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Job outlook for shift managers in the United States
Shift manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected shift manager job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 32,300 new jobs for shift managers are projected over the next decade.
Shift manager salaries have increased 11% for shift managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 674,085 shift managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 335,517 active shift manager job openings in the US.
The average shift manager salary is $32,110.
Are shift manager jobs in demand?
Shift Manager job and salary trends over time
Shift Manager jobs over time
Shift Manager job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 674,085 | 0.20% |
| 2020 | 593,493 | 0.18% |
| 2019 | 675,736 | 0.20% |
| 2018 | 648,968 | 0.20% |
| 2017 | 629,682 | 0.19% |
Average shift manager salary over time
Shift Manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $32,110 | $15.44 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $31,390 | $15.09 | +2.0% |
| 2023 | $30,777 | $14.80 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $29,523 | $14.19 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $28,836 | $13.86 | +4.4% |
Shift Manager jobs by state
Most common states for shift managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 1,572 | 54% |
| 2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 569 | 54% |
| 3 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 5,330 | 52% |
| 4 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 3,446 | 52% |
| 5 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 3,196 | 52% |
| 6 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,642 | 52% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 304 | 52% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 489 | 51% |
| 9 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 2,221 | 50% |
| 10 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 350 | 50% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 4,134 | 49% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 3,281 | 48% |
| 13 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 4,887 | 47% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2,849 | 47% |
| 15 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 2,299 | 46% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 874 | 46% |
| 17 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 5,704 | 45% |
| 18 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 5,232 | 45% |
| 19 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,492 | 45% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 341 | 45% |
Most common cities for shift managers
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orlando | 44 | 16% | $25,731 |
| 2 | Fort Lauderdale | 22 | 12% | $25,629 |
| 3 | Shreveport | 21 | 11% | $26,101 |
| 4 | Miami | 39 | 9% | $25,626 |
| 5 | Birmingham | 20 | 9% | $25,596 |
| 6 | Baltimore | 39 | 6% | $32,124 |
| 7 | Atlanta | 27 | 6% | $25,934 |
| 8 | Mesa | 25 | 5% | $31,937 |
| 9 | Colorado Springs | 24 | 5% | $29,588 |
| 10 | Jacksonville | 36 | 4% | $25,672 |
| 11 | Denver | 28 | 4% | $29,541 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 28 | 3% | $29,602 |
| 13 | Detroit | 22 | 3% | $33,314 |
| 14 | Chicago | 56 | 2% | $30,971 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 31 | 2% | $32,021 |
| 16 | San Diego | 23 | 2% | $39,049 |
| 17 | Charlotte | 21 | 2% | $26,743 |
| 18 | Los Angeles | 24 | 1% | $39,916 |
Shift Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of shift manager experts
University of Alaska Fairbanks
San Francisco State University
Manhattan College
Sacred Heart University
Dedman College of Hospitality
Utah Valley University
Indiana University Bloomington
University of Indianapolis
Faulkner University
The University of Akron
Goldey-Beacom College
Centenary College of Louisiana
Bucknell University
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
What general advice would you give to a Shift Manager?
Jaunelle Celaire: Leadership - the world needs more of these; the ability to lead, craft and grow. Digital literacy - this world is definitely turning digital and virtual is the new trend. Emotional intelligence - there is a vast number of personalities in our world today; individuals grow and it is our job to stay emotionally connected, so we can operate more effectively.
What Shift Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jaunelle Celaire: Never stop learning! This may consist of going back to school, earning new certifications in your field of study, attending conferences and seminars, and making sure that your time management is always at its finest level of excellence.
What will help Shift Managers increase their earning potential?
Jaunelle Celaire: 2. Leadership - the world needs more of these; the ability to lead, craft and grow. Digital literacy - this world is definitely turning digital and virtual is the new trend. Emotional intelligence - there is a vast number of personalities in our world today; individuals grow and it is our job to stay emotionally connected, so we can operate more effectively.
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.
