Graduate Priorities: What graduates believe will fast-track their career
The journey from academia to the professional arena is a transformative phase for any graduate, marked by a thirst for knowledge and professional growth.
?As a seasoned recruitment specialist who has spearheaded numerous graduate recruitment programs, I recently conducted a LinkedIn poll to delve into the minds of young professionals entering the workforce. The objective was clear: to understand what areas of training matter the most to these graduates so we can better assist organisations in understanding how they can best support their graduates’ development.
?The results offer valuable insights that can shape the future of talent development, particularly in unique and growing markets such as Papua New Guinea.
?Our poll simply asked this: What do you feel would fast-track your development and unlock your full potential the most? and here are the results:
Technical Skills and Training - 49%:
Unsurprisingly, nearly half of the respondents identified technical skills and training as their top priority. This is a dataset which we commonly see in our other research surveys such as our PNG Salary Guide and various engagement surveys conducted on behalf of our clients. This demonstrates the importance of equipping graduates with the specific tools and knowledge required to excel in their chosen fields. If this is a career motivator, in a competitive market, clients must ensure there are programs to support this to remain attractive in the market.
Leadership and Team Collaboration - 22%:
The second-most significant area of focus for graduates is leadership and team collaboration. Again, another common finding shown in engagement surveys in the region. There is a consistent need for soft-skills which boost communication, trust and confidence in teams – particularly between the workforce and senior leadership. This is why our Training department has seen a surge in programs such as our Transformational Leadership course ; as well as mentoring . These programs acknowledge that success in the workplace extends beyond individual skills. The ability to lead, communicate effectively, and collaborate with diverse teams is essential for career progression and organisational success – all the way from junior to senior.
Soft Skills Development - 18%:
As above, soft skills, often deemed the 'X-factor' in professional success, claimed the third spot in our poll. Graduates acknowledge the importance of honing interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. These skills contribute significantly to workplace harmony, employee satisfaction, and overall career advancement. Companies need to identify how they are supporting the development of these skills in new professionals entering the world of work. This is where graduate development programs become crucial, where programs such as ours set the tone for key pillars into the world of work: the purpose of work, matching your values and experience to work; driving success – while building key interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.
Opportunities for Networking - 11%:
Building a professional network can open doors to mentorship, collaboration, and unforeseen opportunities. Recognising this, organisations should facilitate platforms for graduates to connect with industry professionals – again, another skill embedded into graduate development programs.
In the context of Papua New Guinea's unique market, these findings hold particular relevance. As the nation undergoes economic growth and diversification, investing in the development of local talent becomes paramount. Tailoring graduate programs to address the identified priorities – technical skills, leadership, soft skills, and networking – can significantly contribute to building a skilled and resilient workforce. With the global skills shortage, companies need to be innovative in their talent acquisition, and building a workforce for tomorrow is the guarantee to staying competitive.
?As a recruitment specialist committed to fostering talent, I encourage organizations in Papua New Guinea to leverage these findings to design comprehensive graduate programs that empower young professionals to thrive in their careers and contribute to the nation's growth
Junior Accountant
6 个月Thank you so much for sharing.
Attended University of Goroka
7 个月Thank you Gima for this insighful article. As a professional, I believe that continuous learning and skills building are the most important aspects of career development, as they enable me to stay adaptable and competitive in an ever-changing work environment. Finally, receiving constructive feedback and mentorship from experienced colleagues and leaders is essential for refining my skills and achieving my long term career goals.
--
7 个月As a fresh technical graduate, I personally value finding job as soon as possible. My application to companies for recruitment or employment opportunities turned out unsuccessful because of their competitive standards. Being unemployed affects my career development prolonging my goal. Therefore, by giving kind consideration by providing job opportunities for fresh graduate soon after graduation is the most important aspect of career development. 'The more I wait, the more it is killing me from inside slowly by slowly'. The more I wait, my technical skills and knowledge to drive my career development start to diminish from my head.
Graduate Electrical and Communications Engineer
7 个月A well articulated article. I strongly believe in Technical Skills and that they are essential in any organisation especially if you're a graduate looking to be employed. Your skills create opportunities and comes soft skills to allow yourself to communicate and grow your career.
Graduate @ Westpac Bank (PNG) Ltd | Finance Unit
7 个月Insightful article. Wonderful work Gima. Really puts into perspective the needs of the new graduates and how organizations can tailor their programs to attract and retain talents. It's common for grads to join one organization and start looking for the next best option just because these areas are not prioritized as they expect. This makes is hard for grads to really settle so they keep applying even with a stable job. I guess, leadership, guidance and mentoring is most important in my book. I believe the right leadership and guidance suited to the limited experience and need of grads will go a long way to mold a grad and also teach him/her what is needed.