The above article details the
findings of a recent survey on underemployment, specifically which college
majors are most and least likely to lead to this situation. STEM fields
produced graduates with the least likelihood of underemployment, liberal arts
degrees the greatest.
From the study, we can see that young
adults, more so than middle-aged or older adults, are experiencing the greatest
difficulty in today’s economy. Underemployment, a
situation involving the under-utilization of labor, is just as serious an issue
as unemployment. College graduates today are more likely to take jobs in which
they are overqualified, and increasingly will settle for a part-time job
despite desiring full-time work. In filling jobs that do not require a
postsecondary education, the benefits of their college degrees go unused and
they produce at a level below their full potential. From this trend, we can see
that the choices young adults make earlier in life (i.e. where to attend
college, what to study, how to pay for it) have long-arc financial implications.
Graduates today need practical
vocational skills in order to get hired.
More young adults are enrolled in
college today than at any time in recorded history. The increase in enrollment
is just one reason for the current high underemployment. Not enough jobs have been created to accommodate them, resulting in
falling wages for young college graduates, as well as increasing
underemployment. In the past, when there
were fewer graduates, a college degree was a coveted prize. The market now
flooded, diplomas are worth less, and specific skills are worth more. It is important to recognize that not all
degrees are created equal. For education to have value and cachet in the new
millennium, it must impart skills that translate to the labor market.
When it comes to the
job market, a college major can make all the difference. Ultimately,
we do not have a simple answer to the question “is college worth it?” Some
degrees pay for themselves while others do not. Oftentimes, individuals can earn a lot
more by mastering a trade than they might with an art history degree.
I think that this touches on a great subject, but is a little bit off. I think it's less of which major you choose and graduate with, but what skills you acquire and are able to utilize in the workplace. An english major may not be the shining spot on a resume, but the critical thinking, intensive writing, and analytical skills would definitely be beneficial in any work environment. An art history major may never be able to get a job in technology, but their eye for detail and visual clarity may aid them in areas such as design or curating. Focusing on the skills learned, rather than the title of the degree, would not only aid graduates in finding work, but help employers choose who to hire.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, along with having the right college major it is necessary to attain certain skills such as public speaking for example. Employers take into account more than just the college degree when making the decision of who to hire. They look for skills, presentation and attitude among others. Thus i feel that although for example a government major can not find a job in technology or engineering, he can however find a job in public relations if he develops the right skills.
ReplyDeleteI think this article really helps exemplify the importance of real-world application and internships. Yes, you may have graduated with a liberal arts degree, but if you cannot apply what you learned, quickly pick up on particulars that apply directly to your career, or fail to incorporate soft-skills, that same liberal arts degree quickly loses value in the eyes of potential employers. Experience is key to be competitive in the job market.
ReplyDeleteI think that this article is very important and really touches upon a key problem in the labor market today. Both the school you go to and the degree you get is crucial to your future employment options. It does kind of surprise me that vocational skills are also a factor as well, but it makes sense. Being able to present yourself to others and communicate effectively is something that can set you apart from other competitors, and in the state the job market is in today, this is something that people need to aim for.
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