Effective Use of Labor Market Data

New technology, data systems and analytics have significantly increased the labor market information and intelligence available to postsecondary institutions and related stakeholders. Such data can be used to inform, prepare and advise postsecondary students; influence the development of major-specific curricula, new credentials and work-integrated learning; inform system and institutional policies, programs and retention interventions; reveal labor market dynamics, skill content and skill requirements; clarify employer needs and preferences; and document actual employment outcomes. Such resources can also support the collaboration and integration of policy makers, workforce agencies, postsecondary institutions and employers.

Planning, Advising and Career Services

In postsecondary education, the planning, skills and knowledge that support career readiness and post-graduation transitions are sometimes experienced as opt-in, add-on support services–often accessed primarily in latter semesters or just prior to graduation. Research indicates that early and regular planning promotes, retention, degree completion and better labor market outcomes.

Digital technologies, expanded labor market information, big data and social media have changed how individuals look for jobs and how firms identify and recruit talent. The planning, advising and career services capacities postsecondary institutions must keep pace with such changes—and with emerging alternative service provision options.