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Job outlook for senior specialists in the United States
Senior specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected senior specialist job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 83,100 new jobs for senior specialists are projected over the next decade.
Senior specialist salaries have increased 9% for senior specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 33,869 senior specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 80,308 active senior specialist job openings in the US.
The average senior specialist salary is $92,360.
Are senior specialist jobs in demand?
Senior specialist job and salary trends over time
Senior specialist jobs over time
Senior specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 33,869 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 11,068 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 11,529 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 34,863 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 32,918 | 0.01% |
Average senior specialist salary over time
Senior specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $92,360 | $44.40 | +4.0% |
| 2025 | $88,844 | $42.71 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $86,763 | $41.71 | +0.7% |
| 2023 | $86,123 | $41.41 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $84,930 | $40.83 | +1.3% |
Senior specialist jobs by state
Most common states for senior specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 582 | 84% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 169 | 22% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 222 | 21% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 199 | 21% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 217 | 20% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,648 | 19% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,289 | 19% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 111 | 19% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,096 | 18% |
| 10 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 315 | 18% |
| 11 | Vermont | 623,657 | 111 | 18% |
| 12 | Alaska | 739,795 | 126 | 17% |
| 13 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 504 | 16% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 308 | 16% |
| 15 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 216 | 16% |
| 16 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 830 | 15% |
| 17 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 129 | 15% |
| 18 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 564 | 14% |
| 19 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 454 | 14% |
| 20 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 909 | 13% |
Most common cities for senior specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hartford | 12 | 10% | $101,767 |
| 2 | Des Moines | 13 | 6% | $64,485 |
| 3 | Atlanta | 24 | 5% | $84,215 |
| 4 | Orlando | 13 | 5% | $86,330 |
| 5 | Boston | 29 | 4% | $101,986 |
| 6 | Washington | 29 | 4% | $97,665 |
| 7 | Tampa | 12 | 3% | $86,665 |
| 8 | Indianapolis | 20 | 2% | $78,204 |
| 9 | Denver | 16 | 2% | $63,920 |
| 10 | San Francisco | 14 | 2% | $113,263 |
| 11 | Detroit | 12 | 2% | $93,412 |
| 12 | Sacramento | 11 | 2% | $112,081 |
| 13 | Baltimore | 10 | 2% | $99,004 |
| 14 | Minneapolis | 10 | 2% | $75,364 |
| 15 | Chicago | 27 | 1% | $85,767 |
| 16 | Los Angeles | 21 | 1% | $104,662 |
| 17 | Phoenix | 15 | 1% | $88,247 |
| 18 | San Diego | 13 | 1% | $100,916 |
| 19 | New York | 21 | 0% | $101,475 |
Senior Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of senior specialist experts
University of Richmond
University of Nebraska- Lincoln
University of Nevada, Reno
University of Central Arkansas
Alverno College
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Carolina University
Monmouth University
Oakland University
The Citadel
Montclair State University
Albertus Magnus College
Marymount Manhattan College
Montclair State University
Duquesne University
Ashland University
New Mexico State University
Baylor University
Stonehill College
Concordia University Irvine
What soft skills should all Senior Specialists possess?
Keith Webb: Oral and written communication skills are critical. Also, the ability to work within a team orientation, flexibility, and adaptability, to name a few.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Senior Specialists?
Keith Webb: Truly depends on the role; a student needs to know how to model (Discounted Cash Flow, Weighted Average Cost models) for investment banking. For consulting, understanding the case interviewing process is a must; Excel is huge, and many employers are looking for students who know Python, SQL R, etc.
What skills will help Senior Specialists earn the most?
Keith Webb: While it depends on the industry, I believe students who develop and enhance their skill set in data analytics will ultimately reap significant incomes and longevity.
What skills stand out on Senior Specialist resumes?
Keith Webb: Academically, we prepare our students for numerous opportunities, whether they are pursuing opportunities as business analyst interns, investment banking interns, consulting interns, etc. Generally, relevant experience is a plus. However, transferable skills stand out as well.
