Dr. Sean Gallagher of Northeastern University joined us to explore the intersection of employability and higher ed credentialing in this conversation with Credo Education CEO Mike Sweet. Recent trends in the labor force are beginning to bear data that Sean has analyzed for his recent book, “The Future of University Credentials: New Developments at the Intersection of Higher Education and Hiring”(Harvard Education Press).
In the next five years or so, Gallagher said, we may see a blurring of the boundaries between academic and non-institutional credentialing in the form of digital badges and certificates. This could be a threat to academic institutions (in the form of competition or substitution), however universities still remain the standard-bearer of quality.
Gallagher also spoke to the top skills desired by employers today, which he researched extensively for his book. These skills, he noted, are not explicitly highlighted on most traditional college transcripts. The list includes:
- Communication
- Writing
- Research
- Leadership
- Teamwork/Collaboration
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
Watch the full video below to learn more insights from Sean into the current state of university credentialing, and his suggestions for how institutions can address challenges moving forward.
Dr. Sean Gallagher is the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for the Future of Higher Education and Talent Strategy, and Executive Professor of Educational Policy at Northeastern University. As Chief Strategy Officer for Northeastern’s Professional Advancement Network, Sean built a central strategy function unique among universities – working across colleges and academic domains to launch growth initiatives including the development of new campuses and degree programs.