Professor of International BusinessSan Francisco State University
Department of International Business
What soft skills should all Shift Managers possess?
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.: -Languages beyond English (fluency in written and oral)
-Ability to work collegially in a diverse cultural setting
-Ability to identify good problems on which to work in a competent manner
-Ability/flexibility to interact/work productively with people who have serious constraints on their time owing to other work or personal commitments/issues
-Some of my answers to Q1 above would also apply here
What hard/technical skills are most important for Shift Managers?
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.: -Analytical skills (ability to gather data, clean it, analyze it, write-up results and present on what the meaning of the analysis suggests for action (the last one is most important--"what does it really mean?"
-Some experience and skills with coding in any language (at the moment, Python or C++ are preferred, though Ruby on Rails is also good)
-Deep spreadsheet skills (pivot tables and macros, as examples).
-Relational database skills, including programming (e.g., MySQL)
-Data mining
-AI/Machine Learning experience
What skills will help Shift Managers earn the most?
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.: -Previous internship/practicum experience in the industry
-Ability to identify and solve problems in an effective manner
-Ability to deploy design/creativity tools in the service of finding and solving problems
-Evidence of ability to manage in the relevant non-English language(s)
-Prior job experience/deep training in a related area
-Prior experience/training managing people/teams
-Ability/experience in working in a team and concretely increasing the team's performance in measurable ways
-Ability to speak with and relate well to people at all levels of an organization, including below, peers, above, and outsiders
-Skills (deep) in working in other cultures and respecting the values and conventions of that culture. Multiple cultures would be worth more
What skills stand out on Shift Manager resumes?
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.: I'm taking my cue on this response from the required Intl Business Courses we offer for a certificate in the Master's programs in business.
-Familiarity with basic international business terms, theories, and vocabulary
-Knowledge of cases and stories from the past
-Multiple language skills beyond English (this sometimes lands people specific jobs)
-Negotiation skills in a multinational/multicultural environment
-Design/creativity skills (e.g., sketching, brainstorming, Idea Mapping, 3D fast prototyping)
-Problem identification/formulation skills/experience
-Experience in a practicum (working on a class project for a real firm on a real problem
What's a good job out of college for Shift Managers?
Dr. John Leylegian Ph.D.: Any job where you can learn something new is a good job. In an entry-level position, you should be absorbing as much knowledge as you can, while making a good contribution to the company and the projects you work on. This strategy will make you very valuable, because anything you already know doesn't have to be taught to you.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Shift Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. John Leylegian Ph.D.: Let me preface this by saying that I'm going to address these questions primarily from a mechanical engineering perspective. I believe that one big trend will be an increase in the energy efficiency of residential buildings. Once the pandemic ends, many will go back to the office, but not everyone will, and even those that do may only do so part time. Residential buildings will be occupied more than they were before. Buildings are the largest end users of energy, so an increase in residential building energy efficiency will have to accompany that shift in the workforce.
What technical skills for a Shift Manager stand out to employers?
Dr. John Leylegian Ph.D.: I think almost any graduate will finish school with the same skill set in terms of technical knowledge. What can stand out is an ability to code and use various professional-grade software packages - the actual programming languages and software packages are secondary. If you can code in VBA, moving to Matlab or Python is not a big deal - it's just a matter of syntax. If you can use one CFD code or one FEA code, others will be much easier to learn. The foundation will be attractive to employers. Of course, the non-technical skills are SO important as well, most notably communication (speaking and writing).
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Shift Managers?
Keith Hassell: One thing the pandemic has taught us all, college students and employers, is to be flexible and adaptable. During the spring 2020 semester - students' "routines" were thrown out the window, and they were forced to switch from in-person to remote learning. Although this was a learning curve for those on and off campus, it taught students a valuable lesson: adaptability.
With the transition to remote work for many employers, they, too, had to adjust their workflows, especially with regards to recruiting for internships and post-graduate opportunities. Some employers did have to postpone or cancel internships, but some also saw it as an opportunity to think outside the box, coming up with new innovative ways to virtually host opportunities, and to recruit. The ways in which companies can now recruit, virtually across new geographic areas, is a direct result of the pandemic, one we anticipate to last far beyond.
