New Collar Jobs: What College Students Need to Know to Stay Competitive

In recent years, largely due to the rapid advancements in generative AI, employers have been increasingly prioritizing skills over formal education. This shift has given rise to something called new collar jobs, positions that emphasize skills, certifications, and hands-on experience. For college students preparing to enter the workforce, this shift presents challenges as well as opportunities. Below are several tips for adapting to this skill-based hiring trend and making sure you don’t fall behind.

Focus on Skills

Employers care about what you can do, not just what you studied. Develop in-demand skills through online courses, side projects, or internships. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer job-relevant training.

Earn Industry-Recognized Certifications

Many new collar jobs require certifications. Research what’s valuable in your industry and earn credentials that validate your expertise. Let’s say you’re a computer science graduate—here, you could seek AWS (Amazon Web Services) certification to gain an edge over candidates who do not have it. Along with your degree (and if possible, internship experience), certification will make you a very strong candidate.

Build a Portfolio of Real-World Work

A strong portfolio can often replace years of experience when it comes to job candidates. Work on freelance projects, personal initiatives, or open-source contributions to showcase your abilities. For example, a UX designer with a portfolio featuring real client projects will stand out more than one with just a degree.

Gain Practical Experience Through Internships and Freelance Work

Internships, apprenticeships, and freelance gigs provide hands-on learning and make your resume more competitive. Even if unpaid, experience in a real-world setting carries more weight than classroom knowledge alone. For instance, a journalism student who freelances for blogs and magazines has a better shot at a media job than one with no bylines.

Network with Industry Professionals

A strong professional network can open doors to opportunities. Attend industry meetups, join LinkedIn groups, and connect with mentors who can help guide your career path. You might consider reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn for informational interviews—this can sometimes lead to unexpected job opportunities. For more on how to network effectively, check out our previous advice here.

Stay Adaptable and Keep Learning

New collar jobs evolve as technology changes. Stay competitive by constantly upskilling and learning. You can do this by following industry news, taking online courses, and refining your expertise through skill development. Let’s say you’re a digital marketer—here, having knowledge of AI-driven tools will help you stay ahead of competitors that are still relying on old-school methods.

A Final Note: All Fields Are Not the Same

Even though many companies are prioritizing skills, undergrad and graduate degrees are still very valuable—and can be the differentiating factor if you have the right skills. Also, it’s important to remember that certain fields are adapting faster than others. For instance, industries such as medicine, law, and academia still require traditional degrees; however, fields like tech, marketing, and design are shifting towards skills-first hiring. College students pursuing careers in these areas must adapt or risk falling behind.