Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends

January 13, 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

Jeannie Clark

Campbellsville University

Jeannie Clark

General Manager, WLCU-TV/FM, Assistant Professor of Broadcasting & Director of Broadcast Services

Campbellsville University

Website

In your opinion, what are the biggest trends we'll see in the job market given the pandemic?

Jeannie Clark: From the employers I have worked with in the industry recently, I am seeing a trend for more remote work and a requirement for multi-skilled workers. The graduates that bring with them a combination of a degree, experience, and multiple skills seem to be more successful post-graduation than graduates that only have the degree and have not done any work to gain experience in their chosen field. With many businesses scaling down their workforce to save money, those that have multiple skills seem to be more valuable to employers than those who are qualified to do one job.

What skills stand out on resumes?

Jeannie Clark: Experience is the thing that most employers I have worked with are looking for. An applicant that has worked with specific types of equipment and software used in the industry is also more desirable since the learning curve for training is quicker.

Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?

Jeannie Clark: I do not know of any particular area that is needing more than another. All stations I have worked with across the country are dealing with the same issues-downsized staffs and budgets. These issues, coupled with Covid-19 concerns and remote wok situations, make the job market a challenging thing to navigate. One good thing I've been told is that with remote work allowing some businesses to cut their overhead costs, there may be some new factors which will create a more optimistic future for the media job market.