JoAnn Trejo, a professor at the University of California at San Diego, emphasizes the critical role of mentorship in scientific careers, drawing from her own experience as a Mexican American from a family of farm workers. In this podcast, Trejo shares that her journey into science was significantly influenced by mentors who recognized her potential and provided guidance, and she advocates for structured mentorship programs to ensure equal access to opportunities, highlighting the importance of resilience, motivation and diversity in science.

Job interviews frequently fail to assess candidates for the skills listed in the job descriptions, according to research from BrightHire and the Harvard Business School. This disconnect can lead to hiring mismatches as candidates tailor resumes to the skills employers claim to value, but then interviews do not effectively evaluate these qualifications. To align hiring with organizational priorities, companies should implement structured interview guides, audit job descriptions, integrate AI assessments, reduce redundancy and train interviewers for comprehensive evaluations, write researchers Joseph Fuller, Ben Sesser and William Leeds.

With diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives under scrutiny, DEI consultant and author Lily Zheng urges leaders to "talk better" about DEI to help their teams understand that it encompasses cultural belonging and policies such as parental leave and remote work that create more fairness in the workplace. "Don't just say your commitment is strong. Say, 'We know that tamping down on discrimination and supporting our people is key to our business success.' That's DEI, whether you call it that or not," says Zheng in this interview with SmartBrief.

A recent FlexJobs report highlights that 55% of Americans aged 20 to 35 have faced a "quarter-life" career crisis, experiencing deep uncertainty about their roles and futures in the workforce. This phenomenon is not just a passing trend, but a significant concern impacting employee mental health and workplace productivity. The crisis is particularly acute in this age group as they try to establish stable careers amid industry changes and economic turbulence.

US employers are forecasting an average 3.5% increase in salary budgets for 2026, marginally below the 3.6% growth seen in 2025, according to the latest Payscale survey. More than two-thirds of organizations expect salary budgets to remain unchanged next year, with just 16% anticipating higher budgets and another 16% expecting a decrease. The report highlights a continued cautious approach to compensation planning, as companies adapt to shifting market conditions.

Thank you to the 1,300+ higher ed professionals who shared your experiences and ideas through the 2025 HERC Jobs Higher Education Workforce Survey. Your responses are sparking meaningful change, informing how we, and our member institutions, move forward.

Networking is one of the most valuable tools for building a successful career in higher education. An effective network provides career support, access to new people, and knowledge. Explore strategies for building your professional network by finding mentors, fostering relationships with colleagues, and actively participating in professional organizations.