What's a good job out of college for Shift Managers?
Keith Hassell: A good job can be defined in many ways. Students have a variety of interests, and we are seeing more and more students secure roles immediately after commencement. While a student may have secured a position that is not necessarily his or her ultimate dream job, it is important to realize it is a stepping stone to get a student to he or she's ultimate goals. Experience is necessary to make professional connections and develop background to be marketable for the next role. We encourage students to think of each position as how it fits into their career goals - as opposed to a one-time job - and how this position might align with future aspirations. A good job does not necessarily mean a six-figure salary; it means opportunity for growth, development and experience.
What technical skills for a Shift Manager stand out to employers?
Keith Hassell: Employers are increasingly looking for applied skillsets and additional certifications to set a candidate apart. Sacred Heart University has recently launched a remote work certification, which houses three modules - focusing on the remote worker, the remote team and the remote leader, providing the tools and resources to comfortably leverage and utilize virtual platforms at various organizations. Additional specialized training, certifications and more are great selling tools pending on the specific area of interest. Certifications are common in areas such as project management, sales, IT/network/software, Google application and more. The candidate needs to think, "What can I do that is beyond my coursework to show I am passionate about my field? How do I make myself stand out?" Certifications is an attainable way to do this.
In addition, soft skills continue to be equally important in today's job market. NACE (the National Association of Colleges and Employers) identified seven core competencies that employers seek from entry level candidates which include critical thinking/problem solving, oral/written communication, teamwork/collaboration, digital technology, leadership, professionalism/work ethic, career management and global/intercultural fluency.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Shift Manager job market given the pandemic?
Alishia Piotrowski Ed.D.: The biggest trend that we are currently seeing is the move away from formal management training programs in favor of direct-placement positions. Companies are beginning to hire again, but the competition for these positions is strong. Within our student population, we are seeing a renewed interest in vacation destinations, such as beach resorts with strong drive markets. That is where we are seeing the most success with recruitment.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Shift Managers?
Alishia Piotrowski Ed.D.: Certifications are always a great idea, if you are looking to stand out on the job market. With the level of competition for jobs today, it certainly can't hurt. But there is no one "best" certification. I suggest students narrow their job focus and look for certifications that focus on that specific area. For students interested in the wine industry, we recommend the Certified Specialist of Wine exam. For students interested in wedding planning, we encourage them to look into The Bridal Society. Furthering your education in a specific area, through a certification, is a great way to stand out in the job market.
What's a good job out of college for Shift Managers?
Alishia Piotrowski Ed.D.: I think in today's market, students have to think less about the actual job, and think more about the company that they want to work for. I encourage students to look into different companies in their area of hospitality and assess how they feel they would "fit" into that company. What are the company's values? What type of culture has that company created? What are your opportunities for advancement, or for movement? These are the types of questions that a student should be asking. Unfortunately, in today's market, a great student may not get their "dream job" right out of college. But, if they target a company that they see themselves growing with, they should focus on finding any job within that company that would allow them to gain experience and to grow. If they do this, and they work hard, they will be much more likely to get that dream job once the industry has recovered and positions are available.
Meaghan McKasy Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of CommunicationUtah Valley University
Department of Communication, Public Relations Emphasis
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Shift Managers?
Meaghan McKasy Ph.D.: Certainly, just like there will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on all of us. However, it is up to communication graduates to decide what type of impact the pandemic will have on their career. As a result of the pandemic, many companies are realizing that remote employment may play an integral role in their future. The written, verbal, and interpersonal skills that communication students learn through their academic tenure give them a competitive advantage in this regard. Additionally, though it may not be a positive reflection of industry, candidates are being asked to do more, oftentimes with less. A Communications Manager may find themself leading strategy across social media accounts, utilizing SMS tools, writing compelling and relevant content, tracking and analyzing campaign metrics, managing community partners, and more. Recent communication graduates are well equipped to tackle a multi-media, multitasking industry.
