Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends
March 6, 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
University of Wyoming
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
UNC Charlotte
University of New Mexico
Providence College
University of Mary Washington
Gallaudet University
Utah State University
Lehigh University
Western Kentucky University
University of Miami
Park University
Temple University
Orchard Farm High School
Anderson University
Tupelo High School
DePaul University
Centenary University
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Calvin University
Dr. Andrea Burrows
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, Professor, Science Education, School of Teacher EducationUniversity of Wyoming
College of Education
WebsiteWill there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dr. Andrea Burrows: Like any major event, this pandemic has presented challenges to and impacted beginning teachers, such as teaching in a new online environment. However, we encourage our graduates to reflect, learn from their experiences, and then use that learning to create even better classrooms for the future. Added to this increased teaching effort is the economic downturn amid COVID-19 that has already resulted in state-wide budget cuts and a reduction in state education revenue, which may impact multiple educational spaces for teachers and students.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Dr. Andrea Burrows: If you mean "teaching" by "this field," then yes, all over the U.S., there is a teacher shortage. When using the U.S. Department of Education site (tsa.ed.gov) and searching for shortage areas for all U.S. states in the academic year 2020-2021, every subject area is shown. If someone is interested in a specific state, they can search the site for shortages related to that state. The pandemic has certainly sparked more appreciation for teachers nationwide, which hopefully translates into teachers across our nation having a stronger voice in educational spaces and policies and possibly finding work in unexpected places.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Dr. Andrea Burrows: The definition of technology can be a tricky one; for example, see a newly published article by Ellis et al. (2020) in CITE Journal Science. The authors explore technology perspectives relating to vocational education, instructional technology, computing, and practitioners of science, mathematics, and engineering. In all of these spaces, technology has and continues to be important to education, and in the next five years, it has the potential to dramatically impact the field. It is important for the educational community to understand what technology is and how it is being assessed for effectiveness before making technology decisions and deciding if it has an impact or not.
Tatiana Joseph Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Teaching and Learning Program Director, Second Language ProgramUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
WebsiteWill there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Tatiana Joseph Ph.D.: A two-faced one.
On the one hand, this time is absolutely terrifying for any teacher, new or senior. The amount of work and training needed to maneuver the current teaching space is astronomical.
On the other hand, this is a new challenge for teachers. And this is what teaching is all about. Embracing challenges and ensuring that children ARE receiving the best opportunities.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Tatiana Joseph Ph.D.: ALL OVER. The fields of ESL, bilingual education and the World language are growing all across the U.S. The need for ESL teachers, for example, is growing across even small, rural towns in the U.S. Currently, MOST classrooms across the United States will have at least one ESL student.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Tatiana Joseph Ph.D.: This is a giant question.
This pandemic has pushed us to use technology in new ways. In the next five years, we will see a teacher population who is highly trained in using new-age technology to enhance learning and build new opportunities because many HAD to learn these new systems in order to teach currently.
Snow days may become a thing of the past, for example, as now we have the platforms and the training to provide remote instruction.
I hope that districts will continue to support teachers in learning and maintaining knowledge of these new systems.
Brad Smith
Director of Teacher Education Advising and LicensureUNC Charlotte
Department of Teacher Education Advising and Licensure
WebsiteWill there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Brad Smith: Recent graduates of teacher education programs find themselves beginning their career in an environment that differs substantially from what they expected when they decided to become a teacher. Many new teachers also completed their student teaching internships in a virtual environment and have yet to teach in a physical classroom. While this may result in a challenging start, school districts have learned from their experiences navigating the pandemic, and often put extensive support structures in place. I expect most new teachers, passionate about their students and their content, to adjust just fine.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Brad Smith: There has, for some time, been a significant teacher shortage in many areas across the country. In NC, educator recruitment initiatives of all types exist in school districts, state agencies, and colleges and universities. Still, it's not uncommon for schools to begin the academic year with vacancies. I recommend that individuals interested in a teaching career review the licensing requirements in their state and speak with an advisor at a state-approved and accredited teacher education program to understand their options. Many states, NC included, have processes in place that make it possible for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree to begin teaching while they complete licensure coursework, creating a smoother transition for those changing careers. Teaching is an absolutely incredible profession. Your future students need you!
