Western Governors University’s Post

Are PhDs Getting Shortchanged in Industry? 🤔💼 Despite years of specialized training, many PhDs find themselves earning less than their industry counterparts. Why does this pay gap persist? A few key factors: • Oversupply of PhDs vs. limited academic positions • Lack of industry-specific skills and experience • Employers undervaluing research & analytical abilities • PhDs accepting lower salaries to transition to industry But the tide may be turning. More companies now recognize the unique value PhDs bring: ✅ Advanced problem-solving skills ✅ Ability to tackle complex challenges ✅ Data analysis and research expertise PhDs: Know your worth! Leverage your skills to negotiate competitive compensation. Employers: Don't miss out on this talent pool. PhDs can drive innovation and give you a competitive edge. What's your take? Have you experienced or observed this pay gap? #PhDLife #IndustryCareers #SalaryNegotiation #STEM #AcademiaToIndustry #ResearchSkills #CareerDevelopment #HigherEd #phdjokes #drjokes #phdlife

The #UOPX 2024 Career Optimism Index® study is out and results are featured in this article from eCampus News, examining how higher education can help meet workforce needs.  #ExperTease #WorkforceDevelopment

💡 Really interesting insights here! The Institute of Student Employers survey found the 3 capabilities most requiring development in early career hires were: 👉 Self-motivation / responsibility 👉 Resilience 👉 Self-awareness However, Spotted Zebra Co-Founder Nick Shaw shared in his session on early talent development that the skills early careers hires are most highly ranked on are: 👉 Adaptability  👉 Resilience 👉 Making things happen ❓ Do early career hires lack the professional behaviours and skills required by employers? Or is there a perceived mismatch because skills manifest themselves differently according to generation? 🤔

The latest Future Skills Questionnaire by The Careers & Enterprise Company highlights stark challenges facing young people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. While progress has been made, systemic gaps persist that require urgent attention. The survey shows: 🔹 Confidence divide: Girls eligible for Free School Meals are 15% less likely than non-FSM-eligible boys to feel confident articulating their skills in an interview. This lack of confidence often leads to narrowed career aspirations and missed opportunities. 🔹 Skills deficit: Essential workplace skills—such as leadership, speaking, and teamwork—lag behind for disadvantaged groups even by Year 11. These essential skills are just as crucial as academic achievements for success in the workplace. 🔹 Limited access to growth sectors: Despite growing industries in healthcare, digital, and construction, many disadvantaged students lack the exposure and support to pursue these career paths; this is when such industries face challenges in access to talent and skills. These findings chime with our most recent research by Social Market Foundation where we explored the impact of Assumed Knowledge on transitions to employment and life outcomes. Careers education and access to quality #workexperience must be at the heart of addressing these challenges. They are not merely ‘nice to have’—they are a strategic necessity for achieving the Government’s 'Getting Britain Working' White Paper objectives, driving inclusive economic growth and breaking the opportunity gap. Imagine the possibilities if every young person, regardless of background, had: ✅ The confidence in their skills and aspirations to match. ✅ Early and sustained access to workplace experiences linked to growth industries. ✅ A careers system that equips them to thrive in the workforce of the future. As the Government seeks to fill critical skills gaps and drive economic recovery, embedding #careerseducation into the growth mission is imperative. Let us ensure every young person gets the start they deserve. Their full report 👇

🎓 As we celebrate the waves of graduates adorned in their caps and gowns, clutching their hard-earned degrees and diplomas, we must also face a sobering reality beyond the commencement stage. Despite the prestige and promise that higher education holds, many graduates find themselves at the threshold of uncertainty – where the exit door leads to the challenging world of unemployment. It's a paradox that calls for both recognition and action. We must continue to advocate for job creation, support innovative entrepreneurship opportunities, and strengthen career guidance for our graduates. Empowering the bright minds of today with the tools to craft their tomorrow is not just an investment in their future, but in the future of our global community. Let's open doors to opportunities that match the potential of our graduates. Let's work together – academia, industry, and government – to ensure the journey of learning leads to prosperous paths. 🚪✨ #Graduates #Unemployment #FutureOfWork #Opportunities #EducationMatters

The In Motion & Momentum+ career readiness program could highlight the importance of pre-employability skills for workers. Today in the #FutureOfWork, from Future Skills Centre - Centre des Compétences futures and CCDF-FCDC: https://lnkd.in/g_ybHHTg #CdnEcon #CdnLMI

📊 New research reveals striking skills inequalities across the UK, with significant implications for employers and workforce development. Key findings from this research by the Learning and Work Institute: 🔍 "Almost one in three (30%) of 25-64-year-olds in the West Midlands are qualified below GCSE level" - highlighting a critical skills gap that needs addressing. 🌍 The UK's regional skills disparities are more pronounced than many European counterparts. In fact, "if the UK had levels of skills inequality like [Denmark, France and Sweden], then 290,000 more people - the equivalent of the population of Coventry -- would have GCSE or equivalent qualifications in the West Midlands." 📈 The future outlook is concerning: By 2035, projections show the gap widening further. While London is expected to have 74% of working-age adults qualified to A-level or equivalent, the West Midlands may only reach 59%. Opportunities for Employers: 💡 Earn and learn schemes can play a crucial role in addressing these inequalities 💡 Organizations can help break the "negative reinforcing cycle" where lack of skilled jobs leads to talent exodus 💡 With "three quarters of jobs in the UK projected to require level 3 qualifications or above by 2035," businesses investing in upskilling now will have a competitive advantage Challenges to Consider: ⚠️ Regional disparities in talent retention and attraction ⚠️ Need to align skills development with local economic growth ⚠️ Ensuring programs are accessible to those with lower qualification levels For employers offering earn and learn schemes, this research underscores the vital role you play in shaping the UK's skills landscape. By investing in workplace learning today, you're not just developing your workforce - you're helping to close critical skills gaps and create more equitable economic growth across the country. Credit: Stephen Evans, Corin Egglestone and Sara Treneman, supported by City & Guilds and NOCN Group #WorkforceDevelopment #SkillsforLife #Apprenticeships #UKEmployment #EarnAndLearn #RegionalDevelopment

Sharing thoughts on essential workforce and life skills needed for successful careers and entrepreneurial ventures. On every campus, #studentaffairs professionals play a vital role in developing these skills. In emerging nations and markets, these skills can no longer be an optional part of education, particularly at the university level. Read my thoughts about the role of #highereducation in addressing these skills. >> https://lnkd.in/gkxvRgdA #formerlyknownassoftskills #essentiallifeskills #employability #careerreadiness #portableskills #youthdevelopment #futureofwork #studentsupport #studentsuccess #highereducation #highered #globalhighered #internationaleducation #higheredconsulting #higheredconsultant #roseappleglobal