Why Universities Must Prioritise Career Readiness

With over two decades of experience as a recruiter and having gone through the University system myself as both an undergraduate and postgraduate student, I have witnessed first-hand the glaring disconnect between academic life and professional preparedness.

It was the same then and has not changed now - and it is an issue that demands immediate attention from higher education institutions.

Repeatedly, I've encountered graduates who, despite their academic achievements, find themselves adrift when entering the job market.

A staggering 60% of graduates I meet leave University lacking a clear career direction or understanding of what lies ahead.

After dedicating three or more years to intensive study within a specific discipline, many emerge poorly equipped to navigate the realities of the working world, often holding unrealistic expectations about the weight their degree alone carries.

As a former student, I empathise with the frustrations expressed by many graduates.

They express their frustration at the lack of guidance received from lecturers or careers services - particularly if they chose to pursue a path outside their degree's scope, research, or general practice area.

Often, graduates are unaware of the available career services or fail to recognise their benefits, as they place greater emphasis on their academic achievements.

The deficit becomes even more concerning when factoring in the substantial student debt burden.

According to a March 2022 NUS report based on BBC research, the current outstanding student debt stands at a staggering ￡44,490 (https://www.nus.org.uk/highest-outstanding-student-debt-data ).

Facing such a financial obligation without the necessary skills to secure employment is a daunting prospect for any graduate.

In my role as a recruiter, I have encountered countless instances where graduates demonstrate a lack of commercial awareness and practical knowledge.

They are unfamiliar with their career options, how to map out a professional journey, or how to actively develop themselves in new directions.

Even seemingly basic skills, such as appropriate interview attire, preparation techniques, and effective application writing, often elude them.

This disconnect between academia and the professional realm is palpable, with graduates struggling to bridge the gap between their theoretical knowledge and the practical demands of the workforce.

Time for Universities to step up

Universities must take responsibility and adopt a more comprehensive approach to education, benefiting not only their students but also their own employability figures and reputation among employers.

My recommendation, based on my decades of experience, is to make career mapping and employability a compulsory module in the second and third years of degree programmes, with careers departments working closely in partnership with internal academic teams.

These careers services need to be elevated in importance, becoming a "value add" to the degree rather than just a voluntary service.

They should be equipped with careers consultants who have a deep understanding of the job market or close connections to it.

By structuring these compulsory modules to teach graduates how to create career plans, identify opportunities, role-play interviews, and navigate competency-based questions, universities can equip their students with the essential tools for success as they transition into the job market.

The Benefits Will Be Felt By All

This progressive approach, combining a solid academic foundation with practical career preparedness, will not only enhance graduates' prospects but also give institutions a competitive edge in attracting new students.

Moreover, it will support social mobility and diversity by identifying and addressing knowledge gaps in specific career paths, creating a more inclusive and well-rounded educational experience.

As an experienced recruiter and former university student, I ask higher education institutions to prioritise career readiness.

By embracing this responsibility, they can foster a generation of confident, well-equipped professionals, capable of navigating the ever-evolving job market with ease and success.

It is a win-win scenario for graduates, universities, and employers alike.

What do you think? Do you agree with me that Universities should prioritise getting their students ready for their careers?

Let me know in the comments!