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Brad Smith: Education has been dramatically impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, perhaps more so than many other fields. Last spring, educators, at all levels, worked to convert their classes to an online format, essentially overnight. We've learned quite a bit since then, and I see technology playing an increasingly important role in education going forward. While education, at most levels, is likely to return to a traditional face-to-face format after the pandemic subsides, this experience has shown that technology can (and in many cases should) be used to improve instructional practice. I expect teacher preparation programs to more heavily incorporate technology training into their curriculums going forward.
Dr. Ashley Phelps Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant ProfessorUniversity of New Mexico
Department of Physical Education Teacher Education
WebsiteWill there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dr. Ashley Phelps Ph.D.: COVID-19 has thrown the field of education into a tailspin. Preservice and in-service physical education teachers have been tasked with quite the challenge when it comes to teaching socially distanced, virtual, and hybrid physical education. For example, when it comes to field experiences and student teaching, our preservice teachers have been confronted with a unique teaching climate, unlike ever before.
For the first time in the history of our profession, all of our student teachers have had to develop lesson plans for virtual physical education, and although this type of environment is far from the norm, our students have welcomed this challenge head-on. If anything, our preservice physical education teachers will be well-rounded individuals, ready to take on the in-person and virtual physical education environment. With that said, this cohort may be more marketable than any cohort ever before.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Dr. Ashley Phelps Ph.D.: There are no particular places in which graduates will find work opportunities that are drastically different from pre-pandemic positions. If anything, the K-12 educational system may need teachers that are well-versed in technology now, more than ever. Additionally, it is important to remember that teaching environments and responsibilities vary by the school district. For example, some districts may vote to be completely online due to the pandemic. Others may require students to attend school while practicing social distancing protocols. Therefore, preservice physical education teachers are encouraged to do their research when applying for positions, during, and post-pandemic.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Dr. Ashley Phelps Ph.D.: For the next five years, I see technology having both a positive and negative impact on this field. For example, physical education teachers will have become knowledgeable in using technology to teach virtually; however, due to the increased screen time, technology could potentially become a burden for some. In essence, teachers may become desensitized to technology due to overexposure. However, it is important for physical education teachers to know that technology is not a mechanism by which it replaces teaching; rather, it helps to augment it. Like Sophia, the Artificial Intelligence robot once said, "robot intelligence does not compete with human intelligence; it completes it."
Thus, technology is here to help and is not going away anytime soon. Therefore, it would behoove preservice physical education teachers to learn about and implement various software and hardware within their curricula. Lastly, screen time has often been viewed as an unhealthy pastime in our field. I say, why not use screen time to our advantage to help prepare the tech-savvy leaders of tomorrow?
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Bret Cormier: As we all know, that answer is fluid due to new information, every day, as well as multiple times a day sometimes. The best answer is yes, there will be an impact due to the new world that we are living, our student teachers as well our students in field placements, depending upon the parts of New England that they are working in, some are still working in person, some are working in a hybrid capacity, and others are completely working remotely. Now, due to the mini spike that we have had on campus now, all of our candidates are working remotely, until we get more information and further guidance from the College.
In terms of our students having job opportunities upon graduation, there should be numerous opportunities in both elementary and special education. Special education is always a critical shortage area in school districts, like bilingual, math, and science, so I'm sure our graduates will have multiple opportunities. Now, elementary education certifications are the most plentiful and certified teachers in the country, but I'm sure graduates from our program, with their double major and training in Special Education, will have many opportunities.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Bret Cormier: Yes, we have already received numerous inquiries from districts in and around New England, and we have been in school less than a month, so I imagine that will continue moving forward. We have received inquiries from as far as Hawaii, where school districts there a looking to fill numerous jobs as well as various positions. As previously stated, we also have a lot of interest from our district and community partners, where many of our students conduct field observations, as well as student teaching.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Bret Cormier: That's a really good and important question. Based on everything that we are seeing, as well as implementing to adhere to COVID protocols, I believe, that we will continue to provide remote learning to students in K-12 and higher education, hybrid schooling, and online learning, but with that being said, I still know, that as someone who has been researching and studying the achievement gap over 15 years, the best way to educate students is to have them in a classroom with other students and a teacher to guide them; what we refer to as brick and mortar instruction.