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management & AnalyticsUniversity of Nebraska- Lincoln
Supply Chain Management & Analytics Department
What soft skills should all Senior Specialists possess?
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.: Collaborative management and leadership skills are most important.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Senior Specialists?
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.: Data processing, modeling, and analyses are important technical skills.
What skills will help Senior Specialists earn the most?
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.: In almost all business disciplines, data analytics skills help most to stand out for salary negotiations.
What skills stand out on Senior Specialist resumes?
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.: Recently, data management and analytics skills with a global understanding of business operations, including supply chain management, have stood out.
Jim McClenahan
Director of Career and Corporate OutreachUniversity of Nevada, Reno
College of Business
What soft skills should all Senior Specialists possess?
Jim McClenahan: As I said, soft skills are desired more than ever. Angela Duckworth describes Grit as "Perseverance, effort, and skill." We can teach the skill; the other two have to come with the new hire. Empathy is important as someone grows in their career-you can't be an effective leader and not have empathy in your skillset.
Anthony McMullen
Associate Professor of Business Law and Director of Forensics, vUniversity of Central Arkansas
Accounting Department
What skills stand out on Senior Specialist resumes?
Anthony McMullen: This will depend on the specific field. Business is an incredibly broad area. Anyone with a business type of degree will at least obtain basic knowledge in accounting, economics, finance, management, and marketing. These skills should be highlighted. But when thinking about a resume, workers should think about (and participate in) experiences that allow them to use these skills. And once they have these experiences, they should be able to articulate how they used these skills on a resume. Don't just say, "I did ______." Say, "I used _________ in order to accomplish __________."
What soft skills should all Senior Specialists possess?
Anthony McMullen: Admittedly, I'm not a fan of the phrase "soft skills" v. "hard skills," as some might take such phrases to imply that soft skills are not as important or are easier to obtain. That being said, to answer the question, communication and critical-thinking skills are essential to a successful career. Communication skills (both oral and written) are necessary to convey messages. It does not matter how much technical expertise someone has if that person is unable to convey that expertise to others. Critical-thinking skills are important because skilled workers need to know how to think through problems. The answer will not always be readily apparent. And even when it is, workers need to ensure that they can analyze it to ensure that it is trustworthy. Maybe the information found is outdated, doesn't apply to the situation, or is just flat out wrong, and a skilled worker needs to be able to make that determination.
If the pandemic has taught us anything, adaptability is also necessary to be successful. So many jobs have changed (and will continue to change). Many people left their respective industries during the pandemic because they couldn't (or did not want to) adapt to change. Those who can, or at least try, will find more opportunities in the workplace.
What skills will help Senior Specialists earn the most?
Anthony McMullen: Acquiring a specialty is great, but specialization should not come at the expense of a broad and diverse knowledge base. Within specialized fields, many people will have the training/education to do the job, but what makes a particular person special? What will give that person the chance to branch out or to think about other avenues to accomplish the task? That will help workers maximize opportunities.
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Business and Management, MBA Faculty Director, Associate - School Sisters of St. FrancisAlverno College
Business and Management Department
What skills stand out on Senior Specialist resumes?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: The skills or competencies that stand out are those that add value to an organization. They complement the skills of those already working there and advance the organization's products, services, or culture. Transferrable or timeless skills transcend industries and stand out on resumes. They include leadership, teamwork, project management, and collaboration. Of course, individuals who list these skills on their resumes should effectively demonstrate that they have developed and are proficient in these areas. Business specialists should be ready to provide examples in writing/print or audio-video media, such as links to their work.
