Baby boomer scientists/engineers about to retire in huge numbers?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the anticipated wave of retirements among baby boomer scientists and engineers, which many believe will create numerous job openings. However, participants argue that economic factors, such as the Great Recession, have led to many individuals delaying retirement, thus limiting job availability. Additionally, the changing nature of work, with automation and modern control systems reducing the need for human labor, further complicates the job market. The consensus is that the expected influx of opportunities for new graduates in STEM fields may not materialize as predicted.

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  • Understanding of labor market dynamics in STEM fields
  • Familiarity with the impact of economic downturns on retirement trends
  • Knowledge of automation and its effects on job availability
  • Awareness of HR practices and their influence on hiring processes
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  • Research the impact of automation on job roles in engineering and science
  • Explore the effects of economic recessions on workforce demographics
  • Investigate current HR practices and their role in hiring STEM graduates
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Recent graduates in STEM fields, human resources professionals, industry analysts, and policymakers interested in labor market trends and workforce planning.

  • #31
Not to mention the nightmare we'll be in if, as demographers predict, we have such a disproportionately large number of non-working elderly and a low birthrate that the economy literally collapses. Science funding will take a back seat to food scrounging for sure.
 
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  • #32
Thats why we need more immigrants... To keep the ponzi scheme going. At least keep it going until I die. ;)
 
  • #33
Agreed, bring on the 'grants, skilled and unskilled. Anybody who wants to contribute to our economy should be allowed in, not treated like a leper.
 
  • #34
And "ModusPwned" made my laugh.
 
  • #35
StatGuy2000 said:
If it is the HR department and their narrow view of what a job is and what a person needs to know that is limiting a firm's ability to hire needed employees, then shouldn't it make sense for such firms to "shake up" their HR departments to ensure that needed positions are filled?

Yeah, they'll probably do it when they figure out how not to get hit with ageist preferences. Honestly, I don't envy the HR people in large companies who have to hire someone to do something that they don't understand, but do so under a torrent of laws that most people would rather not know. This is a no-win situation, and it was very likely an unintended consequence of existing laws.
 

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