A new report released this week from the Project on Workforce and researchers at Harvard University identifies conditions that limit economic advancement for disadvantaged groups. It also suggests ways in which higher education institutions can help students avoid pitfalls that can negatively affect their career advancement.
Among the report’s findings are that income inequality is growing among US workers. A common factor among workers who earn insufficient income is the presence or absence of a college degree. According to the report, most workers that occupy low-wage jobs do not have a college degree, but about 10% of these workers have an associate degree and about 12% have earned a bachelor’s degree. In other words, nearly one out of four low-wage workers has a post-secondary degree.
The report authors found that more than 40 percent of college graduates work in a role that does not require a college degree. Additionally, recent college graduates have a harder time finding jobs than in previous years, which may contribute to the number of college graduates filling roles that do not require a degree. Among the researchers’ findings was evidence that young adults who graduated during the COVID-19 pandemic lack career advancement skills that employers find valuable in the workplace. These skills include problem-solving skills and the ability to work cooperatively with other employees.
The researchers identified five factors they felt were central to equipping college students for career advancement. Those factors included accurate information regarding career options, job requirements, and necessary skills. In other words, websites filled with inaccurate information about exactly which jobs a degree program prepares a student to fill are apparently not helpful to students seeking to make solid career decisions.
Career advancement for some student requires honesty
Another career advancement factor the report identified is skills and credentials. According to the report, “Employers still use a college degree as a proxy for assessing abilities and skills.” So, WCC’s certificate strategy – which is a non-degree pathway – probably doesn’t offer recognizable qualifications that an employer looks for that an associate degree might.
In addition, the report identified 10 principles that institutions should implement to assist students in accurately navigating career options, and securing opportunities that would improve their career advancement. Not surprisingly, the first item was the clear and accessible communication of labor market information. That just goes back to being honest about what you can accomplish career-wise with a certificate and not conflating that with what you can expect from a bachelor’s degree and five years of on-the-job experience.
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