As we continue to improve our technology to educate our students, we have to be aware of the costs to provide this education, for many of our students who aren't able to access that education, due to lack of a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet, as well as the technology needed for Wi-Fi. So as the pedagogy and the andragogy continue to improve our instruction in cyberspace, we tend to overlook that students still need devices and internet access to take full advantage of the educational optimal learning environments. So I think that we'll learn a lot from COVID to continue to improve education for all of our students, but the economic realities will also continue to play a role and factor for access and opportunity.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Janine Davis Ph.D.: For our teacher education graduates, the impact of the pandemic will most likely work in their favor when it comes to finding jobs-the pandemic has led to many retirements, which will mean that we will need even more teachers to fill those empty positions. At the same time, the advent of increased virtual learning means that it will no longer be an option that teachers know and use technology, including teaching online and using learning management and data analysis systems-those skills will almost certainly be a non-negotiable for future teaching positions. Finally, I think that this event has highlighted the importance of working as part of a team of teachers and other school leaders.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Janine Davis Ph.D.: For teachers, it is generally the case that places with higher pay have less trouble filling their vacant teaching positions. So there will be no shortage of vacant positions, but future teachers should look carefully at the pay scale for the districts where they apply. Substitute teaching can offer an important view into the professional culture of different schools. In addition to technology skills, there are places where knowledge of how to work with students who are learning English will make teachers especially competitive in fast-growing and especially diverse areas in California, New York, Texas, and parts of Virginia.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Janine Davis Ph.D.: Already we see some amazing resources that help with virtual learning, and teachers are teaching students in so many different ways in the virtual setting. Not just will teachers be using more technology to communicate, teach, and collect and analyze student data, but it is likely that students will also use technology in more advanced ways-for example, more students may be editing video, producing podcasts, and collecting and analyzing data with technology.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Kristen Harmon Ph.D.: Likely, yes. Discrimination and bias are already problems that Deaf graduates face. That's not going to improve with a constricted economy.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Kristen Harmon Ph.D.: Yes, especially in Deaf communications-related companies. Some go into business for themselves or develop careers based on writing and editing.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Kristen Harmon Ph.D.: What does he mean by technology? Gaming, cars, artificial intelligence, signing gloves, real captioning, social media?
Sylvia Read Ph.D.
Professor and Associate Dean for Teacher EducationUtah State University
Department of Education
WebsiteWill there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Sylvia Read Ph.D.: I believe that the nature of teaching will be forever affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The importance of social and emotional learning has been reinforced. We better appreciate and understand the value of the relationship between teachers and students that is foundational to learning. There is also a fundamental shift in the relationship between schools and families, with teachers and administrators collaborating more closely with families. The pandemic has also made more obvious the digital divide and fundamental inequities in school funding that make it much harder for many students and families to engage in learning remotely. Graduates will be faced with these inequities and be activists on behalf of students and families who are disproportionately impacted by poverty, lack of access to health care, and inadequate access to the internet, libraries, and other services that support learning.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Sylvia Read Ph.D.: Most states have shortages, especially for science, math, and special education, but we even see shortages in other content areas and in elementary education. Many teachers have chosen to retire rather than put themselves at risk by teaching in schools, so there are more openings than ever. Some states are doing more to support teachers and administrators by hiring social workers and school counselors, even at the elementary level, so this is an opportunity for graduates who want to pursue a graduate degree.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Sylvia Read Ph.D.: Teachers have had to become much more fluent with technology to enable their teaching and student learning, and this will carry through and be refined over time. The challenge is how to leverage technology to differentiate learning based on students' needs.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dr. William Gaudelli: I would suggest that it will. Immediately, it will affect certification students directly as they will not be able to work in schools or in community health centers to learn and log hours towards certification. Longer term, COVID will permanently alter face-to-face schooling, making hybridity and virtuality more evident in the P-12 sector.