News Article #2

PROJECT TITLE

News Article #2

CLIENT NAME

College Degree verses Life Experience

PROJECT MANAGER

Amy Hall

POINT OF CONTACT NAME

Amy Hall

CONTACT INFO

Ahallpiano21@gmail.com

PURPOSE

Identify how your content strategy will support your company’s mission.

What is more hirable? Degree or experience? Pros and Cons.

GOALS

A summary of the SMART goals for your content strategy.

Spark engagement and discussion on social media.

Influence decision-making, increase inquires to educational institutions offering alternative learning options or vocational training programs, as well as career coaching.

Educate and inform by sharing publication in at least two online news outlets.

AUDIENCE

List the persona(s) your strategy will address.

AGE & GENDER: Men and women ages 18-40

INCOME: Middle to high.

OCCUPATION: Students or middle-aged individuals looking for a change in their occupation.

LOCATION: College and University students.

LIFESTYLE: Individuals who enjoy learning, studious

STORY

The overall theme or message for your content, including the unique value of your project.

In the competitive job market today, individuals without earned degrees are encountering significant issues in securing employment, with many facing discrimination and limited opportunities for career advancement. 

TEAM

List the project leader, contributors, creators, and other key stakeholders.

Amy Hall

BUDGET

Outline the expense for this project, and when expenses are expected by week, month, quarter, or year.

Subscription costs of publication websites.

TIMEFRAME

Specify key dates and deadlines for deliverables. Also, include any timeframe for evaluating the metrics of this project.

Monthly publications.

NEWS ARTICLE #2

In the competitive job market today, individuals without earned degrees are encountering significant issues in securing employment, with many facing discrimination and limited opportunities for career advancement. 

The Business Insider [1] reported the following, “New graduates are getting squeezed out of the labor market at both ends, by younger teenagers and more experienced workers just older than them," Luke Pardue, economist at payroll and benefits provider Gusto, told Insider. "Hiring rates typically for this cohort of workers typically spike in May and June as new graduates accept jobs after graduation, but in 2021 we have seen employment growth remain low through these past two months.”

In efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity in the workforce, a growing number of individuals find themselves sidelined due to the lack of a formal degree. According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job seekers without degrees face higher rates of unemployment compared to their degreed counterparts, highlighting a troubling trend in today’s job market.

Ryan McGonigal wrote an article for Business.com [2] wrote “Armed with strong academic records, work experience, and professionally polished resumes, (college graduates) they sent out hundreds of applications for mostly entry-level jobs. However, not one application led to employment, only a handful led to interviews or offers, and the vast majority garnered no response from employers at all.”

Is the financial burden worth the time invested in a degree?  Rising tuition costs, coupled with the opportunity cost of foregoing full time employment to attend school, make higher education inaccessible for many.  As a result, they are left to navigate a job market that values credentials over competence.

Jainie Perri wrote [3] “With so many students unsure of which companies are actively hiring, and a significant majority expressing interest in new fields, companies that are recruiting for entry-level roles should ensure that the careers page of their website and any company profile on job search sites accurately reflect hiring status.”

In response to these challenges, advocates are calling for greater recognition of alternative pathways to employment.  Promoting skill-based hiring and competency assessments aim to level the playing field for individuals without degrees, emphasizing the importance of practical skills and relevant experience in today’s workforce.

In an interview with Anthony DeGraw the question was asked: What specific skills or experiences from your college coursework or extracurricular activities do you believe make you a strong candidate for any position you apply for? Anthony responded “Time management has made a big difference in my life.  Operating in a proactive verse a reactive life management makes a huge impact on how your day runs.  You need to maintain that time management, so you don’t have a domino effect on the remainder of your day.”

Employers need to reevaluate their hiring practices to ensure they are not inadvertently excluding qualified candidates based solely on educational credentials.  Additionally, policymakers and educational institutions must work together to make higher education more accessible and affordable, reducing barriers to entry for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

While going through the interview process Anthony DeGraw stated, “Patience and planning (acronym from military … Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Piss Pour Performance – 7 P’s) I have had to have much patience while searching for a new job in a new location. The interview process takes time.”

In conclusion, the struggles faced by individuals without degrees highlight the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to employment. By recognizing the value of skills and experience, rather than solely focusing on formal credentials, we can create a more diverse and dynamic workforce that benefits both employers and employees alike.

1. https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-graduates-hardest-time-job-hunting-recession-2021-7
2. https://www.business.com/hiring/new-graduates-job-search-experiment/
3. https://ripplematch.com/insights/the-biggest-challenges-for-students-searching-for-a-job-during-covid-19-160a5b32/