A majority of community college students (66%) feel generally optimistic about the post-graduation job market, but 44% indicate some anxiety about the economy as they prepare to look for employment, according to a new CompTIA research brief Community College Student Trends.
Students believe that industry-recognized certifications provide value as a means to being better prepared for the workforce.
- 83% of community college students (net) indicate certifications validate that skills are relevant and current
- 81% believe certifications are a pathway to career advancement
- 78% believe the certifications open doors to employers who are hiring
- 96% report advancing at least one step ahead in their career readiness progression – with 46% report advancing several steps ahead
- 82% rate digital fluency skills as important (net) to just about any occupation field across careers. The surveyed students’ fields of study include health care, business, STEM, creative arts, IT and the tech industry – among others.
- 88% rate leadership and team skills as important
- 70% (net) of students are preparing to improve their AI career readiness
The research brief’s findings are the result of a survey of 462 U.S. two-year/community college students conducted between December of last year and mid-January of this year.
You can find the full Community College Student Trends here.