Week 0: Introduction and Background

Hey everyone! I’m Amanda, and welcome to my first senior project blog post! For this blog, I will be introducing my project and the inspirations behind my project. 

COVID-19 has changed our world so much, hasn’t it? It’s not just about our health anymore; it’s also about the changes it caused in our country’s job market. The pandemic has completely shifted the picture, impacting everyone from job seekers to employers and even the government.

This is where my project comes in. I plan to examine the dynamic labor market in the U.S. and create a model that predicts the trends based on current data. Imagine how helpful this would be for entrepreneurs, economists, employers, workers, and job seekers. With predictive models, we can all make smarter decisions that would benefit the economy as a whole. 

So, what prompted me to do this project? Taking AP Economics in 9th grade exposed me to the unit of the labor market. As I delved into the complexities of the supply and demand for labor, I found myself drawn to understanding the dynamic changing trends and factors. Through simulated scenarios at DECA conferences and meetings, I roleplayed and experienced real-world challenges faced by companies, further fueling my interest in the topic. As an employed worker in the labor force, I wonder about the labor market from a different perspective, questioning the impact of economic conditions on employment decisions. 

This following week, I will be researching the basics of the labor market and analyzing the trends from 2000 to the present. I will gather statistics about the labor market using different resources, such as official government websites, business websites, and analytical papers. In addition to this, I will look into local businesses that are struggling due to changes in the labor market, as my model works to support these local businesses. 

I can’t wait to share my progress with you all in next week’s blog! See you soon!