over everything, or who want you to do all the work and then take credit for it. The ability to effectively communicate, in both written and oral form, is really important as well. There's a reason we professors want students to email us in a particular fashion, and ask students to give oral presentations, and insist upon proper grammar in all communications. For some students, those soft skills can make a big difference to how successful you are in the workplace.
In terms of technical skills, certainly the ability to use computer programs common to most professional occupations matters - email, basic documents, presentation templates, and spreadsheets - are important to have. Additionally, skill sets related to budgeting, statistical analysis, critical thinking and hypothesis testing, and project management are also important. But those are just the basics. Some of what may be most useful depends on the job being sought. For example, someone interested in working for a government-funded social service program may be well served by knowing a program such as SPSS and having a working knowledge of statistics, allowing them to perform analyses on program outcomes. However, because there are so many different programs for so many different tasks and so much variability across jobs, what may be more important than knowing a particular program may be the ability and willingness to learn how to use new software and learn new skills.
COVID-19 also changes the ground rules somewhat. Personal characteristics such as autonomy, resilience, resourcefulness and the ability to innovate may be particularly important in a chaotic time such as this.
What's a good job out of college and why?
Gabriela Martorell Ph.D.: Well ideally a good job out of college allows you to pay your bills, gives you a bit of extra cash for occasional luxuries, provides good health insurance and other benefits, and has opportunities for career growth. In most industries, it's not realistic to expect a high-paying job straight out of college. You either need to build experience over time and work your way up or extend your schooling in some way. Graduating college, in my opinion, is best considered one of the stepping stones to a good career, not the final piece of the puzzle to pop into place.
Many students graduating from college right now may want to consider graduate school. Often, during economic downturns, people gravitate towards graduate school. During COVID there are additional considerations. Many academic programs are operating remotely, and depending on the area of study, this can make it really difficult to get the appropriate training. Additionally, as with jobs, there is likely to be more competition for program slots right now. Moreover, many people have been subject to job losses and financial difficulties, and paying additional monies for tuition or not working while attending school might be impossible. However, if there are few jobs to be had right now, the benefits of additional schooling may outweigh the possible job opportunities.
Dr. Cecy Brooks
Visiting Assistant ProfessorMississippi University for Women
Department of Psychology and Family Science
WebsiteWhat's a good job out of college and why?
Dr. Cecy Brooks: During this pandemic, recent college graduates are faced with additional stressors due to not only the availability of full-time and benefits-eligible positions, but they are also faced with the challenge of potentially working in virtual spaces. Recent graduates may need additional support in navigating their roles and responsibilities, so looking at organizations that provide training and opportunities for performance feedback may be beneficial for any new graduate. The onboarding processes for new hires is critical as it provides objectives and goals for the organization and its employees. However, a training manual or video cannot entirely replicate the "real world" environment. As such actual employees can help new hires adjust to their role and provide scenarios from their personal experiences that may take place at work. The opportunity for growth and professional development is not just whether people are promoted, but also whether employees feel valued in the organization when the organization is investing in their training and providing opportunities to grow within the organization.
What technical skills stand out to employers?
Dr. Cecy Brooks: Due to the pandemic, many graduates had to finish their classes online, meaning that for most, that required more independent learning and virtual team work. Employers will definitely look at how well you function in a virtual environment, especially whether you can conduct and host virtual meetings. Being aware of how multiple systems such as Microsoft Teams, Skype, Go-to-Meeting, and Zoom work can help distinguish a potential candidate. Written skills are also important as email communication may be the primary way to communicate with those within and outside of the organization. Understanding how to write in a clear and concise manner can help boost your resume to the top. Additionally, in some work settings, in-person meetings may not be possible, so you may be writing more messages when you are unable to "see" or call someone on the phone.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Cecy Brooks: For graduates in Human Development and Family Sciences, the pandemic and the virtual environment is changing some of the ways in which people communicate, but also how care is provided. For example, in the health care industry, technology such as Telehealth and Virtual care has become more relevant during the pandemic. As more people become more comfortable and experience the benefits of using this technology versus conventional in-person assistance, students will also need to prepare for more virtual contact.
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Dé Bryant Ph.D.: As the job market begins to stabilize after the pandemic I believe we will see a great need for innovators. We clearly cannot just "go back to normal." Existing businesses, and business practices, have been devastated and will not return in the same shape. The market will need problem solvers and project designers and risk management professionals. People who are able to think around corners and past the obvious will be in high demand. That means a liberal arts education will give students the range of skills they need to respond in the new work environment.
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?
Dé Bryant Ph.D.: Grads should not think of that year as a throw-away period between serious work on degrees. Instead, they should use this as a time to redefine their own vision. They should ask themselves, "After I have considered everything that I could do with my life, what one things must I do?". Students shouldn't just think about a career in terms of skills acquisition. They should also think about how that time in between degrees could be used to find meaning, adjust their attitudes, build relationships. Among the many things this Era of COVID has taught us, the most important is that none of us is an island. We all live within the society; our task is to find out what that means for our individual lives.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Dé Bryant Ph.D.: New graduates at the beginning of their career should find out what gives them joy. Yes, student loans are coming up fast on their heels. Yes, they feel society's pressure to "make something of themselves." Yes, they may have others who depend on their earning power. Despite all those realities -- or more accurately, because of them -- start a career by asking what about this path makes me feel all the work of my undergraduate years was worth it. Build from that foundation even if it only makes sense to you.
Dr. Joey Collins
Assistant Professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Founder of Collins AllianceSeattle Pacific University
School of Psychology, Family & Community
WebsiteWhat general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Dr. Joey Collins: Network, network, and then more of that - there is no shortage of advice on networking. Scroll through fifteen to twenty sources on the internet, select 2-3 practices you feel could work for you, and then use them for two weeks. After two weeks, reflect on the techniques, keep the ones that work, and repeat. In a month or two, you will become a networking expert for people like you.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact on your job prospects?
Dr. Joey Collins: Depends on the job.
What's a day at work going to look like for a recent graduate?
Dr. Joey Collins: Your first days and weeks will likely be from home. Before the first day, you will have received a laptop, headsets, and in some cases, an internet hotspot. Your day will begin in MS Teams, Zoom, or some other digital platform. First impressions are always significant, so be intentional in how you show up. I suggest you curate your video background thoughtfully and ensure you have enough capacity to maintain video and audio fidelity throughout the day. As often as possible, try to get into work to connect with your peers and begin building your organizational network.
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?
Glenn Valdez Ph.D.: I think one of the biggest trends given the pandemic is a possible shift towards more resources going towards understanding neurological and psychological issues related to COVID. One of the issues that is not very well understood, mainly because the research is still in its infancy, is the effects of "long haul" COVID. There seems to be wide range of cognitive and neurological issues that a certain population of people are experiencing after recovering from their initial symptoms. I would envision that many scientific fields would want to gain a better understanding of the long-term effects of the pandemic once things are more under control.
What skills stand out on resumes?
Glenn Valdez Ph.D.: The most obvious skills would be having a good technical background in the area, analytical skills, and research experience. Another important one is communication skills. I think one of the most important things that the pandemic has brought to light is that being able to convey both scientific concepts and the process of science in a clear and understandable way to the general public is critical.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Glenn Valdez Ph.D.: There are many good places around the United States for opportunities in this area. These are usually places that have large research communities nearby. Areas like California, Boston, and Washington, D.C. are ones that really stand out, but it is possible to find opportunities all over the place.