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Dr. William Gaudelli: Short-term, I would say that the Sunbelt is likely to see increasing demographic changes that are favorable, meaning more schools, thus requiring more teachers. Longer term, areas of the Sunbelt may become uninhabitable as a result of inundations and global warming, which is likely to lead to the repopulation of northern tier/midwestern areas that will make these areas more livable (NYT, 9-16-2020). This may seem like a long way off (+10 years), but increasingly, the effects of climate change are accelerating, and it's likely to arrive more quickly. Locally, the Northeast is likely to experience population loss (Nathan Grawe, 2018) though we're also seeing an increase in teacher vacancies, so there's likely to be available positions well into the future, even in regionally challenged areas.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Dr. William Gaudelli: COVID exposed great rifts in student/community ability to learn via distance and the technology/bandwidth to support it. In the next 5-10 years, in addition to that challenge, we will have an increasing presence of VR, AI, and robotics/robotics in classrooms and through learning systems that may not fundamentally alter learning but will significantly augment it.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
David Bell Ph.D.: It is too soon to know what enduring impact the coronavirus will have on graduates, but I do see two potential effects. First, DPT graduates in 2020 endured significant distruptions in their clinical placements. Clinical rotations often serve as "on the job" interviews for DPT students, as many students receive job offers as a direct result of their clinical placements. Therefore, clinical partners who were unable to host students as a result of the pandemic may be somewhat disadvantaged in recruiting these recent graduates.
This graduating class may also be disadvantaged by reduced time spent in specific clinical placements as well as reduced exposure to the variety of clinical options available prior to the pandemic. Second, many programs are waiving requirements for observation hours and letters of recommendation from physical therapists for the current applicant pool. Therefore, this current pool of applicants may have limited exposure to and understanding of the physical therapy profession prior to admission to DPT programs. It is unknown what effect this limited exposure to the profession may have on this cohort of students.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
David Bell Ph.D.: Rural and underserved areas continue to be in short supply of physical therapists. Graduates seeking employment opportunities in these areas should be able to field competitive offers from multiple employers.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
David Bell Ph.D.: The coronavirus pandemic propelled the use of technology forward in both the classroom and the clinic, changing the way both healthcare and healthcare education is delivered. Although I believe the pendulum will swing back toward the traditional delivery of both kinds of services once the pandemic ends, I doubt that we will fully return to the pre-pandemic status quo, and maybe we will not even want to do so.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Patricia Saunders: In the field of Black Diaspora Cultural Studies, I think the impact of the Coronavirus will leave an inedible mark on this generation of scholars and professionals. Given the convergence of the Coronavirus and the social justice movement, the impact of both African American, Latino/a and Native American communities will undoubtedly shape the way that graduates in the humanities, technology, and communication, as well as the sciences, approach their teaching and research. This convergence will also impact the jobs that become available in institutions of higher learning.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Patricia Saunders: In the humanities, geography doesn't play that large a role...it depends on which schools have the money to offer new lines for professorships, and which ones don't. Naturally, large research institutions and private universities will do better in this climate because they have larger endowments.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Patricia Saunders: The rapid increase in online learning due to the pandemic will undoubtedly reshape the pedagogical landscape in the U.S. Traditional modes of teaching in-person have been tested during the epidemic. For many students, in-person courses are their preference, and in some instances, particularly in science labs, the only realistic mode of teaching has to be in person and with all hands on deck. However, in some other instances (i.e., visual arts and museum studies) in person remains critical, and some would say essential to how and what students learn.
Suzanne Tiemann
ProfessorPark University
Department of Education
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Suzanne Tiemann: I think the school has changed. We will no longer have "snow days" or inclement weather days. The teacher will teach remotely, and the students will learn remotely. As teachers, we are always trying to perfect our craft. Therefore, distance learning is another tool in our tool bag. Just think, if a child had to miss school for whatever reason, and they were healthy enough to learn, we can just add them to the classroom via technology.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Suzanne Tiemann: Regarding Special Education Teachers, there is a demand throughout the United Stated for Special Education Teachers.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Suzanne Tiemann: The generations we are educating are growing up with technology all around them. They expect their teachers to be current and innovative, and we are answering back. The incredible work that teachers have done in the last few months is commendable and impressive. The teachers are modeling how to adapt, be flexible, and meet the learner where they are. Technology in the classroom will continue to grow. As teachers, we will do the same as we strive for excellence in education.
