Evolution is the key to unlocking the potential of the future candidates for entry- level job opportunities, based on the Article in The Wall Street Journal titled “Where did all the Entry Level Jobs Go?” That is exactly what is happening in the job market today for young adults; it is getting a makeover! The definition of an entry level position, which is crucial for most first timers entering the professional labor force of today, has been eliminated or redefined by the technological evolution of tasks that previously were available as positions for entry level workers to be employed as viable personnel. Due to the economic bruising companies experienced from the recession, the automation of tasks and outsourcing of core functions were just a couple of streamlining examples that contributed to the redefined concept of what the “entry-level job” existential dilemma now is. Companies have slashed training budgets and payrolls in order to stay in business.
The unemployment rate for 20-24 year olds is declining as the economy recovers, but with this recovery comes the new expectations and evolution of what it means to be an “entry-level candidate/employee”. College degrees are more important than ever, but sophisticated and experienced professionals who can show up and sit in front of clients as experts is now the redefined “role” of this era’s entry level job existential evolution. The keys to success in gaining positions in companies that are among Fortune 500 categories like Humana, Inc., Oracle Corp., and 3M Co., are possessing abstract and sophisticated skills like collaboration and problem solving skills versus basic report preparation or checking boxes on a list and data entry (Korn & Weber, 2014). But the challenge still lies in the fact that companies have seriously slashed their training programs for positions that handle multimillion- dollar accounts. These training programs used to be 2 years long and encompassed sales training, product information, market trends for distributors and end users but now they are lucky if there is 6 months involved in the training process. This professional selling analysis was noted by the expert Andrea Dixon who is the Executive Director of Baylor University’s Center for Professional Selling ( Korn & Weber, 2014). Ultimately, the set of high expectations for low-level employees translates into the imperative essential of early experience. It really just feels like young adults who are experienced and have the skill set and education are these horses with a carrot tied to a stick that is dangling out in front of their face to keep them going towards this path of a promising career opportunity. Especially noting that the unemployment rate is still at a historic 11.3% for young adults, yet we still keep it going and keep our faith and raise our children and build our brands and businesses, because we believe that we are more than just a number or a statistic. Our evolution is a force that causes change and will succeed because we are greater than the roles defined by “entry-level.”
Thank you for reading, and please believe in yourselves.
Michelle
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