Employer Perceptions of Associate Degrees in Local Labor Markets: A Case Study of the Employment of Information Technology Technicians in Detroit and Seattle

Reports:

Title:: Employer Perceptions of Associate Degrees in Local Labor Markets: A Case Study of the Employment of Information Technology Technicians in Detroit and Seattle
Author(s):: Van Noy, Michelle
Jacobs, James
Date:: 2012
Type:: Reports
Department:: Community College Research Center
Permanent URL:: http://hdl.handle.net/10022/AC:P:13222
Series:: CCRC Brief
Part Number:: 56
Notes:: http://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/
Publisher:: Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University
Publisher Location:: New York
Abstract:: Based on fieldwork in two distinct labor markets, this Brief compares how associate and bachelor's degrees are perceived by employers seeking to hire IT technicians. The study finds that there are particular positive and negative qualities, such as hands-on skills and lack of academic initiative, that hiring managers expect to find almost exclusively among associate degree holders. The findings also suggest that perceptions of credentials vary by local labor market characteristics.
Subject(s):: Community college education
Economics, Labor