Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends
October 20, 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
Macalester College
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Michael Griffin Ph.D.
Associate Professor (NTT)Macalester College
Departments of Media & Cultural Studies and International Studies
What skills stand out on Senior Communications Specialist resumes?
Michael Griffin Ph.D.: Probably on-the-job writing experience--a portfolio of written work in strategic communications.
What soft skills should all Senior Communications Specialists possess?
Michael Griffin Ph.D.: High levels of general reading and writing proficiency. Critical thinking and analytic abilities.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Senior Communications Specialists?
Michael Griffin Ph.D.: My experience is that technical skills can be learned most quickly and easily in short-duration training courses and on the job. General reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, on the other hand, require many years of quality education and cannot be quickly or easily remediated. Good writing is not usually the product of technical writing skills.
What skills will help Senior Communications Specialists earn the most?
Michael Griffin Ph.D.: I have read several articles recently discussing the fact that there seems to be an inverse relationship between social compassion and empathy and earnings.
Dr. Musonda Kapatamoyo Ph.D.
Professor, ChairSouthern Illinois University Edwardsville
Department of Mass Communications
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Communications Specialists?
Dr. Musonda Kapatamoyo Ph.D.: We are not very sure about that. However, it is possible that those who did not do an internship to graduate may struggle to learn some tasks early on.
What's a day at work look like for a Senior Communications Specialist?
Dr. Musonda Kapatamoyo Ph.D.: If it's post pandemic, they will need to be handheld a bit more with the given tasks until they get used to working with other people. If the pandemic continues, then students are adept at working remotely. They will adjust just fine.
What technical skills for a Senior Communications Specialist stand out to employers?
Dr. Musonda Kapatamoyo Ph.D.: Our students are excellent at Multimedia production (video editing, audio production, web design, and other content production software). There are also good writers for broadcast, online publications, and newspapers. Most are also self-driven.