Dr. Matt Tincani
Professor and ChairpersonTemple University
Department of Teaching and Learning
WebsiteWill there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dr. Matt Tincani: Certainly, yes. Because most K - 12 schools have gone virtual, we have had to change the way we prepare teachers. Graduates of teacher preparation programs must complete student teaching; however, now they must do so virtually, along with their host teachers teaching virtually. Student teaching in an online environment is a fundamentally different experience. While candidates who student teach during the pandemic will be better prepared for online education in the future, they may not be as well prepared to teach face-to-face. At Temple University, we are planning to offer extra support to our recent graduates who haven't had the opportunity to participate in face-to-face student teaching.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Dr. Matt Tincani: There are notable education teacher shortages throughout the US. While there are generally more positions in states that have experienced significant population growth, particularly in the south and west, there are outstanding education teaching jobs just about everywhere. The most significant number of open positions can be found in major cities with chronic shortages of qualified teachers.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Dr. Matt Tincani: Technology will play an ever-increasing role in special education. Teachers must learn to use technology to deliver instructional content effectively, and they must also understand how students interact with technology outside of the classroom to meet their needs better. Some technologies are specifically designed to help students with disabilities, including apps, to help students take notes or communicate with others. Special education teachers-in-training must learn how to take advantage of these technologies.
Dr. Greg Jones
High School PrincipalOrchard Farm High School
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Dr. Greg Jones: Be sure to learn about different aspects/departments of the company. If asked to volunteer time on a day off, do it. This will allow you to expand your skills and shows dedication and work ethic.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Greg Jones: Technology is ever-changing and expanding. I do not see this trend changing. Technical skills will remain important, but there has to be a focus on creativity, imagination, and problem-solving. In schools, we are working to prepare our students for their next steps in life and the workforce. We cannot prepare them for an ever-evolving workforce if we do not focus on these skills that will equip them with what they need to prosper and make our community a beautiful place to live and work.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dr. Greg Jones: Maybe I am an optimist, but I do not see an enduring negative impact on our kids when it comes to entering the workforce after high school. Today's job market may not be what they, or any of us, thought it would be six months ago, but the American spirit of entrepreneurship will not dwindle in the face of our current situation. Over the past several months, we have seen the unemployment numbers rebound after the initial shutdown. I believe the numbers will return to the pre-pandemic level once we have a viable vaccine that is widely available, and business gets back to normal.
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Dr. Diana Jones: General advice: I would encourage graduates to find a mentor who can guide them in their careers, stay on top of the latest technology, not be too hard on themselves, be flexible, be team players, be present, and care about their students.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Diana Jones: Technology in the next 3-5 years -- That is a tough question because technology is continually changing. However, I would say whatever learning system their school provides (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard, etc.), they should get to know. Also, the technology that involves making/editing videos of teaching would be necessary. The technique that includes exercise, fitness, sports such as heart rate monitors, Fitbits, etc. Finally, a technology that allows interactions between teachers and students and students and students.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dr. Diana Jones: Enduring impact -- Yes. I think graduates will look back at this time and remember some of the isolation, stress, and emotional turmoil BUT also realize how resilient they are and how they are capable of rising to the challenges of life. I would also like to believe that the impact will cause them to be grateful for what we have in our lives and live in the moment.
Art Dobbs
PrincipalTupelo High School
What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career?