What soft skills should all Shift Managers possess?
Meaghan McKasy Ph.D.: The pandemic has only emphasized the importance of soft skills. Luckily for communication graduates, so many of the key soft skills that employers look for are the foundation of their degree. Employers look for clear verbal and nonverbal communication, collaboration, listening, persuasion, and critical thinking, to name a few. Further, an attentiveness to work ethic, such as independence and time management, for instance, is necessary for anyone to succeed, but especially in an increasingly common work-from-home environment where there are plenty of distractions. Finally, self-awareness and empathy cannot be undervalued in these tumultuous times where employers recognize the importance of mental health and racial awareness.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Shift Managers?
Meaghan McKasy Ph.D.: In our increasingly digital world, any sort of digital media or data analytics certificate or experience is incredibly valuable. Membership in professional organizations such as the Society of Professional Journalists or the Public Relations Society of America, or a research association such as the National Communication Association, can provide you with tremendous networking opportunities. If students are looking to pursue a career in public relations, then the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) can really set you apart a crowded and competitive job market.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Shift Managers?
Kerem Cakirer Ph.D.: In short, definitely. The way the world is moving forward in business may not have changed its course drastically; however, the pace of the change (digitalization) has exponentially increased due to the pandemic circumstances. The pandemic forced businesses hand to transform their businesses into more digital and online form. After the coronavirus pandemic, businesses will focus on more remote and off site working. The graduates must be well equipped with technological skills to excel in a more digitalized world than ever. The pandemic has changed the skill set which the graduates must have.
What's a day at work look like for a Shift Manager?
Kerem Cakirer Ph.D.: This is a great question. The pandemic has changed the working life for good. Usually, a day at work for a graduate starts very early with commuting to the main office of the company they work. However, this is the past now. Graduates may start working from their home office and expected to be online for 8-10 hours a day, sitting in front of their computer, probably fifteen minutes after breakfast. They may not be even required to wear a suit! The living room could be the new graduate's work office too. When the day kicks off, it will definitely include lots of email correspondence, Zoom meetings and Microsoft's team collaboration works. The painted picture here may sound arbitrary; however, the whole way of doing business can create different challenges for a recent graduate. In my opinion, the most difficult challenge will be, what I call as, the no-curtain effect, which is, separating the work life from the personal life. With no hard boundaries, such as business offices or on site working projects, graduates may find very difficult to adopt the business world than ever after the pandemic. Post pandemic era, the graduates could find sustaining a balanced lifestyle more challenging because they would be expected to learn and achieve a lot in their job while they are young and novice in their career. The whole transformation of "a day at work" can even create a new demand for different line of jobs, (a life coach may be?). I am very curious to see how the evolution of "day at work" will be.
What technical skills for a Shift Manager stand out to employers?
Kerem Cakirer Ph.D.: The labor market is not so different than any market with demand and supply. The demand from employers will shift towards more technical (software, coding, computer language programming) and analytical (problem solving on your own) skills than social skills overall. Being capable of writing or/and understanding computer languages will be a must have skill in the very near future. Communication skills over online platforms or social media platforms will play a huge role when employers are making a hiring decision. The data supports that businesses are using more online platforms than ever. I am projecting that there won't be any business travels or on-site client meetings in the near future. Exceling in different types of software, and being able to learn a new one easily, will become more important than people skills in businesses. Employers will seek for candidates, who are capable of achieving tasks in a more off-site (outside the office) environment through a deadline, and who can utilize multiple different softwares at their hand to solve business problems. As far as how the hiring process would go, we might see employers using artificial intelligence to make hiring decisions over some online platform soon. Essentially, this means that the candidates will be assessed with a more quantitative measure than ever. An evaluation measure by the AI, which will take soft and digital skills more into account.My final words are: The pandemic is still a burden to the humankind but the world will prevail. This year could be the inception of a new era in terms of how businesses run.
