--- title: "What We’re Reading: Higher Ed, AI & Labor Gaps" description: Find this week’s essential reads on higher education challenges, AI, and labor market trends. Get the latest news and TL;DR summaries for quick insights. image: https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/What%20we%20read%20this%20week.jpg --- [![Logo_SignatureLogo_07202021.jpg](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/Logo_SignatureLogo_07202021.jpg.png)](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/) - [Companies](https://www.virtualinternships.com/companies/) - [Host an Intern](https://www.virtualinternships.com/companies/) - [How It Works](https://www.virtualinternships.com/companies/how-it-works) - [FAQs](https://www.virtualinternships.com/companies/faqs) - [Educators](https://www.virtualinternships.com/#) - [Universities](https://www.virtualinternships.com/universities/) - [Governments](https://www.virtualinternships.com/governments/) - [Affiliates](https://www.virtualinternships.com/#) - [Interns](https://www.virtualinternships.com/interns) - [Apply for Internships](https://www.virtualinternships.com/interns/) - [How It Works](https://www.virtualinternships.com/interns/how-it-works) - [Career Fields](https://www.virtualinternships.com/virtualinternships/career-fields/) - [Experiences](https://www.virtualinternships.com/interns/experience) - [FAQs](https://www.virtualinternships.com/interns/faqs) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/) - [About Us](https://www.virtualinternships.com/#) - [Our Mission](https://www.virtualinternships.com/our-mission/) - [Our Team](https://www.virtualinternships.com/our-team/) - [Join Us](https://www.virtualinternships.com/join-us/) - [Press](https://www.virtualinternships.com/press/) - [Contact Us](https://www.virtualinternships.com/contact-us/) [Companies](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/tag/companies) [News](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/tag/news) [Universities](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/tag/universities) # What We’re Reading: Higher Ed, AI & Labor Gaps [Virtual Internships](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/author/virtual-internships) Aug 16, 2024 ---   Welcome to the Virtual Internships Weekly Reading Round-Up. Week on week, we’re bringing you the trending conversations, the latest news, and articles you should be reading if you’re an educator or an employer.  What’s more, is that we’re even including 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 mid-August update brings chatter around higher education challenges, strategies for addressing skills shortages, and, of course, the latest in AI. Let’s dive in!   ### The Power of Place in Building a University’s Reputation *HEPI - [Read here](https://www.hepi.ac.uk/2024/08/07/the-power-of-place-in-building-a-universitys-reputation/)* TL;DR: A university's location is crucial in shaping its reputation, as the geographical and cultural context greatly impacts student experience, research opportunities, and overall institutional success. "Place" becomes a pivotal factor in higher education strategy, influencing key outcomes across these areas.   ### US Colleges Are Cutting Majors and Slashing Programs After Years of Putting It Off *AP News - [Read here](https://apnews.com/article/college-degree-programs-cuts-music-f0c271f6d61a13404f93688fcc6c589b)* TL;DR: Facing financial pressures and declining enrollments, many US colleges are finally making tough decisions to cut underperforming majors and programs. These cuts, often in the arts and humanities, reflect a growing emphasis on practical, job-oriented education to meet changing student and labor market demands.   ### Will 25 Percent Of Colleges Consolidate? An Update On A Prediction *Forbes - [Read here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelhorn/2024/08/13/will-25-percent-of-colleges-consolidate-an-update-on-a-prediction/)* TL;DR: The prediction that 25% of colleges and universities would close or merge within 15-20 years is holding up well. Many of these closures are for-profit schools, but non-profit institutions are also increasingly affected. With the ongoing demographic decline and financial pressures, the number of closures and mergers is expected to rise, potentially reaching the predicted 25% within the original timeframe.   ### What Would Higher Ed Look Like Distilled Into 100 Institutions? *Chronicle of Higher Education - [Read here](https://www.chronicle.com/article/what-would-higher-ed-look-like-distilled-into-100-institutions)* TL;DR: The article imagines a future where the U.S. higher education system is streamlined into just 100 institutions. It explores the potential consequences for accessibility, diversity of thought, and innovation, suggesting that while efficiency might increase, the loss of variety could harm the broader educational ecosystem.   ### Community Colleges Band Together On AI Education *Forbes -* [Read here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/shalinjyotishi/2024/08/06/community-colleges-band-together-on-ai-education/) TL;DR: Community colleges across the U.S. are forming alliances to expand AI education. These efforts aim to equip students with essential skills in AI and related technologies, addressing the growing demand for AI proficiency in the workforce and ensuring inclusivity in tech education.   ### 2024 Graduate Employability Report: Preparing Students for the GenAI-Driven Workplace *Cengage Employability Report - [Read here](https://cengage.widen.net/s/bmjxxjx9mm/cg-2024-employability-survey-report)* TL;DR:  The Cengage report highlights the increasing importance of AI literacy in the job market. It emphasizes the need for higher education institutions to prepare students for a workplace increasingly shaped by generative AI, focusing on practical skills and adaptability. Key takeaways: - **Value of Education:** The perceived value of education has significantly improved, with 73% of graduates now believing their education was worth the cost, up from 52% in 2023. This reflects a growing alignment between educational outcomes and job market requirements. - **Demand for GenAI Training:** A notable 70% of graduates expressed that basic training in Generative AI (GenAI) should be integrated into their courses, emphasizing the increasing importance of AI literacy in the workforce. - **Career Uncertainty Due to AI**: Rapid advancements in AI have caused 51% of graduates to second-guess their career choices, with 39% fearing that AI could eventually replace their jobs entirely. - **Employer Expectations**: Employers are increasingly expecting GenAI competencies, with 62% believing that candidates should have a foundational knowledge of AI tools. Moreover, 58% of employers are more likely to hire candidates with AI experience, indicating a shift towards skills-based hiring.   ### Higher Ed Leadership Is Excited About AI - But Investment Is Lacking *Forbes - [Read here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/vinaybhaskara/2024/08/08/higher-ed-leadership-is-excited-about-aibut-investment-is-lacking/)* TL;DR: While higher education leaders are enthusiastic about integrating AI into their institutions, there is a significant gap between this excitement and the actual investment being made. 86% of higher ed leaders see AI as a "massive opportunity," yet only 21% believe their institutions are prepared for it. The article highlights the need for more funding and strategic planning to fully leverage AI's potential in education.   ### Here’s How To Address Labor Shortages To Drive Economic Growth *Forbes - [Read here](https://www.forbes.com/sites/kweilinellingrud/2024/08/13/heres-how-to-address-labor-shortages-to-drive-economic-growth/)* TL;DR: The U.S. faces ongoing labor shortages, with 1.2 job openings per unemployed person. This trend, driven by low productivity and demographic shifts, threatens economic growth and could worsen inflation. To counter this, the U.S. needs to boost labor force participation, enhance skills development, leverage automation, and implement targeted immigration policies. These actions will help sustain economic strength despite the challenging labor market.   ### Are You a Micromanager or Too Hands-Off? Harvard Business Review - [Read here](https://hbr.org/2024/08/are-you-a-micromanager-or-too-hands-off) TL;DR: This article helps leaders identify whether they are micromanaging or too hands-off in their management style. It offers practical advice on finding the right balance to empower employees while ensuring accountability, ultimately leading to a more effective and motivated team.   Make sure you’re signed up to our newsletter for more insights!   [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.virtualinternships.com%2Fweekly-reading-roundup-higher-ed-challenges%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.virtualinternships.com%2Fweekly-reading-roundup-higher-ed-challenges%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://7528304.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528304/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/twitter-color.png?width=24&name=twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.virtualinternships.com%2Fweekly-reading-roundup-higher-ed-challenges%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.virtualinternships.com%2Fweekly-reading-roundup-higher-ed-challenges%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on pinterest](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/pinterest-color.png?width=24&name=pinterest-color.png)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.virtualinternships.com%2Fweekly-reading-roundup-higher-ed-challenges%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on email](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check+out+https%3A%2F%2Fblog.virtualinternships.com%2Fweekly-reading-roundup-higher-ed-challenges%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail&body=Check+out+https%3A%2F%2Fblog.virtualinternships.com%2Fweekly-reading-roundup-higher-ed-challenges%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) [Companies](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/tag/companies) [News](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/tag/news) [Universities](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/tag/universities) ## Similar posts Companies ### [What We’re Reading: Higher Ed Costs & Skills Credentials](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/weekly-reading-roundup-middle-skills-credentials) Stay informed with this week’s top stories on layoffs, the evolving job market, AI’s impact on education and hiring, faculty wellbeing, and beyond. Virtual Internships Sep 9, 2024 Companies ### [What We’re Reading: Skills Gaps & Workforce Development](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/weekly-reading-roundup-labor-shortages) Explore this week's must-read topics, including skills gaps, labor shortages, and key insights into workforce development. Virtual Internships Oct 9, 2024 Companies ### [What We’re Reading: Sept 23 – Key EdTech Shifts](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/weekly-reading-roundup-micro-crdentials-impact) Explore this week's must-read topics, including the decreasing influence of college rankings, the role of AI in lesson planning and microcredentials. Virtual Internships Sep 23, 2024 ![Vi](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/Landing%20Page/vi-lite.png) As featured on: ![BBC](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/BBC%20Logo.png) ![Business Leader](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/Business%20Leader%20Logo.png) ![EdTechX](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/EdTechX%20Logo.png) ![Forbes](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/Forbes%20Logo.png) ![Inside Higher Ed](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/Inside%20Higher%20Ed%20Logo.png) ![TechCrunch](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/TechCrunch%20Logo.png) ![The PIE](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/The%20PIE%20Logo.png) ![The Times](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/The%20Times%20Logo.png) ![Times Higher Education](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/footer-featured-logos/Times%20Higher%20Education%20Logo.png) - [Companies](https://www.virtualinternships.com/companies/) - [Educators](https://virtualinternships.com/universities/) - [Interns](https://virtualinternships.com/interns/) - [Our Mission](https://virtualinternships.com/our-mission/) - [Our Team](https://virtualinternships.com/our-team/) - [Join Us](https://virtualinternships.com/join-us/) - [Press](https://virtualinternships.com/press/) - [Blog](https://blog.virtualinternships.com/) - [Contact Us](https://virtualinternships.com/contact-us/) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/virtualintern/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/virtualinternships/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/onlineinterns) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtual-internships) - [Tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@virtualinternships) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/VirtualInternships) © 2024 Virtual Internships. All right reserved. - [Privacy Policy](https://www.virtualinternships.com/policies/privacy) - [Terms of Service](https://www.virtualinternships.com/policies) ![](https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=4951673&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Virtual Internships", "url" : "https://blog.virtualinternships.com/author/virtual-internships" }, "dateModified" : "2025-05-30T05:19:14.323Z", "datePublished" : "2024-08-16T10:24:17.000Z", "headline" : "What We’re Reading: Higher Ed, AI & Labor Gaps", "image" : [ "https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/What%20we%20read%20this%20week.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.virtualinternships.com/weekly-reading-roundup-higher-ed-challenges", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.virtualinternships.com/hubfs/Logo_SignatureLogo_07202021.jpg.png" }, "name" : "Virtual Internships" } } ```