for Universities
Rethinking Career Prep for the Hybrid Work Era
From virtual recruitment strategies to mastering remote collaboration tools, learn actionable ways to align your programming with the demands of the modern workforce.
Hybrid and remote work are no longer perks—they’re the standard for many early-career roles. For universities, this shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity: how can career services adapt their programs to ensure students thrive in this new environment?
The rise of flexible work has reshaped employer expectations and the skills students need to succeed. From virtual recruitment to mastering remote collaboration, it’s time to rethink how we prepare students for the workforce.
Hybrid roles now dominate the early-career landscape.
Recent data shows that 40% of entry-level jobs offer remote or hybrid options (Global Workplace Analytics), and 90% of Gen Z employees expect flexibility in where and how they work (LinkedIn Workforce Report 2023).
For students, this means navigating a hiring process that is increasingly virtual and workplaces that require new skills in communication and collaboration. Career services need to pivot to meet these demands.
A successful career in the hybrid era isn’t just about technical skills. Students must also master:
• Digital presence: Virtual interviews and online portfolios are now standard.
• Remote collaboration tools: Platforms like Slack, Zoom, and Teams are critical.
• Self-management: Remote work demands strong time management and accountability.
Programs that incorporate these skills aren’t just preparing students for their first job—they’re setting them up for long-term success in an evolving workforce.
Universities don’t need to overhaul their entire career programming to make an impact. A few targeted changes can yield big results:
• Virtual Hiring Preparation
Host workshops on virtual interviews and online job applications. Help students craft professional LinkedIn profiles that stand out in a digital hiring landscape.
• Focus on Remote Collaboration Tools
Provide students with training on platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Partner with faculty to integrate these tools into group projects and coursework.
• Strengthen Employer Partnerships
Collaborate with companies that embrace hybrid work to secure remote internships and job opportunities for students. Use career outcomes data to showcase these placements and attract more employer partners.
The hybrid era isn’t just a shift in how we work—it’s a complete transformation of the workforce. Career centers have a unique opportunity to redefine how they support students, ensuring they are not only prepared for their first job but equipped to navigate an evolving professional landscape.
With tools like 12twenty’s Career Cloud, universities can confidently adapt to these changes. From tracking hybrid work trends and empowering virtual hiring to building lasting connections with alumni and employers, Career Cloud simplifies the work of career centers while maximizing their impact.
As the lines between in-person and remote work continue to blur, career centers are poised to play a critical role in shaping the success of tomorrow’s graduates. The future of work is here—let’s prepare students to thrive in it.
