Struggling With Agility

Abstract

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the transition in the job market from degree-centric hiring practices to skills-based recruitment, highlighting the consequences and responses from higher education institutions. The phenomenon of 'degree inflation' during the late 20th century up to the early 2000s saw employers increasingly demand four-year college degrees for positions that traditionally didn't require them. This led to a significant mismatch between job requirements and available talent, exacerbating workforce shortages and alienating a substantial portion of skilled individuals without degrees. Recognizing the limitations of degree-centric hiring, employers, faced with a shortage of qualified candidates, started prioritizing skills over formal education, leading to a surge in alternative credentials and a reduction in degree requirements for many positions. However, higher education institutions have been slow to adapt to this shift, failing to provide the necessary skills-based learning opportunities and credentials demanded by the evolving job market.