Welcome to another edition of our Weekly Reading Round-Up. If you're an employer or an educator, these are the trending topics, latest insights, and rumbling conversations you'll want to be informed on.
We’ve included a friendly TL;DR (too long; didn’t read) round-up for each one so you can do your weekly industry reading in half the time.
This week’s update brings highlights topical
Let’s dive in!
TL;DR: Swift's opinion piece emphasizes the need for employers to adapt to Gen Z's expectations to address labor shortages and improve recruitment. Gen Z values job stability, purpose, and practical work experience. As this generation becomes a significant part of the workforce, employers should focus on integrating early talent strategies such as work-based learning opportunities, including internships and apprenticeships, which help attract and retain young talent. Effective work-based learning has been linked to higher career satisfaction and earnings. Employers who embrace these strategies and understand Gen Z's needs will better position themselves to compete for top talent.
Why Employers Should Care Gen Z expects personalized growth opportunities, with 70% willing to leave a job if their needs aren’t met. Employers must offer clear pathways for development.
TL;DR: A recent Terra Dotta survey highlighted critical factors influencing international student success in U.S. colleges. Career preparation and social integration are paramount, with financial aid and quality education also crucial for retention. The survey, involving 356 international students, shows that many struggle with homesickness, academic pressures, and safety concerns. Specialized orientations and peer connections enhance their transition, while financial aid and career support significantly impact their decision to stay. Institutions should invest in tailored orientations, cross-cultural activities, and robust career services to better support international students and improve their overall college experience.
Why Educators Should Care: Post-graduation career prospects are crucial for 64% of international students. Colleges must focus on career services and support to attract this demographic.
TL;DR: A coalition of higher education groups is promoting digital credentials, like Learning and Employment Records (LERs), to enhance students' career readiness and bolster the relevance of higher education. The coalition aims to integrate these tools into curricula, advocate for supportive policies, and measure their impact on student outcomes. Concurrently, community colleges are developing AI-focused programs, supported by $2.8 million from the National Science Foundation, to address the growing demand for AI talent. A call for an independent data center to track AI’s impact on jobs underscores the need for accurate, nonpartisan insights to guide workforce readiness and policy.
Why Employers and Educators Should Care: 72% of employers see digital credentials as the future of career readiness, offering more transparency in hiring. Digital wallets could streamline verification processes.
TL;DR: UPCEA has released a playbook, funded by Walmart, to advance noncredit microcredentials in higher education. Titled "Building Capacity, Expanding Pathways," the playbook compiles insights from a year-long project involving 10 diverse institutions. It highlights strategies for institutions to collaborate with local businesses to develop relevant microcredentials. The resource includes actionable steps, case studies, and guidance on creating effective, short-term credential programs. The playbook aims to help universities better align their offerings with workforce needs, enhance engagement with industry partners, and improve the scalability and impact of their credentialing efforts.
Why Educators Should Care: 81% of institutions plan to expand digital credential programs to meet evolving workforce demands. The playbook offers strategies for scaling digital credentials including:
TL;DR: AI resume builders are significantly impacting hiring processes, as seen in a recent case at ASU Tech Hubs. The surge in AI-generated applications led to a 300% increase in submissions and a uniformity in resumes and cover letters that made it challenging to assess individual qualifications. To address this, ASU revamped its hiring approach, focusing on skill demonstrations, personal narratives, and in-depth interviews. The experience highlights the need for employers to adapt hiring practices to manage AI's influence, ensuring they effectively evaluate candidates' unique skills and experiences while leveraging AI tools responsibly to enhance job application processes.
Why Employers Should Care: AI resume builders can inflate candidate qualifications, with 43% of employers reporting issues with inaccurate skills. This trend may complicate hiring processes.
TL;DR: A recent OECD-Lightcast report highlights a 33% increase in demand for AI skills across 14 countries from 2019 to 2022. The US leads in AI job postings, but other nations are growing rapidly in specific areas like autonomous vehicles in France and robotics in the Netherlands. Despite AI’s global reach, demand varies by country and industry, with significant growth in Professional Activities, ICT, and Manufacturing sectors. Key skills in high demand include Machine Learning and AI technologies. This data offers insights for businesses, governments, educators, and workers to align their strategies with emerging global AI trends and local market needs.
Why Employers and Educators Should Care: The global race for AI talent is heating up, with demand for AI skills increasing by 50% in the last year. Countries are competing to develop and retain top talent.
TL;DR: Emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing are set to profoundly transform industries and economies. AI, in particular, is expected to be a significant driver of change, with predictions indicating it could create 58 million new jobs by 2030. These technologies promise to revolutionize fields such as scientific discovery, healthcare, and communications, enabling breakthroughs that were previously unimaginable.
Why Employers and Educators Should Care: Understanding and adapting to these shifts will be crucial for preparing the future workforce and capitalizing on new opportunities in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
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