S3E9 | The Expertise Upheaval: Matt Sigelman on AI, The Experience Paradox, and Reshaping the Workforce

In this eye-opening episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Matt Sigelman, CEO of the Burning Glass Institute, to decode the seismic shifts occurring in the labor market. Matt shares data-driven insights from his groundbreaking research, including the "experience paradox," which reveals why so many entry-level jobs now demand prior experience, and what that means for recent college graduates.

The conversation delves into the accelerating pace of skill obsolescence, the rise of AI, and how these forces are creating a critical disconnect between what employers need and what education provides. Matt introduces the concept of the "Expertise Upheaval," offering a look at how AI is transforming careers and what skills will make workers more valuable with AI, not just more efficient. He also makes a compelling case for greater accountability in education, using data to show which credentials and programs actually lead to a real return on investment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the data, trends, and solutions that will shape the workforce of tomorrow.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• The Experience Paradox: A deep dive into the data showing that most entry-level jobs now require several years of experience, and the implications for hiring and education.
• The Pace of Change: Why skills are becoming obsolete faster than ever, and how this is impacting career trajectories and the need for lifelong learning.
• The "Expertise Upheaval": An exploration of how AI is not just about automation, but about a more profound shift in the skills required to be an expert in any given field.
• Education-to-Workforce Accountability: How data can be used to hold colleges and credential providers accountable, ensuring that programs lead to real-world outcomes and economic mobility.
• A New Kind of Workforce: Matt discusses the shift from a "schooled society" to a "learning society," and how we must prepare for a future where learning is a continuous, lifelong process.

About Our Guest:

Matt Sigelman is the CEO of the Burning Glass Institute, a fully independent, nonprofit research center that works at the intersection of work and learning. Prior to the Institute, he spent 20 years building a private sector data provider (now called Lightcast). Matt is a recognized leader in using big data to shed light on labor market trends, inform policy, and drive economic mobility.