The gender lines are blurring in many occupations that were previously dominated by one sex or the other. And, this is a good thing. When people pursue careers based on interests and abilities, everyone benefits. According to a CareerBuilder survey, women are moving into occupations that were previously dominated by men, while men are entering roles that were traditionally held by women. Women Gaining Ground in Male Occupations The table below shows the percentage of women and men in male-dominated occupations in 2017, and the percentage of women added from 2009-2017:   Occupation Women Men Wo ..read more

Millennials and Generation Z are subject to many generational assumptions. For example, it’s been suggested that such purchases as $19 avocados are the real reason millennials struggle financially. At the New Media Consortium 2017 Summer Conference, another generational hypothesis was addressed, as many students revealed that they were not digitally savvy. The problem For example, one attendee admitted that she had no idea how to perform such basic Microsoft Word tasks as adding page numbers, or headers or footers, and as a result, during one semester, her teacher deducted five points from eve ..read more

Failure is an inevitable part of life – at least among those who are eventually successfully. As Thomas Edison once said, “I haven’t failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Leadership expert John Maxwell wrote an entire book on the topic: “Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success.” In fact, according to Maxwell, people who aren’t failing probably aren’t really moving forward. However, college students don’t seem to have embraced this concept. For example, one study found that Calculus I is stopping some women students from pursuing a STEM degree. In the ..read more

To our readers: Today, GoodCall® examines American workers and what they think about jobs – and job offers. First, Terri Williams reports on what employees report they need for job satisfaction. Later today, Terri looks at what’s important to job candidates around the world – and it’s not just money. ….. Most employees spend at least eight hours each weekday at work – and some dedicate even more time away from the office, which can lead to unhappiness. A new survey by the Society for Human Resource Management reveals the factors that contribute to job satisfaction. It’s important because unsat ..read more

With few exceptions, college presents the best route to a job that pays well or at least decently. In fact, 41% of employers hire college grads for jobs formerly held by high school grads. In spite of this, there has been a decline in the number of people enrolling in college. So why do fewer students attend college? The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center receives spring term enrollments on an annual basis, and from Spring 2011 to Spring 2017, there were 2.4 million fewer college students. In fact, in just the past two years, the center noted there were half a million fewer enrolle ..read more

A master’s degree provides an advanced level of knowledge, and can result in promotions, raises, and even new career opportunities. It’s a great investment – but it is an investment. Grad school tuition averages $30,000 at public schools and $40,000 at private ones. However, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a master’s program that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. That’s not all. Unlike master’s programs at most schools (and even other master’s programs at MIT), admittance is not based on grades and entrance exams. In fact, applicants don’t need a bachelor’s degree – or even a h ..read more

Increasingly, college is seen as the only path to a successful career. As a result, many students link their hopes and dreams to the attainment of a degree. Increasingly, though, students are finding that their choice of a college major exerts a major impact on their success after graduation. GenFKD, a financial literacy organization, recently released a report that reveals many millennials are not enjoying the fruits of their academic labor. According to survey respondents: One in five are unemployed or unable to find a full-time job. Only 45% work in a position requiring a degree. 40% said t ..read more

What is intersectionality, and why is it relevant to diversity and inclusion programs? (Spoiler alert: Your workplace should acknowledge it.) What are some of the common mistakes and best practices for an effective diversity program? GoodCall® asked two experts in this area to shed light on these interdependent issues. Defining intersectionality Simma Lieberman, a diversity and inclusion/culture change consultant and author of 110 Ways to Champion Diversity and Build Inclusion, tells GoodCall®, “Intersectionality is the way all of our multiple identities or diversity dimensions intersect.” Lie ..read more

Research is an integral part of the college experience. Regardless of major, students are required to discover information and then interpret and synthesize their findings either orally or in writing. However, a recent Library Journal survey reveals that only 30% of first-year students enter college prepared with college-level research skills. The survey of librarians in 543 colleges and universities (399 four-year and 144 two-year schools) reveals the following: Only 30% of first-year students at four-year schools are prepared to conduct college-level research. Only 23% of first-year students ..read more

To our readers: GoodCall® continues its look at programs designed to promote career options for both college students and people who follow other paths. Earlier, Terri Williams examined a data science boot camp. Below, she chronicles an auto repair internship program designed for those for whom college may not be the best option. ….. Economists, educators, recruiters, and HR managers agree that a college degree has become the de facto requirement for most jobs that pay a living wage. In fact, a recent report reveals that 41% of employers hire college grads for jobs formerly held by high school ..read more