What soft skills should all Senior Specialists possess?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: Today's business environment is complex and continues to evolve. Creativity, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage or lead in turbulent times are essential twenty-first-century skills. Critical and strategic thinking, organizing, and planning are also salient skills. Business specialists with these skills make important contributions to their organizations. They often lead when no one else can or wants to. Communicating and being visible throughout one's division, department, or organization are important to the well-being and prosperity of the organization and the individuals who work there. Business specialists can develop and practice these leadership skills on-site or remotely. Internal and external relationship-building leads to trustworthy and mutually beneficial relationships and/or partnerships.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Senior Specialists?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: Respectful communication, including email and video conferencing etiquette, is most important across all settings. Different business functions and roles require different skill sets. What is hard for some can be easy or relatively easy for others. Becoming proficient in office productivity software/applications and presentation platforms is vital to one's career development. The ability to effectively network online is also important. I encourage my students to keep their professional profiles on LinkedIn current. If they need to develop their time management skills, I encourage them to use a calendar or scheduling tool.
What skills will help Senior Specialists earn the most?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: My experience has been that it depends on the position, organization, and industry, among other variables. Digital and information literacy are key to researching, analyzing, and evaluating credible information, in this case, skills that are in demand and could lead to well-paying jobs. I would emphasize, however, that there are intrinsic benefits that sometimes eclipse salary as the primary consideration. It depends on the individual and how they want to improve their quality of life, earn incentives, or be compensated. For many, contributing to an organization that promotes humane and positive interactions, allows for flexible work arrangements, and aligns with one's personal values is paramount. I encourage business specialists to stay vigilant and knowledgeable about developing industry or marketplace trends. Embrace continuous learning, upskilling, and workplace training to remain relevant in the post-pandemic world.
Derek Plantenga
Graduate Advisor of Record and Senior LecturerThe University of Texas at San Antonio
The Department of Social Work
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Derek Plantenga: Social workers are needed now more than ever. The pandemic has led to widespread isolation, increased pressure on mental and physical health across all age groups, rising poverty and many other challenges, with a disproportionate impact on communities of color and those who were already vulnerable prior to the pandemic. At the same time, many of the services dedicated to addressing these challenges have had to adjust to social distancing and virtual delivery. As specialists in the intersection between person and environment, social workers are well equipped for just this kind of adaptation. Telehealth and virtual services have limitations, but they can also increase access and efficiency. Service providers are likely to continue to build on the idea and look for social workers who are able to provide telehealth and virtual counseling or case management. Demand in general for mental health services-both in-patient and out-patient-is likely to increase due to the pressures of the pandemic. At the same time there is an increasing need to address basic needs such as housing, food insecurity and employment, and social workers are positioned to help address this need. A good specific example of this might be school systems. There will likely be more opportunities for social workers within schools in the coming months to support students and families as schools grapple with how to maximize educational progress for communities facing enormous challenges. And finally, there will likely be an increased need for social workers who can develop and propose effective policy solutions to these very same difficulties at local, state and federal levels.
Thomas Jones
Distinguished Professor of BusinessCarolina University
Patterson School of Business
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Specialists?
Thomas Jones: The enduring impact for employment opportunities created by the COVID crisis may be felt across many academic disciplines, particularly at the undergraduate level. Students with undergraduate and graduate STEM degrees will not face challenges, it appears. In fact, there seems to be increasing demand across the board for STEM graduates at starting salaries similar to recent past years. The demand for business, business related economics, computer technology and information systems, and accounting graduates at both the graduate and undergraduate levels remains strong, particularly at the graduate level. Liberal arts, education, health and exercise science, and religion graduates (to identify a few) at both the undergraduate and graduate levels are facing a completely different reality, it appears. Because of declining job demand for these graduates, many will find job placement difficult and, in many cases will need to seek temporary employment in jobs not requiring college educations.