Art Dobbs: With today's job market, to be competitive, students must possess a variety of hard and soft skills. At Tupelo High School, we offer our students every opportunity - from Advanced Placement and Dual Credit courses to the best Career-Tech facility in the state - to succeed. When our students graduate, we know they are ready for the next step toward their future.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Roxanne Owens Ph.D.: Teacher education graduates tend to be good at rolling with the punches. New situations are thrown at them all the time. Being with kids, teaching in a school, can be unpredictable--so, it isn't exactly that they relish the thought of dealing with the challenges brought on by the pandemic, but they have experience with all kinds of situations they never thought they'd find themselves in--and they deal with them. So--will there be the enduring impact? Yes, this is a brand new situation for everyone--but are teachers used to dealing with new things all the time? Also, yes. What will the impact be? Most teachers got into teaching because they like interacting with kids/youth. They probably will have a greater appreciation for in-person instruction when they can get back to it.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Roxanne Owens Ph.D.: There always seems to be a need for teachers in rural areas and particular licensure areas across the US, such as special ed and English Language Learners. It can be challenging to keep teachers in economically challenged urban areas as well.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Roxanne Owens Ph.D.: Technology is always going to be a useful tool in education. It provides a venue for communication, for practicing skills, and for creating products. The big caveat is that it has to be in the hands of a good teacher who knows how to apply it in ways that turn kids on, rather than turn them off.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dr. Lisa Mastrangelo: While there will likely be a more challenging job market for some time to come, even once coronavirus ends, degrees in Professional Writing remain highly marketable because of their "portability." Many work environments have discovered that employees work just as effectively when they are remote, and managing social media and marketing content can undoubtedly be done remotely. With strong writing skills and a facility with multiple technology platforms, students with Professional Writing backgrounds will continue to be strong contenders on the job market.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Dr. Lisa Mastrangelo: Professional writing students benefit from the fact that many jobs will be online. I think that the online workplace will likely be the most vital place for students to find work opportunities.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Dr. Lisa Mastrangelo: Because many of the jobs will be online, technological skills will be vital.
Josh MacIvor-Andersen
Assistant Professor of EnglishSaint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Languages and Literature Department
WebsiteWill there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Josh MacIvor-Andersen: I doubt the world will ever feel exactly the same as it did pre-COVID. Global trauma, undoubtedly, leaves some scar tissue that never fully heals. But in terms of writing graduates, I think the massive shift to distance work has paved the way for more gainful employment, without geographic restrictions. In other words, young professionals will likely find more flexibility to work from wherever they are as they seek to join teams in communications, marketing, PR, content creation, and editing.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Josh MacIvor-Andersen: The beauty of a writing degree is how easily it dovetails to so many professional pursuits. It's like a foundation on which you can build just about any career. Maybe not neuroscience, but most writing majors already know that ship has sailed. Of course, cities are always hubs for companies, agencies, and organizations that might have opportunities in communications and writing, but COVID has upended the brick and mortar approach to employment. In my view, this is an opportune time to be a skilled writer hitting the global market.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Josh MacIvor-Andersen: Increasingly, employers want to see young writers who have skill sets that transcend mere wordcraft. They want to see some design experience, the ability to craft compelling presentations, some chops in instructional design. Young professional writers should get familiar with multiple platforms and build a diverse professional toolkit. You don't have to be an expert at everything, but some basic understanding of design software allows you to fake your way forward until, if you stick with it, you might actually become the real deal.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates?
Dr. Mark Williams Ph.D.: I suspect so. Some ways of work and some jobs won't come back. But there will be other, new forms of work that we don't even know about yet, and connected with them, will be still other jobs. It takes a bit of time for societies to adjust to new realities, as we see now.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for graduates to find work opportunities in this field after they graduate?
Dr. Mark Williams Ph.D.: If you mean in the field(s) of classics, some private schools and academies are hiring (still) Latin and Greek teachers, especially in the South and Southwest. In the upper Midwest and Northeast, not so much.
How do you envision technology impacting this field in the next 5 years?
Dr. Mark Williams Ph.D.: Classics was the first field in the humanities to be entirely digitized, mainly thanks to the efforts of people like David Packard (yes, he's the son of the Packard of Hewlett and Packard). I suspect that the digital humanities will become more important, and even necessary, in an online learning environment, and classics, as a discipline, is well placed to be a part of this change.