Dr. Gaoming Zhang
Associate Professor, Chair, Department of Leadership & Educational StudiesUniversity of Indianapolis
Department of Leadership & Educational Studies, School of Education
What skills stand out on Shift Manager resumes?
Dr. Gaoming Zhang: -Instructional technology & tools
-Online/virtual/hybrid experiences (e.g., curriculum design, online/virtual/hybrid teaching experiences, etc.)
-Social-emotional learning. How to support students' social emotional learning in a challenging time? How to build relationships with students when you don't see them on a daily basis?
-Communication and collaboration skills. These non-cognitive skills remain important skills that employers are looking for from resumes.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Shift Managers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Gaoming Zhang: I believe most people choose to stay in their home state and teach. But the teacher shortage tends to be more intensified in larger school districts and in metropolitan areas. So people may choose a state with better job outlooks as well.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Shift Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Gaoming Zhang: Teacher shortage. We have heard the term of teacher shortage for a while. But this year the pandemic has intensified this long standing shortage to crisis levels. Thousands of teachers are needed during the pandemic, to keep schools open (in-person and virtual learning).
- An increasing need for people with experiences/knowledge of online/hybrid/virtual learning. For decades technology has been viewed as a supplemental tool (or in some people's mind a disruption) in teaching and learning. Not any more. How to design content/curriculum that can be delivered online? How to accommodate learners with special needs in an online environment? How to promote learners' engagement in an online/hybrid environment? These are all great opportunities and challenges unfolded for beginning teachers in such a highly changing environment nowadays.
Steve Wages Ph.D.
Director, Cloverdale Center for Youth and FamilyFaulkner University
Cloverdale Center for Youth & Family
What Shift Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Steve Wages Ph.D.: I recommend they use this time to fill in the gaps, no pun intended, in their program of studies by expanding their knowledge base. All educational programs have gaps in the training, content areas which are not addressed adequately. For example, my counseling program was highly regarded, yet I had little to no content related to aging studies, parenting, or personal finances, etc. Further, the content of counseling programs is problem-centered or remedial, conceptually focused on tertiary prevention.
Consequently, graduates are not exposed to a large body of research and literature related to human development, individual wellness, and family strengths which would greatly inform and enhance their assessment and intervention strategies employed in counseling. I believe the more we can do to strengthen our understanding of healthy individual and family wellness, the better equipped we will be to address unhealthy relationships and family dynamics. Put another way, being well grounded in primary and secondary prevention will further equip the pastoral counselor's efforts at intervention. Again, use this time to acquire relevant knowledge and content that most counseling programs do not address extensively.
What general advice would you give to a Shift Manager?
Steve Wages Ph.D.: As soon as possible, establish a formal mentoring relationship with someone who is seasoned in pastoral counseling. Generally, the research demonstrates that the performance of employees with mentors is of a higher quality, they advance in their responsibilities and careers faster, and they avoid common mistakes exhibited by other employees. Establish short-term goals (6 months) for your position and a plan for overcoming obstacles; then ask your mentor to hold you accountable for implementing your plan. As part of your self-care. you also need to be proactive in developing a few close friendships, perhaps including colleagues, who can be a source of emotional support and encouragement to you personally.
You should be confident in your training while also being realistic and transparent about your limitations. There is still a lot that you do not know and much you will learn with experience. Until then, be willing to say "I don't know" when faced with problems you have not addressed before. Then commit to learning more about the issue through personal study and/or consulting with a more experienced colleague or mentor. In some cases, you may need to invite a more experienced counselor to meet with a client or where appropriate refer them to someone else.
You need to equip yourself to address structural changes to the delivery of pastoral care and counseling as a consequence of the pandemic. You will need to adapt to providing pastoral counseling virtually perhaps via Zoom sessions. Give thought as to how the virtual context impacts the counseling process and the spiritual resources you employ. For example, if you are comfortable praying with a client in your office, will you be equally inclined to pray with them online or over a phone. In light of the pandemic, Dr. Chuck Lawless noted, "Good pastoral care has required being more proactive than reactive." Ordinarily, pastoral counselors are reactive in that they respond to needs when they hear about them or when they are
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Shift Manager job market given the pandemic?
