March 1, 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.
California State University, San Bernardino
Manraj Singh Virk: There is and still will be some kind of impact of this pandemic on graduates. Reasons for this according to me could be:
a) Losses suffered by various businesses: This pandemic did force a lot businesses to shut down forever. Whereas, for others it led to huge losses as everything was closed down for quite a period due to the various lockdowns all over the country. This is a major problem as these losses did and can still affect the hiring process for quite some time.
b) Another reason according to me is as the lockdown came in many businesses laid-off many employees due to lack of money to pay them. So I think they'll have a responsibility towards them as well to consider them first at times of hiring. So this could be another challenge for the fresh graduates in terms of experience that they will lack as compared to the employees that were initially laid-off.
Manraj Singh Virk: A good job out of college according to me could be the one that helps the individual to showcase all the skills that one has acquired along time in their college life whether it's related to communication or the technical skill sets related to their particular major. For some getting certain salary range would be a priority but in this pandemic for me salary would be secondary and a good position that has a security for future growth and also fits my background so that I can help the company as well while developing myself would be very important as a two way give and take is always necessary i.e. if you want the company to treat you good then it's your responsibility to add value to their business as well.
Manraj Singh Virk: My majors being Accounting and Business Intelligence, I think various steps could help in increasing the earning potential of people. These steps could be:
a) Continuous updating your knowledge and improving your concepts in these fields. As accounting standards remain constant but new amendments come in year to year regarding various points including taxation and various laws which a person in that field should be aware of.
b) In terms of business intelligence along with the continuous updation of knowledge of the concepts, updating one's knowledge about the modern technology is also important. Every day something new comes in the market that helps businesses and individuals to save both in terms of money and resources. And having adequate knowledge about these technologies on timely basis can give an individual some sort of edge over his/her competition.
c) Along with the above two sense of harmony, team spirit, social responsibilities, and strong will to bring positive change are some characteristics that are easy to identify in an individual and play an important role in doing good in any position or work assigned.