ERIC Number: EJ1258014
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1940-1639
EISSN: N/A
Preparing College Students for the End of Work: The Role of Meaning
Stebleton, Michael J.; Kaler, Lisa S.
Journal of College and Character, v21 n2 p132-139 2020
This article explores the complex future of work and how projected changes in the workplace will inevitably influence college students. We examine workforce trends and predictions with a focus on the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, including how an increasing reliance on machines will replace and reshape millions of jobs. In response, we argue that higher education professionals need to initiate conversations with students about how to deal with "the end of work." In particular, if students possess a strong self-understanding of the meaning and values they assign to work, they will be in a better position to prevail against the constant unpredictability of the future workplace. We discuss recommendations for students and workers in an attempt to re-frame the necessary skills to thrive in the future workplace and provide several suggestions for higher education professionals to facilitate the learning and relearning of these skills. We conclude with student self-reflections from an undergraduate course focused on technology, ethics, and the future of work. Student narratives emphasize the importance of meaning as it relates to work and career planning.
Descriptors: College Students, Education Work Relationship, Employment Patterns, Job Skills, Undergraduate Students, Student Attitudes, Career Planning, Role of Education, Higher Education
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Minnesota (Minneapolis); Minnesota (Saint Paul)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A