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!
HEPI - Read here
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.
AP News - Read here
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.
Forbes - Read here
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.
Chronicle of Higher Education - Read here
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.
Forbes - Read here
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.
Cengage Employability Report - Read here
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:
Forbes - Read here
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.
Forbes - Read here
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.
Harvard Business Review - Read here
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.
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