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Word Wiz: New-Collar Jobs

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When describing jobs, people have traditionally lumped work into two broad categories: white collar and blue collar. However, a third category of jobs is starting to emerge: new collar.

When describing jobs, people have traditionally lumped work into two broad categories: white collar and blue collar. However, a third category of jobs is starting to emerge: new collar.

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Thu Feb 01 2018

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The term new-collar job, coined in a November 2016 open letter by IBM CEO Ginni Rometty, refers to new roles emerging in tech-oriented fields such as cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence. Since then, it has exploded, appearing in countless articles across the web.

The term new-collar job, coined in a November 2016 open letter by IBM CEO Ginni Rometty, refers to new roles emerging in tech-oriented fields such as cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence. Since then, it has exploded, appearing in countless articles across the web.

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Why is it such a hot phrase?

Why is it such a hot phrase?

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First, it describes the types of jobs that are coming to define the 21st-century economy. Skill-based and technology-driven, many of these jobs have only started to materialize in recent decades and can be difficult to fit into traditional categories.

First, it describes the types of jobs that are coming to define the 21st-century economy. Skill-based and technology-driven, many of these jobs have only started to materialize in recent decades and can be difficult to fit into traditional categories.

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Second, the phrase often applies to high-skill, high-paying jobs that don't necessarily require a four-year college degree, which is a good sign considering the rising costs of higher education. In her letter, Rometty argues for vocational training as a tool for developing these workers, pointing to successful partnerships between IBM, public high schools, and community colleges as an example for other organizations to follow.

Second, the phrase often applies to high-skill, high-paying jobs that don't necessarily require a four-year college degree, which is a good sign considering the rising costs of higher education. In her letter, Rometty argues for vocational training as a tool for developing these workers, pointing to successful partnerships between IBM, public high schools, and community colleges as an example for other organizations to follow.

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Overall, it appears new-collar jobs are here to stay. The only question left is what will be the new-collar jobs tomorrow?

Overall, it appears new-collar jobs are here to stay. The only question left is what will be the new-collar jobs tomorrow?

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February 2018 - TD Magazine

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