No one really knows what the long-term impact of working from home will be. And the timing for large numbers of students returning to large classrooms is also an unknown. Both of these events may have significant ramifications. For instance, if large numbers of employees do not return to the downtown office, the economic impact could be massive. Commercial real estate, transportation related industries, restaurants, office equipment manufacturing and sales, city tax bases, and a host of other issues will come into play. We are already seeing cities such as New York attempting to tax the earnings of employees at home in other states. If learning online becomes the norm for some portion of the K-12 experience or in higher education, there will be similar upheavals that will be devastating for some players in the academic world. How this plays out across time is anyone's guess. But for the current graduate without a STEM, computer, or business related degree, the market may remain tight for some time to come. Another, rarely addressed issue, is learning to communicate with other age groups. Coming from liberal arts and non-professional education is creating, for many, a significant inability to effectively communicate with other age groups. This has been a topic addressed by top executives and major consulting firms for several years. This is a factor, not related to COVID, that lessens job opportunities for many current college graduates.
This also points out the critical importance of mastering computer technology for all graduates. Working from home carries with it an implicit ability with computer technology. An understanding of windows, Power Pont, some kind of spread-sheet ability, and an understanding of Zoom or similar technologies (along with key-board skills right now), is the base requirement to work from home. Technology is moving in the direction of language translation so key-board skills may become a thing of the past but not for today's graduate. Lower skill level jobs are rarely doable from home and this creates another set of issues, not related to the challenges being faced by graduates from today's institutions of higher education.
What type of skills will young Senior Specialists need?
Joseph Coyle Ph.D.: I think one of the most important skills is being able to communicate, either written or oral communication. It is my impression that now, more than ever, we rely as much on our interaction with others as we do the individual skills or content knowledge. It is one thing, for example, to be able to construct a mathematical model of a phenomenon, but to be able to describe it in a meaningful and impactful way to a room full of people is even better.
Of course, I think it goes without saying that being tech-savvy or even just open to learning new technologies, is also important.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Specialists?
Nicole Dambrun: I absolutely believe the pandemic will have a lasting impact on graduates. I believe that the pandemic will have a lasting impact on all of us! Many people have lost their jobs or migrated into different positions since the pandemic started, and it's hard to predict which sectors will emerge strongest when we return to normal, if we return to normal. It would make sense that telecommunication companies, public health organizations and companies championing social justice would come out of the pandemic in need of additional employees. I also hope renewable energy is a field that will grow after this. Graduates may end up heading down a career path they didn't imagine, or working remotely for a company not in their area. In my Calculus classes, I teach mostly Business majors and these students have a degree that I believe can adapt to different industries and positions.
Dr. Todd Wittman Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorThe Citadel
Department of Mathematical Sciences
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Todd Wittman Ph.D.: The pandemic has exposed critical weaknesses in our supply chains and organizational structures for distributing protective equipment, tests, and vaccines. Mathematicians with a background in Operations Research (OR) may be in demand to help restructure and analyze our organizations. There may also be increased demand in Applied Mathematics that studies the fields of public health and disease transmission, so that we can better prepare for the next pandemic.
Before the pandemic, there was an increasing trend in mathematics to emphasize "Big Data" and Data Science. With so many jobs moving online, I think that trend may be accelerated. We have become aware during this pandemic of the downside of having large amounts of data, for example, misinformation in social media. Mathematicians with a background in Data Mining may need to step up to help design algorithms to filter and disseminate information while still respecting free speech.
I am unsure about how this pandemic will ultimately affect my own career field in higher education. As an educator, I scrambled to move my courses online in Spring 2020. But in the process I also learned a lot about alternate ways to deliver information to students. It has also exposed students and parents to the advantages and disadvantages of online learning. There may be increased demand for online educators and tutors at all levels K-12 and beyond. At the graduate level, with the restrictions on international travel it has become difficult for international students to attend graduate school. This might mean there is increased demand for domestic students at graduate schools, at least in the short term until international travel stabilizes. But on the other hand, most universities and colleges have seen a decrease in enrollment during the pandemic and it is not clear if that enrollment will return to pre-pandemic levels. This might result in a decreased demand for faculty in higher education. The future of education, particularly higher education, is very much in flux at the moment.
What Senior Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Shaon Ghosh: Speaking for physics graduates specifically, and STEM graduates in general, I believe that the future is going to be a knowledge-based economy driven by data. It is also a sector that has been the least affected by the pandemic. If there is one skill that students should have in their repertoire, it is "technical computing skill". Note that I am intentionally not calling it "computer programming skill", which is a much more general term (encompassing anything from web-page designing to coding a new Linux operating system).
