Getting a Job: Middle-Skills Employment and You

For many job seekers, higher education has become a requirement in order to land a job. There is a lot of talk about career-readiness and the “skills gap” that has put a halt to many recent grads’ job searches, while employers struggle to find adequate candidates. But this issue also exists in the “middle-skills” range – or, so-called “non degree jobs” that require more than a high school education but less than a four-year degree.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, experts estimate that as many as 25 million, or 47 percent, of all new job openings from 2010 to 2020 will fall into this middle-skills range. Employers claim that vacancies in these positions are already piling up, including fields such as computer technology and healthcare. But what does this mean for students pursuing these positions? Even for a non degree job, some job skills training is required.

Whether your job skills training involves earning an associate’s degree or a professional certificate, it’s important to have career-readiness on the mind. Here are a few ways that Bryant & Stratton College students are being set up for success

Career-driven programs

If you’re already enrolled in one of Bryant & Stratton College’s associates degree program, you may be on the right track without even knowing it. Bryant & Stratton College’s programs are aligned with careers that are in demand right now, and our Career LifePrep program ensures that coursework is directly tied to what employers want. Input from industry leaders helps guide curricula, and each program integrates real-world experiences and opportunities to build career skills so students can easily transition from the classroom to the workplace.

Teaching employable skills

Technical skills are a necessity, but so are interpersonal, or “soft” skills. It’s important to learn how to be a team player, communicate, solve problems and think critically in order to fit into any workplace environment. Look for opportunities in group projects and other class assignments and activities to develop these attributes during your time in the classroom.

Building connections

It’s no secret that connections play a key role in finding a job. Bryant & Stratton offers career resources and job placement services to help graduates take the next step. Don’t miss out – take advantage of the opportunities in front of you as you prepare to for the not-to-be-dreaded job search.

Your education experience is what you make of it. As you prepare for your new career, don’t be afraid to get out there – and mind the gap.

Are you looking to get in on the demand for workers with middle-skills? Check out all the programs available at Bryant & Stratton College.