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Take 5: Five Higher Education Stories Worth Reading This Week

Take 5: Five Higher Education Stories Worth Reading This Week

by | Nov 10, 2026 | Career Transitions, Higher Education, Higher Education News, Job Search, Job Search, Take 5, Workplace

Faculty dissatisfaction, workforce development, institutional finances, and a changing job market: five developments that higher education professionals should have on their radar.

Higher education is changing, and the headlines don't always tell a consistent story. Some institutions are cutting positions while others are investing in new facilities and programs. Faculty are raising concerns about academic freedom and career satisfaction. Meanwhile, changes in the broader employment market are creating both opportunities and challenges for professionals considering their next career move.

For this edition of Take 5, we've selected five recent articles and reports from our higher education news and research briefings. Each offers useful information about where higher education is heading—and what those developments might mean for your career.

1. Faculty Are Increasingly Concerned About Academic Freedom and Career Satisfaction

INSIDE HIGHER ED / HANOVER RESEARCH · NOVEMBER 2, 2026

Article: Ahead of Midterms, Faculty Report Self-Censoring on DEI, Politics

Infographic" Faculty Enthusiasm Declines"

A recent faculty survey paints a troubling picture of professional satisfaction in higher education. Among 1,665 respondents, 60% reported that their enthusiasm for working in higher education had declined over the previous two years. Many also described limiting what they say publicly, discuss with students, or include in course materials.

The findings suggest that faculty concerns extend beyond compensation, workload, and institutional resources. Academic freedom, political pressures, and changing expectations about teaching and scholarship are increasingly important considerations. The survey's low response rate, however, means the findings should not be treated as representative of all faculty members.

What It Means for Higher Education Professionals

For faculty members questioning their future in academia, the first step may be determining whether their dissatisfaction is tied to their institution, their discipline, or the profession itself. Moving to another institution could resolve some concerns, while others may require a more significant career change. Before making that decision, evaluate institutional culture, academic freedom protections, career advancement, and your longer-term professional goals.

2. Degree Apprenticeships Could Create New Career Opportunities in Higher Education

NEW AMERICA · NOVEMBER 5, 2026

Report: Growing Degree Apprenticeships: Recommendations for Congress, Federal Agencies, and States

New America has published a policy brief recommending 14 actions to expand degree apprenticeships, which combine paid, registered apprenticeship experiences with college degree programs. The report calls for stronger coordination among government agencies, educational institutions, and employers, while identifying significant gaps in federal data about existing programs.

The recommendations reflect growing interest in educational models that connect academic learning directly to employment. However, they are proposals for expansion rather than evidence that widespread growth has already occurred.

What It Means for Higher Education Professionals

Degree apprenticeships represent a potential growth area for professionals with experience in career services, employer relations, academic program development, continuing education, and workforce partnerships. Colleges expanding work-based learning opportunities will need people who can build employer relationships, coordinate academic requirements, manage programs, and evaluate outcomes. Professionals interested in these roles should emphasize their experience connecting educational objectives with measurable workforce results.

3. The Job Market Is Improving, but Career Transitions Still Require Strategy

U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS · NOVEMBER 6, 2026

Report: The Employment Situation — October 2026

The October employment report offered encouraging signs for the broader labor market. Employers added 165,000 jobs, while the unemployment rate remained at 4.1%. Professional and business services accounted for 70,000 additional positions.

Nevertheless, the report also identified continuing challenges. Approximately two million people remained unemployed for extended periods, and the number of workers employed part-time because they could not obtain sufficient full-time work increased. The figures suggest improvement, but not an equally strong market for every occupation or industry.

What It Means for Higher Education Professionals

Professionals considering opportunities outside higher education should look beyond overall employment growth and investigate industries where their experience aligns with actual hiring needs. Skills in program management, research, training, operations, and stakeholder relations may be transferable, but employers still need evidence of relevant accomplishments. A stronger labor market creates possibilities; it doesn't eliminate the need for targeted resumes, professional networking, and careful career positioning.

4. University of Oregon Plans Significant Job and Program Cuts Despite a Billion-Dollar Gift

INSIDE HIGHER ED · NOVEMBER 3, 2026

Article: Personnel Cuts Impact Both Public and Private Campuses

The University of Oregon is considering eliminating more than 100 positions and several academic programs as it addresses a projected $65 million structural budget deficit. The proposed reductions come shortly after the university received a historic $1 billion donation from Nike co-founder Phil Knight.

The apparent contradiction has an important explanation: the donation is designated for an engineering college and cannot simply be redirected to cover general operating expenses. Oregon's situation illustrates how an institution can receive substantial philanthropic support while still facing serious financial challenges. The proposed reductions had not been finalized when the article was published. insidehighered.com+1

What It Means for Higher Education Professionals

Institutional reputation, fundraising success, and major gifts do not necessarily guarantee employment stability. Professionals evaluating opportunities should examine enrollment trends, operating budgets, staffing changes, and whether institutional investments support their particular departments or programs. A well-funded initiative can create opportunities in one part of a university while another department faces reductions. Understanding those distinctions is essential when making informed career decisions.

