The landscape of the U.S. job market is undergoing a significant transformation. A Georgetown University report projects a 21% growth in jobs paying at least $43,000 annually, with median earnings of $74,000 for workers aged 25-44 and $91,000 for those aged 45-64 by 2031. That amounts to an impressive 87.8 million good jobs. For higher-educational institutions, this uptick represents not only a challenge but a unique opportunity to redefine their role in preparing students for a rapidly evolving workforce.
The Imperative for Higher Education
The report, “The Future of Good Jobs: Projections Through 2031,” underscores a critical trend. While some companies are beginning to remove bachelor’s degree requirements for certain roles, most jobs deemed “good,” based on the parameters above will be accessible mainly to those with a bachelor’s degree or higher. This trend is more than a statistic; it is a signal for higher-education institutions to align their strategies with the needs of the future job market. To seize this opportunity, institutions must not only enhance their academic offerings, but also revolutionize their approach to marketing and enrollment.
Conversational AI: A Game-Changer for Higher Education
Conversational AI emerged as a transformative tool for higher education institutions. It facilitates real-time interactions between users and organizations, streamlining communication and improving engagement across channels. Here’s why:
Tailored Engagement
Conversational AI enables institutions to provide personalized interactions at scale. And that matters when prospective students expect customized information and guidance. By leveraging a conversational platform, institutions can engage students with tailored responses based on their interests, academic goals, and career aspirations, thus enhancing the relevance and impact of their outreach efforts.
Efficiency in Enrollment
The complexity of the enrollment process can often deter potential students. Conversational platforms streamline this process by guiding users through each step, answering real-time questions, and addressing concerns promptly. This guidance not only improves the user experience, but also increases the likelihood of conversion, ensuring institutions can attract and retain top talent more effectively.
Insight-Driven Decisions
Conversational platforms generate valuable data on student interactions, preferences, and behaviors. Institutions can harness this data to gain insights into emerging trends, refine their marketing strategies, and make informed decisions that align with both current and future student needs. This data-driven approach is crucial for staying ahead in a competitive landscape.
Continuous Engagement
Maintaining engagement with prospective students throughout their decision-making journey is critical because it helps guide them from initial interest to enrollment. This ongoing engagement helps build stronger relationships, increasing the likelihood of successful enrollment and retention. Conversational platforms provide a continuous, interactive experience that keeps students informed and connected.
Thought Leadership in Action
For higher education institutions aiming to lead in this new era, adopting conversational engagement platforms is not merely an operational improvement — it’s a strategic necessity. Institutions that embrace these technologies will be better positioned to:
- Demonstrate relevance by showcasing how their programs are designed to meet the future demands of the job market — attracting students who are keen to secure high-quality employment.
- Enhance accessibility by making the application and enrollment processes more accessible and user-friendly — reducing barriers and expanding their reach.
- Elevate student experience by offering a more personalized, engaging experience — connecting with today’s tech-savvy prospective students.
- Optimize marketing by leveraging data insights to refine marketing strategies, ensuring outreach efforts are aligned with evolving market demands and student preferences.
Mya — A Partnership Between Brado and Maryville University
Mya, an AI-powered Conversational Engagement platform, was developed by Brado in collaboration with Maryville University to revolutionize student engagement. Leveraging Brado’s expertise in AI and digital strategy, Mya delivers personalized interactions and support for students throughout their prospecting and enrollment journey. Brado’s innovative approach ensures that Mya provides real-time analytics helping Maryville to identify trends and areas for improvement, while continuously adapting to student interactions, enabling more personalized responses, and proactive outreach to meet evolving needs. This partnership demonstrates Brado’s commitment to delivering advanced solutions that help institutions stay competitive in the rapidly changing higher education landscape.
The Conversational Future of Higher Education
As both the demand for highly skilled workers and the nature of “’good jobs” evolve, institutions have a unique opportunity to stay ahead by embracing conversational engagement platforms, like Mya. These tools allow for more personalized marketing, streamlined enrollment, and enhanced student experiences. While alternative career paths are growing, higher education remains a critical gateway for many roles in the evolving workforce. To remain competitive, institutions must adapt to prepare students for success in the rapidly changing economy.
Brado helps brands engage with people during critical moments in their lives. Insight-driven and AI-powered, our Conversational Engagement™ platform helps people get the experience they want and helps businesses generate more value from customers throughout their journey.
To learn more about our innovative Conversational Engagement™ platform, contact Andy Parham.