In today’s On Point radio program, Tom Ashbrook focused on employment prospects for graduates of the class of 2016. Here are a few key take-aways:
- 15% of the members of the class of 2016 are working in a job that doesn’t require a college degree.
- Students who land meaningful full-time jobs upon graduation tend to be those who have had internships.
- Most college students pick jobs that are familiar to them. Students need a lot more exposure to different kinds of jobs and what they entail.
- Most young people spend at least part of their 20s exploring different career paths. People don’t tend to find the right fit in their first job.
- One study found that students are half as likely to get a job as a result of an unpaid internship, but career counselors note that paid internships are not the only path to employment
- Engagement and real-world application matters more than specific discipline or major. Institutions should help students understand the expectations of professional life as early as possible.
- If a Liberal Arts major has one or two sought-after skills (e.g. data analysis) it opens up dozens more job options.
- “Hot sectors” change too rapidly. Don’t base choice of major on what is hot right now. Petroleum engineer was highly sought-after three years ago but today the oil industry is in crisis.
- New models of education include stackable certifications that allow students to build career credentials as they go along.