5. Rhode Island Voters Approve $275 Million for Public Higher Education

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND · NOVEMBER 5, 2026

Article: Rhode Island Voters Approve Higher Education Bond, Providing Funds for New URI Integrated Health Building

Rhode Island voters approved a $275 million bond measure supporting major capital improvements at three public institutions. The funding includes $165 million for a new integrated health building at the University of Rhode Island, $60 million for a workforce innovation center at the Community College of Rhode Island, and $50 million for library improvements and a student success and career readiness center at Rhode Island College.

The investments emphasize health professions education, workforce preparation, and student success, reflecting the important role public colleges and universities play in regional economic development. Rhody Today+1

What It Means for Higher Education Professionals

While some institutions are reducing expenditures, others are investing in programs aligned with workforce needs. These investments may eventually create opportunities for professionals in health education, employer partnerships, career services, academic support, program administration, and workforce development. Capital funding does not automatically translate into new positions, however. Job seekers should follow institutional implementation plans, staffing announcements, and program expansions to identify where opportunities actually emerge.

The Bigger Picture: Higher Education Isn't Moving in Just One Direction

These five stories illustrate why higher education professionals need to look beyond broad claims about the industry's future.

Some institutions face serious financial pressures, while others are investing in new programs and facilities. Faculty dissatisfaction is raising important questions about long-term career choices. New educational models may create opportunities that didn't exist a decade ago, and the broader employment market continues to evolve.

For higher education professionals, the most useful response is neither panic nor complacency. It's preparation.

  • Stay informed about your institution's financial and strategic direction.
  • Understand the skills and accomplishments that make you valuable.
  • Explore opportunities both within and outside higher education.
  • Build relationships that can help you navigate change.

Your career deserves the same thoughtful planning and ongoing assessment that institutions devote to their own futures.

For additional guidance on evaluating career options, translating your experience, and preparing for your next opportunity, explore the resources at HigherEdCareerCoach.com and SeanCook.net.

5 Great Online Networking Tips for Job Seekers

5 Great Online Networking Tips for Job Seekers

by | Jan 24, 2013 | Job Search, networking, Social Networking, Take 5

Global business solutionOne aspect of career planning that is sometimes overlooked is the importance of networking, both in the real world and online. Statistically, only a fraction of available higher education positions are publicly advertised, so it is critical to cast a wide net in your job search. Online networking can help job seekers connect to advocates and decision-makers.

Here are some great tips to help you put your name and credentials out there and land the right job!

  1. Start with those who know you best, but don’t be afraid to branch out. The people who can help you most are those who know you best. Let your friends, family, and professional colleagues know you’re on the hunt. Not only can they provide you with valuable leads, they can introduce you to others and help you expand your network. Online networking is a great way to keep in contact with former coworkers, employers, and classmates, and enlist their assistance.
  2. Learn to use social media effectively. Social media is a great tool for network building if you learn to use it right. Join professional outlets such as LinkedIn and actively engage other social outlets such as Twitter and Facebook. This is a good way to reach out to other professionals in your industry, reestablish contact with former associates, keep your network informed, and stay current on trends in your industry. It is also a good idea to do routine checks of your online presence. Google yourself on a regular basis to look for inconsistencies and false or unflattering information. Prospective employers are turning to web searches more often to check out job candidates ahead of time. Remember that what you do and say online can come back to haunt you.
  3. Reciprocity is key. Networking is a give and take relationship, not a one way street. Share ideas and information with your network. Actively engage in forums, blogs, and other online communities. Add benefit to your interactions with others in your network, but do so with sincerity and integrity.
  4. Narrow your focus and follow up. Know exactly what you’re looking for before you look to your network for help and information. Monitor your social media time as well. Remember that these sites are great online networking tools and don’t get caught up in the social aspect of the medium. While these sites are fun and interesting, they are sometimes also a drain on your time and productivity. Make sure to follow up any leads from your network with diligence. Information is only helpful if you use it, and it helps you to maintain credibility. People are less willing to recommend someone who lacks commitment and follow through.
  5. Network for the long term. Networking should never considered be a quick solution to job placement, but a means of building ongoing professional relationships.

Online networking isn’t about applying pressure or asking for favors. Networking is an excellent way to make contacts and establish professional relationships that are fulfilling and mutually beneficial. Extending your professional network to cyberspace is an excellent way to expand your contact base beyond your immediate geographic location and increase your exposure in the job market.

Take 5: Creating the Perfect Resume

Take 5: Creating the Perfect Resume

by | Oct 23, 2012 | Job Search, Resumes and CVs, Take 5

When it comes to landing the job of your dreams, you need to ensure your resume is up to par. Don’t just throw together information on a piece of paper, but work to incorporate pertinent information that applies to the job you’re seeking.

Some of the top tips for creating the perfect resume are outlined below:

10 Tips to Bullet Proof Your Resume from Free Resume Tips

Create Content that Showcases Your Abilities – Beyond the design, you need to ensure you have content that sells your abilities and skills. The information provided within your resume will help determine how many interviews you are going to receive, as well as the salary compensation you will earn on the job.

