Higher Ed Pulse Check: Is a Career in Higher Education Less Attractive?

Learn how to start or grow your career in higher education with insights from professionals, career coaches, and HR experts. The Let’s Talk Higher Ed Careers podcast, produced by HERC Jobs, explores a variety of campus roles beyond teaching, career growth strategies, and tips for navigating the higher ed job market. Whether you’re new to the field or ready to move up, each episode shares real stories and practical steps to help you align your goals, discover opportunities, and succeed in a fulfilling higher ed career. New episodes drop every two weeks on our YouTube Channel.

Is higher education still an attractive career path? In this debut episode of “Higher Ed Pulse Check,” a new segment of Let’s Talk Higher Ed Careers, host Marcia Silva is joined by HERC regional directors Daniel Butcher and Jennifer O’Neill to unpack recent poll results on career appeal, job stability, retention, and workforce trends in higher education.

Together, they explore why many professionals perceive higher ed careers as less stable and less appealing than in the past; the role of salary and career advancement in employee retention; how AI is shaping workforce uncertainty; and why mission-driven work continues to draw people to the sector. The conversation also highlights the hidden benefits of higher ed careers and the critical role mid-level managers play in supporting employees during times of change.

Watch this “Higher Ed Pulse Check” episode on YouTube and tell us what resonated most in the comments. While you’re there, subscribe to our video podcast series so you never miss a conversation.