It is important that students should know how to handle and analyze large volumes of data and how to use advanced numerical and statistical techniques to produce quantitative inferences that have subjective and objective value. This is what I am referring to as technical computing skill. I am not saying that other types of programming skills will not be useful. But, if you have one year to prepare, in my opinion, this is a skill where you can invest your time to get the most benefit.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Specialist?
Dr. Shaon Ghosh: The advantage of working in a new, and potentially revolutionary, field is that there will be ample opportunities, but that also brings in a lot of competition. To remain relevant and to thrive in such fields we need to continuously update ourselves to the changing landscape of the field. Updating and adapting to changes in the field one is working in is a no-brainer, but it is especially relevant here because the field is going to rapidly change over the next decade; keeping ourself updated takes a bit of effort. So, the best advice to graduating students starting their career in data science or similar fields is not to stop being a "student".
Another important thing to remember is that most technical fields are highly collaborative, more so in the post-COVID-19 world where people have understood the value and concept of working remotely. Remote participation takes collaboration to a much higher level. We in the scientific research community have gotten used to it long ago, but it is a relatively new concept in many other areas. So, there are a few adjustments that one should be mindful of, especially if you are a recent graduate.
We often tend to operate as individuals at school where we are more concerned about our own grades and our own performances, but the value of you as a professional is very much dependent on how your team members perceive you. Are you the person who folks in your team are going to reach out to when they need some help? If you are, then you are more likely to rise to prominence and to the ranks of leadership.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Specialist?
William Aniskovich JD: Work hard, be honest, choose a job you love doing with a company that makes your community a better place. Everything else, money included, will take care of itself.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Senior Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
William Aniskovich JD: That's a tough one! There are a variety of factors that play into this. First and foremost, getting the economy back to the pre-Covid growth rates. That said, I think there will continue to be lots of pressure on wages, both private sector and public sector pressure, and that will be good news for graduates. This field will continue to expand as companies need expertise in navigating a fast-changing and highly regulated economy.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Vandana Rao Ph.D.: Skills related to technology will be in great demand. More jobs require a higher level of mastery in designing remote work, learning, and collaborating tools.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Senior Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Vandana Rao Ph.D.: Software related to operations management, big data analysis for planning and forecasting, software for virtual collaboration -- all of these will be in high demand. There will be rapid development of more sophisticated tools - and all professionals will need to keep pace with the latest in tech.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Senior Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Vandana Rao Ph.D.: There will be a need for grads with a high degree of comfort with technology - the ability to innovate and adapt and thrive, even amidst uncertainty, will be invaluable.
What Senior Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Melissa Gutworth Ph.D.: I know that there is a lot of talk about gap years now, but I do not recommend this. Most travel isn't safe, or even possible, and unemployment rates are high, leaving fewer job opportunities. Gap years can lead to students losing the motivation to finish their degrees and lengthening the amount of time it takes to obtain well-paying, satisfying work. I would recommend that students either continue with their degree, if they are in the middle of one, or consider a graduate program. There are many options for students to advance their degrees, depending on their current situation.
For example, the Feliciano School of Business at Montclair State University has a 4+1 program (where students can earn their Bachelor's degree and MBA in a total of 5 years), online or hybrid MBA programs, and accelerated programs, like 12- a month or 17-month MBAs. There are also certificate programs that are designed to train specific skills in a shorter time frame. By earning an advanced degree or certificate, students will be better able to stand out among the increased job market competition. They will be more likely to pursue a successful career.
What type of skills will young Senior Specialists need?
Richard Longo: Key will be how to use performance metrics to determine and assess productivity. Outbound marketing will be another required requisite for effective management. How e-commerce and AI will force most businesses, both big and small, to think globally.
How do you envision technology impacting Senior Specialists in the next 5 years?