Resume Writing Tips from Resume Help

Use Action Words – Using action words helps your resume to stand out among all of the other applicants. Don’t use the same verbs on a continual basis; make sure to switch up the verbs you use. If your computer goes through an electronic scanning, the action words help the computer to recognize your resume and pick it out of the crowd. Some companies are using computers to pull only those resumes that have certain words incorporated into them, which is why it is imperative to utilize the correct words in the document.

44 Resume Writing Tips from Daily Writing Tips

Proofread Your Resume Twice – Many people fail to realize the importance of proofreading. All it takes is one simple typo and your chances of landing that dream job are down the drain. Even though you may think you only need to proofread your document once, you need to do it at least two or more times.

Top Ten Resume Writing Tips from About.com

Include All Pertinent Contact Information – When compiling your resume, it is imperative that you include all contact information for a potential employer. Be sure to list your name, full address, home phone number, cell phone number and your email address. Leaving out pertinent contact information could mean the loss of a great working opportunity.

Resume Writing Tips from Resume.com

Presentation – Ensure your resume is presentable. You will want the document to be clean and free of errors. There is no room for any grammatical or spelling errors. Always have someone else look at your resume before submitting it to someone else. A fresh set of eyes may be just what you need to catch any little errors that could be costly in the end.

Take 5: Getting Off to a Good Start in Your New Job

Take 5: Getting Off to a Good Start in Your New Job

by | May 9, 2012 | Job Search, Take 5

Congratulations! All the time and energy you spent, and all the venting sessions your friends and family have endured are behind you. You have finally landed that new job! Your first order of business: Take a week to decompress from the job search and to check items off your personal to-do list so that you can begin your new job with a clear mind!

Then, Get to Work!

When you're a new employee, there's a lot to take in:

  • Campus culture,
  • Learning names and faces,
  • Figuring out where various offices are on campus,
  • Exploring your role in your department and your specific duties (assigned and otherwise), and
  • Determining what your supervisor expects from you in the first month or two.

It can be overwhelming at first, especially while coming down from the high of landing the job in the first place. Don't forget that your interview hasn't ended; have your elevator speech still at the front of your mind in the beginning, as you will most likely use it again when you continue to meet new people around campus.

Check out the links below to ensure you have a smooth transition into your new role and start off on the right foot.

New Job? How to be an Office Rock Star From Day One – See Debt Run  

How to Get Over New Job Jitters – Darryle Brown, eHow.com

Start Your New Job the Right Way – Career Savvy 101

How to Start Your New Job on the Right Foot – Rob Taub, HRPeople

9 Ways to Start Your New Job Right – Alison Green, US News Money

Take 5 is a regular feature where we present links to some good articles and resources on job search topics. If you have ideas for future topics, send them to Melissa Judy, Content Development Intern at melissa@higheredcareercoach.com.

Take 5: Budgeting Tips For the First Few Months in Your New Job

Take 5: Budgeting Tips For the First Few Months in Your New Job

by | May 3, 2012 | Career Transitions, Take 5

Take5-150x150Now that you’ve landed that new job, how do you go about figuring out how to pay your bills without falling prey to the trap of “lifestyle inflation?” How do you figure out how to save the extra money you’re making now that you weren’t used to having in your budget before? And how do you update your work wardrobe without breaking the bank?

We’ve gathered some links to answer all of these budgeting questions and then some! 

Creating a Professional Wardrobe for a New Job on a Budget – Emily Harmon, Yahoo Voices

Make the Most of Your Paycheck from Your First Job – Jeremy Vohwinkle, About.com Financial Planning

How to Budget for Clothing When Starting a New Job – Darryle Brown, eHow.com

Seven Steps to Take When Starting a New Job – LifeTuner

7 Money Moves to Make When You Get a New Job – David Ning, Wise Bread

Take 5 is a regular feature where we present links to some good articles and resources on job search topics. If you have ideas for future topics, send them to Melissa Judy, Content Development Intern at melissa@higheredcareercoach.com.

Take 5: Moving Resources

Take 5: Moving Resources

by | Apr 25, 2012 | Job Search, Take 5

Take5-150x150Now that you’ve secured that job, you need to hurry up and move there! But, don’t be overwhelmed. We’ve compiled a list of sites to will help you remember what to add to your moving checklist, deduct the expenses on your taxes, staying positive throughout the process, and how to actually go about packing up your life and taking it to a new city.

Check out the links to the moving resources listed below and begin your new adventure!

How to Plan Your Move – American Moving & Storage Association

Making the Move to a New City – First 30 Days

Topic 455, Moving Expenses – IRS

Let Uncle Sam Help Pay for Your Move – Kay Bell, Bankrate.com

What to Do Before Moving to a New City: A Handy Checklist – Nina Spitzer, Sheknows.com

Take 5 is a regular feature where we present links to some good articles and resources on job search topics. If you have ideas for future topics, send them to Melissa Judy, Content Development Intern at melissa@higheredcareercoach.com.