Prepare more students at two-year institutions for a shifting workforce by tracking the top career skills for associate degree holders in 2026.
Aligning your institution’s academic programs with labor market demand is no longer optional; it’s a given. More than ever, two-year colleges must demonstrate the ROI of a degree or certificate by clearly connecting students’ educational paths to career success, particularly in a tight and quickly evolving job market. Use our infographic to keep pace with student expectations about the top career skills for associate degree holders.
Download our Top Career Skills for Two-Year College Grads In 2026 infographic to see the latest employer trends and market outlook, including:
- Top 10 occupations requiring an associate degree
- U.S. labor market projections for two-year degree holders
- The skills and experiences employers value when hiring new grads
“As more people scrutinize the value of higher education, strong alumni career outcomes have become a powerful driver of student enrollment decisions.”
Strengthen the Workforce Outcomes of Your Associate Degrees and Certificates
When two-year colleges build academic programs that deliver in-demand hard and soft skills, new graduates find professional success faster and prospective students see a clear pathway from the classroom to a future career.
However, boosting positive outcomes requires college leaders not only to learn what employers value across industries but also to design two-year learning experiences that meet student expectations and anticipate the rapid workforce changes to come.
This requires a clear understanding of the transferrable skills that will enable associate degree and certificate students to gain an edge in their career readiness.
Hanover Research’s infographic will help you explore the latest employer trends, in-demand skills, and fastest-growing occupations in 2026 with the most promise to equip your current students and new graduates to thrive in a changing workforce.