Richard Longo: Artificial Intelligence (AI) will, by far, have the most significant impact. As this grows and develops, businesses will need to have the requisite skills and mindset to pivot away from traditional working ways. Skills will be needed to train and educate the work to be better equipped to move from human-focused work culture to a more robotic one.
How do you envision technology impacting Senior Specialists in the next 5 years?
Joan Kalamas: Technology is rapidly changing with robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning is used, and that will change the skills employees will need to be successful. Of course, having technology be able to perform some of the more manual tasks will free employees up to perform more creative and strategic work, two key means to remaining competitive and sustainable in the future.
Rob Davis states in an article he wrote for ITProPortal in January 2020, "By next year, it is expected that over one-third of skills (35 percent) that are considered important in today's workforce will have changed". In addition, Millennials are expected to make up almost 75% of the workforce by 2025 and have grown up with technology making them "tech-savvy." They understand that technology is a major driver for change, that life-long learning will be critical, that there is a need to be flexible and adaptable. Effective communication will also become more necessary as more employees work from home and often use Zoom or GoToMeeting to hold video conferencing meetings. Tasks that may have once been performed by employees can now be successfully performed by technology so employees must adapt, react, and be prepared.
In an article published by SHRM in October of 2019, a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center with 1,400 technology and education professionals determined that young adults need to "learn how to learn" if they hope to adapt to the changes in the world of work. Some human tasks will be able to be performed by new technology, but new graduates seeking work will still need to learn, develop, and demonstrate the soft skills listed above to be successful.
Argie Hernandez
Division AdvisorNew Mexico State University
Business & Public Services
What type of skills will young Senior Specialists need?
Argie Hernandez: -Problem Solving
-Computer skills
-Writing and Communication
-Critical Thinking
-Team Player (very important)
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Senior Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Sara Perry Ph.D.: Video conferencing will need to get even easier to use and richer in terms of communication abilities with options to hold both informal and formal interactions to substitute for 100% in-person interactions. Will also see enhancements to tools that allow for secure and remote collaboration.
Glen Ilacqua
Associate Professor of Accounting, Accounting Program DirectorStonehill College
Department of Business Administration
What general advice would you give to a Senior Specialist?
Glen Ilacqua: Accounting students have to prepare themselves for their accounting career during their college years and continue that learning process after graduation. Accounting, like many industries, changes over time. If you don't change with the times, you will have problems later on in your career. We help accounting students prepare themselves by showing them that their accounting education at college and after college has three components.
The first part is the problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills they need. At Stonehill, they get this through their classes in the cornerstone program and apply their knowledge in all categories. The second component of their education is the technical skills they learn in the accounting and business program. The third component does deal with technology. They need to build their resume with data analytic type courses and other technology type courses.
The three of these together will make them more valuable to future employers. If they have not taken data analytical type classes during their college career, they should take some as they enter the business world. They need to continue to grow as the accounting field changes as the world changes.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Senior Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Glen Ilacqua: Continue with their knowledge and use of Microsoft Excel but also add in technology associated with data analytics. There are many programs in this area. Different companies use different ones. Learning how data analytics is used in business will assist you in understanding the various programs.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Senior Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Glen Ilacqua: The starting salaries are above average, and the job prospects are also above average. The accounting majors tend to move up rather quickly, and the wages are above average all along the way.
What experience really stands out on Senior Specialist resumes?
Dr. Drew Wolf: Leadership - Illustrating the experience in taking the lead on a project or successfully managing others is one attribute that stands out on a resume in the business world today. Along those lines, resume bullet points can include accomplishments as a leader in business. Don't just tell the employee where they worked and illustrate why you were valuable to the company.
How do you envision technology impacting Senior Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Drew Wolf: The impact of technology is one of the reasons leadership is significant to a resume. As more business is conducted away from the office and via virtual meetings, companies look for candidates independent of constant supervision; an applicant who shows initiative and the ability to prioritize and get things done is a valuable employee in today's technology-fueled business world.