The Heldrich Center recently released four new reports as part of its ongoing Ready for the Job series for the State of New Jersey. These reports, which profile employers’ priority skill needs and recommend strategies for aligning education programs with these needs, span two of New Jersey’s key industries, as well as two broader topics. The industries profiled are the life sciences and finance sectors. Another report profiles the rise and workforce implications of remote work, the phenomenon of performing work virtually via technology. Finally, the Heldrich Center released a revised and updated version of an earlier report that profiles broad workplace trends that are occurring across industries in the state’s increasingly global, innovation-driven economy and the ways these trends are affecting the skills and education workers need.

Heldrich Center researchers profiled the priority skill needs of the New Jersey’s life sciences employers, as well as those of the now ailing finance industry. Biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms expressed concern that too few young people may be pursuing higher degrees in the life sciences. While the industry employs large numbers of workers who have less than a college degree, employers concurred that advanced degree holders are the most difficult to recruit and retain. Finding workers who have a solid mix of science and business skills to fill positions in corporate management, research, and clinical development is a major priority for life sciences employers. In the finance industry, while hiring has been stymied due to the current economic crisis, employers discussed industry innovations that are driving up the skill and knowledge requirements of workers. When the industry does recover in future economic cycles, employers will likely be looking for workers that have strong technology, math, and
cognitive skills, as well as solid sales, marketing and communication skills.

The Emerging Skill Needs of a Rapidly Changing, Innovation-Driven Economy is a revised version of an earlier report and includes updated interviews with employers, new discussions of the impact of technology and Internet trends on work, and other topics. The report discusses the key skills that are common to most jobs across high-tech, global, and other innovation-driven industries in the state. The report highlights six emerging workplace trends, and discusses the skills needed to respond, including adaptability skills, information management and communication/relationship building skills, interdisciplinary skills and knowledge, business skills, and math, science, engineering, and technology skills.

The fourth report is titled New Jersey’s Growing Remote Workforce and the Skill Requirements of Employers. From those who work from home a few days a month, to those who perform contract work virtually, to Internet entrepreneurs and workers involved in entirely virtual firms, Americans are engaging in remote work in a variety of forms. To be effective at working outside of a traditional office environment and using advanced communications technologies to perform work, individuals need a core set of skills. These skills include technology skills, time management, communication, problem-solving and decision-making, lifelong learning, and entrepreneurial skills. Supervisors of remote workers also need flexibility and superior communication skills.

Click here to access these and other reports in the Ready for the Job series.