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BLS Chief Regional Economist Martin Kohli took a differentview. “Some high-growth occupations usually don’t require adegree,” he said. “But many of these jobs, such as home healthaides, do not pay well. High-paying jobs typically require at leasta B.A.”Job prospects, security and growth potential are largelyregarded as better for college graduates. So how can educatorsand admissions staff help direct their students into some of thedecade’s fastest-growing occupations?“Counselors can help students prepare by sharing some of theinformation in our Occupational Outlook Quarterly,” Kohli said.“The current issue has an article focused on projected openingsfor jobs that typically require a B.A. This article indicates thatrecent graduates in engineering and computer science tend to havelower unemployment rates and higher earnings than graduates inthe humanities and social sciences.”“Experience in summer or part-time work or internship isimportant as well,” Lehman said. “Students need to know jobsearch, application and interview techniques. I would encouragethem to visit the college career services office. They provide allkinds of information and assistance.”Of the 92 percent of Adecco survey responders who believed thereis a skills gap, 44 percent thought that the gap was apparent in softskills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking andcreativity. Lehman agrees.Considering, however, that half of the decade’s fastest-growingcareer fields don’t require higher education at all, is a collegedegree still a good idea for everyone?“There are many good jobs that do not require a college degree,”Lehman said. “A person’s goal should be a satisfying andproductive job, regardless of educational requirements. I do notthink someone should go to college just to be a college graduate.I would encourage some career counseling from high school orcollege career services or a private counselor to help studentsunderstand their interests, abilities and aptitudes and how thosematch requirements for different types of jobs. There are also anumber of assessments that students can take online. They shouldlook at the Occupational Outlook Handbook online (the bible) andthe information on the National Career Development Associationwebsite and then work with an adviser or counselor to devise aneducational and career plan that fits — whether it requires collegeor not.”“As important as the student’s major are employability skills,such as teamwork, interpersonal skills, decision-making andproblem-solving skills, written and oral communications,creativity, initiative, organization, planning, and goal setting,” hesaid. “Since job duties are changing rapidly due to technology andglobalization, schools need to help graduates become adaptable,prepared for lifelong learning and willing to relocate, and shouldunderstand that they may eventually need to change career fields.”Although it’s important to keep programming up-to-date withexpected growing fields, it’s just as important for schools tocontinue concentrating on the soft skills graduates will need forcareer success. After all, communication and critical thinking arenecessary for success no matter where the economy takes us.Jenni Valentino is a freelance writer and editor withyears of involvement and experience in the careercollege sector. She can be reached atjzvalentino@gmail.com.Subscribe at www.CareerCollegeCentral.com | 33