Steve Wages Ph.D.: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the pre-pandemic projections for employment of mental health counselors, including pastoral counselors, for 2019-2020 were very strong with growth being much faster than the average for all occupations. A recent report by the Barna Research Group compared pre-pandemic levels of relational, mental, and emotional health to the results of surveys of relational health, stress, and anxiety associated with the coronavirus, political, and racial tensions.
As expected, relational, emotional, and mental health struggles have been greatly amplified which will only serve to increase the need or demand for the services provided by pastoral counselors. However, it has also been reported that urban churches are experiencing a 15-25% decline in giving with rural churches reporting even greater declines. Consequently, budgets are being streamlined for sustainability which will likely have a negative impact on the hiring of pastoral counselors, at least full-time, in this employment sector. Because the need for pastoral counseling is so great, graduates should think strategically about how they market their services.
For example, my church community cannot afford a full-time pastoral counselor, but is looking to contract with a group in private practice who are serving the needs of multiple congregations. Graduates may need to look at joining such a group of pastoral counselors who provide counseling services on a contract basis. Further, I believe the economic stimulus may create additional jobs in other employment sectors for pastoral counselors.
Rhiannon Kallis Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Social MediaThe University of Akron
School of Communication
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Shift Managers?
Rhiannon Kallis Ph.D.: While some industries and organizations might be on a hiring freeze due to the impact of Covid-19, other organizations who are surviving and/or thriving during the pandemic will be looking for entry-level graduates. Although there were unavoidable interruptions in entering the workplace recently and challenges to overcome during Covid-19, I don't believe this will be a long-lasting detriment to those qualified graduates looking for employment.
What type of skills will young Shift Managers need?
Rhiannon Kallis Ph.D.: Specifically referring to graduates going into the Communication field, I feel technology skills, crisis communication, and self-motivation will be crucial to possess. We shifted to remote work during the pandemic; many organizations may decide for resource and flexibility reasons to continue this mode even after the pandemic. Understanding how to use technology for teamwork will be a great skill to possess. In terms of using social media strategically, understanding best practices for each unique platform is important (i.e. best times to post, target markets on each platform, etc.) as well as understanding the analytics. Additionally, crisis communication skills and customer service communication will be beneficial. Organizations will need to continue to know which types of media (traditional and social media) to use for crisis messages and for managing customer service. Finally, employees will need to continue to be self-motivated as we work remotely.
What experience really stands out on Shift Manager resumes?
Rhiannon Kallis Ph.D.: Any experience that is accompanied by measurable outcomes is important to highlight. For example, if a candidate managed social media accounts for an organization, including relevant metrics and measurable objectives would be standout information.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Shift Managers?
Dr. Nicole Evans: The full impact of the coronavirus pandemic is not yet known. Some industries have been hit harder than others. For example, demand for courier and logistic services has increased during the pandemic. On the other hand, sales in the hospitality industry have declined. On a positive note, young graduates are very adaptable and are just beginning their careers. They are very flexible and have numerous career options, so the impact will probably not be enduring and long term for them.
What type of skills will young Shift Managers need?
Dr. Nicole Evans: Graduates need to demonstrate that they have soft skills when they enter the workforce. It is imperative that the soft skills fit the job description and are an obvious advantage in that role. Employers seek candidates that are personable, good communicators, clear thinkers, organized, empathetic, confident, and positive-just to name a few.
What experience really stands out on Shift Manager resumes?
Dr. Nicole Evans: When reviewing resumes, most employers look for relevant internships or work experience in their new, entry-level hires. Other experiences, such as leadership roles in student activities or sports are also valued by employers. Volunteer work and summer/part-time jobs also stand out on a resume.
Dr. Barbara Davis
William J. Atkins DeanCentenary College of Louisiana
Frost School of Business
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Shift Managers?
Dr. Barbara Davis: Graduates will be forever changed by the coronavirus pandemic. This major event during their academic careers is so far reaching and will impact the rest of their lives. This event will forever be remembered and utilized in all future decisions they make.
