Articles of Interest, Job leads and more (April 30, 2025)

💡 Quote of the Day

"As I look back on my life, I realize that every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being re-directed to something better." — Steve Maraboli

Articles of Interest (April 24, 2025)

Quote: 

"Without the little ideas, there are no big ideas." Twyla Tharp via HERC SmartBrief for the Higher Ed Leader

Articles of Interest:

• The Forbes article titled "The Future Of Hiring Will Be Transferable Skills, Not Experience," published on April 23, 2025, discusses the evolving landscape of recruitment, emphasizing the increasing importance of transferable skills over traditional experience-based qualifications.​

• The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has released its Job Outlook 2025 Spring Update, highlighting a moderated hiring landscape for the college Class of 2025.​

Key Findings:

• Hiring Projections Adjusted: Initially, employers anticipated a 7.3% increase in hiring for the Class of 2025 compared to the Class of 2024. However, updated projections now indicate a modest 0.6% increase. Despite this adjustment, nearly 90% of employers plan to either maintain (64.6%) or increase (24.6%) their hiring levels. ​Default+2Default+2Default+2

• Shift Toward Skills-Based Hiring: The reliance on GPA as a screening tool continues to decline, with less than 40% of employers using it. Instead, nearly two-thirds of employers are adopting skills-based hiring practices, focusing on candidates' majors, industry experience, and internships to assess potential. ​Default+2Default+2Default+2

• Work Modality Preferences: Employers favor hybrid and in-person work arrangements for new hires, aligning with Gen Z's preference for face-to-face engagement coupled with flexibility.​

• Internship Opportunities: Looking ahead, most employers expect to seek candidates for entry-level roles and internships in the fall, indicating positive prospects for the Class of 2026.
  

• ​The article "Market Downturn Hurts College Seniors' Career Optimism" from Inside Higher Ed highlights the challenges faced by the Class of 2025 as they approach graduation amid a slowing job market. A fall 2024 survey revealed that 56% of graduating students felt "very" or "somewhat" pessimistic about their career prospects. This sentiment persists, with new data from Handshake indicating continued concern among students. While employers report plans to hire a similar number of graduates as in the previous year, sectors like federal and tech roles are experiencing reduced hiring, contributing to a more competitive job market.

• Is this a wave of the future? The University of Kentucky is proposing a significant restructuring of its athletics department by establishing a new corporate entity named Champions Blue LLC. This initiative aims to provide the university with greater financial flexibility and adaptability in response to escalating costs associated with a potential NCAA antitrust settlement, which could increase expenses by approximately $50 million. Read more.

• Northwestern University Announces First-of-its-Kind Leadership Development Program for Collegiate Coaches - ​Northwestern University has launched the Kellogg Coaches Leadership Academy, a pioneering program designed to provide collegiate coaches with advanced business and leadership training. This initiative, a collaboration between Northwestern's Department of Athletics and Recreation and the Kellogg School of Management, aims to equip coaches with skills in business analytics, crisis management, complex negotiations, and leadership strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics. Read more. 

Quote and Article of Interest (April 4, 2025)

 Quote via Tim Ferriss and the 5-Bullet Friday

“You come to understand that most people are neither for you nor against you, they are thinking about themselves. You learn that no matter how hard you try to please, some people in this world are not going to love you, a lesson that is at first troubling and then really quite relaxing.” ​— John W. Gardner

Interested in more from Tim Ferriss visit here.

Articles of Interest (April 3, 2025)

California Top State for Marketing Jobs (O Dwyer's, April 2)

​A recent study by DesignRush, as reported by O'Dwyer's on April 2, 2025, identifies California as the leading state for marketing job opportunities in the United States. The study evaluated factors such as the number of marketing positions available per 100,000 residents, average annual salaries, and the duration job postings remain open. California achieved a score of 83.8 out of 100, offering approximately 25 marketing jobs per 100,000 residents with an average salary of $104,434. Job postings in the state typically remain open for 26 days before being filled. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that California employs around 60,000 marketing managers, the highest number nationwide. Following California, New York and Massachusetts rank second and third, respectively, in marketing job demand.

Dressing Well is a Tool. Use it to Do Something Other Than Dress Well (Dappered, April 3)

The Dappered article titled "Dressing Well is a Tool. Use it to Do Something Other Than Dress Well." emphasizes that dressing well serves as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself. It suggests that while selecting and wearing stylish clothing can be enjoyable, the true value lies in using this confidence and self-assurance to engage in meaningful activities and make a positive impact in various aspects of life.

Workers prioritize purpose, growth in careers (ITPro, March 27)

A survey by Tomorrow University, reported by ITPro on March 27, 2025, reveals that 70% of professionals consider purpose a defining factor in their career choices, and 66% would leave their current roles for positions that better align with their sense of purpose. Over the past five years, more than half of the respondents have shifted their career priorities toward finding purpose and impact. Key aspects of purpose include continuous learning and growth opportunities (58%), working in fields that align with personal values or passions (57%), and making a positive impact on others' lives (41%). To support this, 60% of employees desire professional development opportunities in impactful fields, and 50% seek financial assistance for further education or certifications.

​Should I Add The 'Open To Work' Banner? (Justin Taylor, March 24)

​In his article "Should I Add The 'Open To Work' Banner?" on The Landing Pad, Justin Taylor discusses the ongoing debate about displaying LinkedIn's #OpenToWork banner. He aims to clarify the implications of using this feature for job seekers.