The “skills gap” idea - that millions of well-paying jobs go unfilled due to a higher education system that is inadequately aligned to workforce needs - is deeply influencing education and workforce development policies at the state and national levels. The purpose of this symposium is to spark dialogue about issues related to the skills gap narrative (i.e., internships, labor market data, and for-profit colleges), and why critical analyses of these issues are essential so that students can make informed decisions about their educational and career plans.

At a time of heightened attention to how universities and colleges are preparing young people for the working world, questions about the meaning and value of university credentials – especially bachelor’s degrees - have become especially prominent. With the rise of alternative credentials such as badges and certificates, Dr. Sean Gallagher provides an overview of this fast-changing terrain, providing much-needed context, details, and insights.
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