What type of skills will young Shift Managers need?
Dr. Barbara Davis: Analysis - Graduates will need to analyze situations, identify the best choices, and seek solutions with the highest benefit to the organization.
Creativity - Graduates will need to possess critical and creative thinking skills.
Flexibility - Graduates must remain flexible to succeed in a highly changing environment.
What experience really stands out on Shift Manager resumes?
Dr. Barbara Davis: Graduates participating in internships related to their areas of interest. Internships spanning more than one semester at the same firm stand out as well.
Eddy Ng Ph.D.
James and Elizabeth Freeman Professor of ManagementBucknell University
Freeman College of Management
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Shift Manager job market given the pandemic?
Eddy Ng Ph.D.: The pandemic has certainly caused a structural shift in the economy (to remote economy) and accelerated the adoption of digital technology and AI. A few industries will experience growth given changes in our lifestyles and work behaviours. Here are some that are primed to change or grow:
1. Healthcare - we now know that the US healthcare system is unable to meet critical needs. There will be capacity building from healthcare professionals (e.g., ER doctors and nurses) to data specialists (health informatics) and from epidemiologists to medical/lab research. Pharmacists will also see a huge growth as a result of the pandemic.
2. Pharmaceuticals and biotechs - biomedical research will expand as they continue to research and improve on existing vaccines.
3. E-Commerce - many retailers and service providers have been caught off guard or were slow in responding to a sudden shift to online or remote everything. The trend to shop online and participate in virtual experiences will grow exponentially requiring IT specialists and web designers.
4. Cyber security - as we begin to engage or transact online more often and in larger volumes, cyber crimes will also grow in tandem. I anticipate we will also need cyber security specialists.
5. Logistics and supply chain management - with the expansion of e-commerce, existing supply chains will need to be redesigned to get merchandise and services faster and in much larger volumes to consumers and end users.
6. Remote, distributed and telework - as a quarter to a third of the workforce are expected to remain working remotely, organizations will also need to build and continuously upgrade their communication and information technology platforms.
7. Government and public service - governments (both federal, state and local) will also expand as there is a greater need for emergency preparedness professionals, public policy experts, public administrators to provide public service.
8. Online education and training. Universities and colleges will also see a permanent shift to online program offerings, but this is not limited to higher education. Organizations and employers will also take up online training and talent development requiring more education specialists.
What skills stand out on Shift Manager resumes?
Eddy Ng Ph.D.: Some of the remote economy skills that will be required include:
- self-directed/motivated
- data literacy (analytics)
- digital creativity and design
- IT and cybersecurity, including coding
- distributed leadership
- remote communication and management
STEM will become even more critical
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Shift Managers to find work opportunities?
Eddy Ng Ph.D.: Most talent recruitment is already happening online (that will be the best place to engage in career explorations). Recruitment and selection will also be conducted differently, and given the highly specialized nature of remote economy jobs, many talent management (headhunters, search firms) will play a greater role in the recruitment process. Campus recruitment will remain an important tool for talent attraction as many required skills will be scarce at first leading to competition for talent. Bear in mind, given a remote economy, the supply of workers will no longer be restricted to the local or national labour market.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Shift Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Timothy Edwards: I think more journalists and media professionals will work remotely. The pandemic has proven that the technology is sufficient enough to facilitate this change, and this trend will help save costs for media outlets.
What skills stand out on Shift Manager resumes?
Dr. Timothy Edwards: Writing and research skills. Analytical and critical thinking skills. Technical skills such as web design, graphic design, audio and video production skills. Employers are interested in potential employees knowledge, intelligence and skills.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Shift Managers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Timothy Edwards: Like most jobs, opportunities exist in major media hubs like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta. But one can find digital media jobs in medium and small markets as well. Looking media and media-related jobs in non-traditional places such as hospitals, schools, colleges and universities, non-profit organizations, religious institutions could bear fruit for the enterprizing college graduate.