Leadership Exchange

means that fewer of those jobs are available. In the past, jobs in residence life seemed to offer many good opportunities for graduates.” “It seems tighter for full-time, permanent professional positions. Nearly all of our recent grads are working, but the majority is in temporary positions. It appears that job offers are going to candidates with more experience in the field versus candidates who graduated fairly recently.”

Almost forty percent ( 39.47%) of the respondents reported that the percentage of students placed in 2009 was lower than in 2008. Many of the graduate faculty commented that their students are getting interviews and job offers, but that job openings, interviews, and, in particular, job offers are occurring later in the year. A recent review of jobs listed in The Chronicle of Higher Education in July 2010, found that of the 310 student affairs jobs posted, 44 percent were posted in the previous two weeks. Patience and flexibility seem to be a requirement in this job market.

Less Movement at the Top

A related factor contributing to the tightening of the job market for new and mid-level professionals was the lack of movement at the top of the organization as fewer senior staff members elected to retire. The recession has dramatically affected the wealth of all Americans, with 401K and annuity programs such as TIAA-CREF and home values taking the heaviest hits. Retirement assets alone dropped by 22 percent from 2006–08, while home prices dropped 20 percent during this same period.

Clearly, this reduction in wealth has affected the numbers of individuals delaying retirement. A 2009 national survey conducted by CareerBuilder.com reported that 70 percent of workers over the age of 60 who said they were delaying retirement were doing so because they could no longer afford to retire. While student affairs or higher education data are not available on this point, anecdotal evidence and conversations with senior-level student affairs professionals would support this delay of retirement. Until Baby Boomer student affairs staff members return to their retirement plans and available positions at the senior levels increase, employment at entry-and mid-levels will continue to be tight.

Community Colleges

Community colleges have received a good deal of media attention during the recession: It was widely reported throughout 2008 and 2009 that enrollment at community colleges had increased significantly. At the same time, budgets remained fixed or were reduced during the recession, resulting in significant pressure on classroom facilities and support services. While the weak economy may have led to an increase in community college enrollment, job growth in the sector has been relatively mild to date. The resulting increase in tuition income may be offset by losses in other areas, discouraging community colleges from expanding staff and significantly increasing the number of new hires.

ADVICE;FOR;JOB;SEEKERS

Job seekers may want to consider the following as they begin their employment searches:

➤ Today’s job market calls for extreme flexibility and patience.

What Does the Future Hold?

State budgets are still tight and will continue to put pressure on institutional budgets. As revenue from income tax, sales tax, and other sources declines, states have been forced to make broad cuts to all state services. Since 2008, 30 states have made cuts to health care, 25 states have decreased services to the elderly, 30 states have made cuts in K– 12 education, and 41 states have reduced higher education budgets.

One mitigating factor may be the effect of increasing enroll-
ments and tuition increases. In California, the University
of California’s Board of Regents approved a plan last year to
raise tuition 32 percent. Florida, Illinois, and Washington are
proposing tuition increases ranging from
9 to 14 percent.

However, according to Stateline.org, fiscal experts predict higher education will take an even bigger budget blow in fiscal 2011, compared to last year when 33 states slashed funding to four-year colleges. Since state support for higher education is the third largest general fund expenditure after health care and K– 12 education, more reductions are likely, which means continued pressure on the higher education job market. LE

➤ With less movement at the mid-level range, there will continue to be fewer job openings for full-time positions. Consider part-time or contract positions.