Exploring Career Trends in Today and Tomorrow’s Economy GETTING ON TRACK

Izelle Silva, Estrella Mountain Community CollegeScott Schulz, Glendale Community College

77%-87% of Americans today do not like their jobs.

66% of Americans wish they would have spent more time researching career options.

28% of workforce is engaged, 53% is not engaged, 19% is actively disengaged. (Gallup)

70% percent of recent graduates wishthey had done more to prepare for the job market, including starting the job search BEFORE Graduation! (Adecco Staffing Survey, 2011)

There is only one perfect job for students. They will only have one career in their lifetime.

Fortunately, students are well suited to perform many jobs. Career planning is an ongoing process. People continue to change throughout life and so does the job market. Many occupations that will be available in our lifetime may not even exist yet!

Most students know their major and career goals when they enter college.

In fact, the average student who enters college with a declared major changes it 3-5 times. However, those with a major or career in mind are more like to persist.

Dispelling The Career Myths

Most people have a solid understanding of careers and the world-of-work and if a students do not, then they are the only ones who are confused.

People’s knowledge of occupations is often based on stereotypes. Most people are not aware of all the current and emerging jobs available.

The best place for students to start looking for a career is where employers are doing a lot of hiring now.

The job market changes constantly. As shortages are announced, more people train, creating a glut in the market. Recommended advice: Students should follow their interests, skills, abilities, and workplace values.

Dispelling The Career Myths

Old Paradigm New Paradigm•Job/Person Fit •Person/Organizational Fit•Career Ladders •Alternate Career Paths•Organizational Loyalty •Job/Task Loyalty •Career Success •Work/Family Balance•Academic Degree •Continuous Relearning•Position/Title •Competencies/Development•Full-Time Employment •Contract Employment•Retirement •Career Sabbaticals•Single Job/Career •Multiple Jobs/Careers•Tenure-Based Promotion •Performance-Based Promotion

The Perfect Labor Storm 2.0

1 in 3 college students prioritize social media, device flexibility, and work mobility over salary

71% of college students believe company-issued devices should be allowed for personal use

42% of college students believe companies should be flexible and empathetic to their need to stay connected via social media

70% of college students believe it is unnecessary to be in the office regularly

2011 Cisco Connected World Technology Report

• Communication Skills (4.6)• Strong Work Ethic (4.6)• Teamwork Skills (4.5)• Initiative (4.4)• Interpersonal Skills (4.4)• Problem-Solving Abilities (4.4)• Analytical Skills (4.3)• Flexibility/Adaptability (4.2)• Computer Skills (4.1)• Technical Skills (4.1)• Detail-oriented (4.0)• Organizational Skills (4.0)• Leadership (3.9)• Self-confidence (3.9)• Friendly/Outgoing (3.8)• Tactfulness (3.8)• Creativity (3.6)• Strategic Planning (3.3)• Entrepreneurial/Risk-Tasking (3.2)• Sense of humor (3.1)

National Association of College & Employers (2010)

Advanced ManufacturingAerospaceAutomotiveBiosciencesBusiness Services Construction EducationHealth Services Information Technology Public SafetySustainability

Personal financial advisorsProperty and community association managersSecurities and financial services sales agentsAccountants and auditorsElementary school teachers, except special educationFinancial analystsSecondary school teachersInsurance sales agentsTeachers and instructors, all otherNetwork systems and data communications analystsComputer software engineers, applicationsComputer systems analystsTraining and development specialistsComputer software engineers, systems softwareWriters and authorsMarket research analystsMiddle school teachersBusiness operation specialists, all otherNetwork and computer systems administrators

Registered nursesComputer support specialistsParalegals and legal assistantsRadiologic technologists and techniciansDental hygienistsMedical records and health information techniciansRespiratory therapistsMedical and clinical laboratory techniciansPhysical therapist assistantsCardiovascular technologists and techniciansVeterinary technologists and techniciansComputer specialists, all otherRadiation therapistsMedical equipment repairersDiagnostic medical sonographersForensic science techniciansBiological techniciansGeological and petroleum techniciansFashion designersNuclear medicine technologists

Associate Degree Bachelor Degree

Source: EMSI – November 2011

The job search “process” continues to remain relatively similar to the past. However, the tools and strategies job seekers must now employ have changed significantly. It is less about “selling” your skills and more about marketing your “brand.”

83% of employers used social media as a recruiting tool in 2010

Linkedin (78%), Facebook (55%), and Twitter (45%) are the most popular social recruiting channels. (Social Recruiting Survey, 2010)

Resist Complacency

Invest Time, Energy, and Resources in

Goals

Understand Industry Trends

Pursue Resources and Connections

Assess,& Understand Interests & Strengths

Develop a Career Plan and Adapt It to

Changes Find Mentors

Build a Personal Brand

Commit to Ongoing Learning

Internships are Critical!

Budgeting/ Financial Planning

“Success in today’s economy

depends on skills, flexibility

and a willingness to learn and

adapt.”