Do our educational systems do justice to preparing our students for the future? How many have faced the situation where recruiters look for some skills in job seekers they were not trained on during their studies? How often do educational systems review their curricula for alignment with evolving market needs?
No one can deny the fact that there is a gap between what our students study at their universities and colleges and what skills are required from them to secure their first jobs. Shall this go unresolved? Or shall we invite a call for fair practical change?
Research is everywhere on the most desired skills for the future based on the changes that take place globally. It is all about creating that bridge to transport safely our students from their academic lives to their professional lives. Here are some suggestions to creating that bridge:
- Endorsing future skills as part of the curricula students have to study: Educational systems must recognize the significance of incorporating future skills into the curricula that students study. To ensure its effectiveness, this could be mapped out during the whole academic journey, gradually introducing these skills from the foundational to advanced levels. Imagine a student in the engineering faculty who has never been trained on analytical skills, or a student of medicine who has never undergone training of empathy skills. Clashes and conflicts are given a tap on the shoulder to come to the surface and present dozens of obstacles and hurdles on the face of their professional lives.
- Creating partnerships with training institutes Over the past few years, the proliferation of training institutes has been evident; however, their collaboration with regional educational systems remains limited. So, what do they do? Most, if not all, function in isolation of their regional educational systems. And they offer training to companies to help them improve and develop the caliber of their staff. What if we flip the table here? Let's imagine the situation where training institutes collaborate more actively and effectively with educational systems to train students while they are still on their academic seats on the future skills. It looks practical to me, and hopefully to you too. But what is their role after the students finish their studies? Does it come to an end? Of course, it does not. Their role then is to expand the level of collaboration and extend it to companies to build on the skills that have already been acquired to create stronger heroes and bring the potential of people to the possible maximum; that is getting people work at their natural best!
- Facilitate "hands-on experience" jointly with existing companies. Learning is reinforced when theory is complemented by practical application. Educational systems must prioritize creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and develop a deeper understanding of their chosen fields before graduation. For example, allowing a human resources student to engage in practical experiences would have a significant impact, as it bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Such opportunities enable students to not only understand concepts intellectually but also experience and embody them.In conclusion, It is vital for our educational systems to undergo strategic redesign to better serve students' needs in the present and future. This necessitates the integration of future skills into curricula, fostering collaborative relationships with training institutes, and providing hands-on experience opportunities. By embracing these changes, educational institutions can bridge the gap between academia and the workforce, equipping students with the necessary skills to succeed in an ever-evolving job market. It is high time to prioritize practical changes and ensure that our educational systems prepare students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.