Presenter: Sally Hughs
Hosts: Rachel Mansolillo
Location: Virtual (a Zoom link will be sent a few days before the event)
Date: Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Labor market data is everywhere now — in dashboards, in career tools, even inside résumé builders and AI-based coaching platforms. But how reliable is it? Where does it come from? What does it really mean? And most importantly: how can career counselors use it responsibly and effectively?
In this session, we’ll break down the complex world of labor market data into clear, practical insight. We’ll explore how data is collected, cleaned, and modeled — from government statistics to real-time job postings — and how those signals feed into the tools being marketed to education and career services today.
You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of what’s credible, what’s hype, and how to make informed decisions when evaluating or using technology that claims to “know the labor market.” Then, we’ll connect the dots: how this data reveals a profound shift toward skills-based hiring and nonlinear careers — and what that means for advising conversations. You’ll learn how to help clients see their skills as currency, translate experience across roles and industries, and build pathways that reflect how opportunity actually works today.
This workshop blends critical data literacy with future-forward counseling strategies — so you can confidently guide students, job seekers, and career changers in a world where job titles are blurry, new roles are emerging, and career journeys are increasingly unique.
More about our Expert Speaker
Sally Hughes is a seasoned career development leader with more than 25 years of experience across higher education, workforce development, and edtech. She has served learners of all ages — from students exploring their first pathways to adults navigating career transition — while leading programs in career counseling, experiential learning, and employer engagement in the U.S., Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
Sally also brings deep industry expertise as former Head of Global Product Management for Lightcast, a leading labor market analytics company powering decision-making in education, workforce, and economic development. Her work has shaped how labor market data is delivered into tools used by career professionals around the world.
A lifelong advocate for access and opportunity, Sally is committed to helping individuals translate their learning into meaningful careers that create impact. With strong data literacy and a keen eye on how the world of work is changing, she champions career guidance that evolves with the economy — not the other way around.
B.S., Psychology & Human Development — Cal Poly
M.Ed., Higher Education & Student Affairs — University of Vermont
