American graduates are struggling to repay student loans, while facing rising competition from U.S. educated, bilingual international students. What does the future hold for Americans entering the workforce in a globally-connected economy?
Last year, the number of Americans who took the SAT was around 1.8 million, or one-fifth the number of college entrance exams administered in China. But unlike their American counterparts, students in China must complete a mandatory foreign language (English) test section, which places many Chinese on a path to international employment. It comes as no surprise, then, that China provided the largest delegation of a record number of international students enrolled in American universities for the 2013-14 academic year.
Empowered by their bilingual skills, international students earn their degrees from American universities, and many decide to stay in the U.S. for careers. In fact, a new Census Bureau study found that China, followed closely by India, replaced Mexico as the top country sending immigrants to the U.S. Highly-skilled immigrants from elsewhere in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe are also re-settling in the land of opportunity. These individuals and groups provide valuable contributions to our economy, society, and our melting pot culture. They also place competitive pressure squarely on the shoulders of those graduating today.
So let’s examine what American grads come equipped with to compete: debt. Diplomas from high schools that are underperforming. Likely no second language skills. A sense of entitlement. Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey addressed this at a commencement speech for University of Houston graduates, saying, “Do not fall into the entitlement trap…most things are more rewarding when you break a sweat to get ’em.”
Just in case adding millions of highly-skilled immigrants to the competitive job market doesn’t make new graduates sweat, then let’s factor in the connective power of our global economy. Our parents’ generation saw the shift away from blue-collar manufacturing in the U.S. to realize labor cost savings in Asia. Some white-collar jobs like call centers and IT support have followed suit. But this transition is only going to accelerate further. The prevalence of email, instant chat apps, translation software, cloud computing, and even bitcoin as a tool to easily move money means other office jobs are on the chopping block with outsourcing as the ever-ready executioner.
Does your freshly-printed college degree provide you with the skills to make a website or build a database? Teams of programmers are waiting at their desks in India and Eastern Europe to do this for half the price. Did you pick-up an international advertising degree? Local agencies have better on-the-ground knowledge and, if they’ve studied English, can communicate with the global HQ via Skype. Did you major in accounting? Advances in software have reduced the need for large accounting divisions since smaller teams can now maintain “the books.” In my own experiences working in three different countries and with outsourcing teams across the globe, the above examples each feature committed, hard-working freelance workers for a very affordable rate.
The point being is that there is always someone ready and willing to do exactly what you are doing but for a fraction of your salary, and they may not even require benefits. So what’s to be done? Is it possible that another fundamental change in the global economy will rebalance the workforce in your favor? No. Instead, the only solution is inside you, and it requires consistent action. So how do you prepare yourself to not only survive, but to thrive in this changing world? Here are some tips to stand out in the new global economy:
• Keep your eyes open. Look for opportunity. Vint Cerf, vice president and chief Internet evangelist for Google, said, “Historically, technology has created more jobs than it destroys.” Devote your skills to new and unanswered needs.
• Think critically. Just as the American education system is notorious for underperforming, so to is the Asian system for overemphasis on rote memorization. Demonstrating critical thinking and problem solving will help you stand out.
• Be creative. In a world where automation and cheap labor is abundant, Daniel Pink, best-selling author of A Whole New Mind, predicts that creative thinking will guide us into a “Conceptual Age.” Computers may simplify tasks, but they haven’t generated a creativity formula. Not yet, anyway.
• Diversify. Apply your skills not with singular focus, but in broad directions. A great way to do this is through freelance work, even on the side of your normal job.
• Think globally. Don’t fight the movement, join it! There are great, free resources like for learning a second language. Get outside of the U.S. comfort zone to experience life as an employee and consumer in a different country.
• Be a rebel. Break the rules; fortune favors the bold. Part of the American culture is resisting authority and carving our own path. That is where innovation exists. Be an innovator in your company. It might lead to conflict at times with your boss. Do it anyway. Because the others gathered around the globally connected conference table might come from a culture that values subservience and obedience. So be irreverent.
• Start something or develop a new skill. With the resources available online, anyone can create something from nothing and have it accessible on computers, smart phones, and tablets around the world, without knowing any code. But while you are at it, learn to code anyway! Or write your own e-book. Form a networking club of like-minded individuals and meet regularly to discuss shared interests.
Implementing these skills and creating unique experiences will differentiate your resume when it is stacked together with hundreds more from around the world. So what are you waiting for? Don’t hide from the challenge, embrace it! Get out there and redeem the good name of the American workforce. Quality workmanship, independence, self-reliance, creativity, and flexibility are all traits that developed the U.S. into the leading economy of the world, and are all needed again to maintain that position!
Sean Doherty is a Colorado native and 2010 graduate of Metropolitan State University, now living and working in the Shanghai to Nanjing area of China. Sean represents the Denver South Economic Development Partnership as the Greater China Exchange Coordinator. He can be reached at KairosHappens@gmail.com.
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