The economy is shifting. And it’s shifting quickly.
Higher education? Not so much.
There’s a huge disconnect between college academics programs of study and the skills employers need from employees.
Here’s the deal…
College graduates are earning degrees but not necessarily learning the skills that employers want. Students are getting trained for jobs that no longer exist.
The programs themselves have not kept up with the evolution of the workforce.
Schools that have prioritized workforce readiness are already gaining ground. And colleges that don’t start paying attention will fall further and further behind.
You’ll learn:
- Why Higher Ed Must Change
- Skills Gap Challenges
- Adapting College Programs
- What to Look For
Why Higher Ed Must Change
The way people work has changed. Technology, artificial intelligence, and automation have transformed the skills employers need.
College hasn’t caught up.
Universities and colleges are still teaching academic programs of study meant for the workforce of decades past. Schools like Wayne State that do realise this are revamping their programs to focus on real world applications and giving students skills that matter.
This is critical.
There are way more jobs than skilled workers to fill them. Businesses need employees that can work with AI, understand data, navigate cybersecurity, and keep up with new technology. But the institutions responsible for creating those workers are falling behind.
And that leaves graduates at a disadvantage.
Skills Gap Challenges
Okay, let’s talk statistics…
There is a massive gap between what college academics programs of study are teaching and what employers need. In fact, one study found that almost half of recent graduates don’t feel prepared to apply for an entry level position.
48% of graduates.
Even more alarming? Only 30% of graduates were able to find full-time work in their field of study. The remaining graduates are either unemployed, underemployed, or stuck in a field that has nothing to do with what they went to school for.
So what’s the hold up?
What employers are looking for doesn’t line up with what schools are teaching. When asked what was most important to their students’ career readiness, employers ranked “technical skills related to the job” as number one. Schools ranked that same skill last. Instead they are focusing on developing soft skills.
Both are important. But students are suffering from not having a well rounded set of skills that employers value.
And to make matters worse…
89% of educators think their students are ready for work. But students are telling a different story. Of those who said they didn’t feel prepared to enter the work force, 57% cited a lack of job-specific skills.
Adapting College Programs
This doesn’t have to be the case. Schools are starting to offer academic programs of study that will fulfill both employer and student needs.
Here’s how they’re doing it.
Applying Skills In Real World Settings
Okay, this is huge.
Academic programs that know what they’re doing are adding hands-on learning to their curriculum. This means internships, co-ops, hands on projects, and partnering with local businesses to give students experience.
Why is this better? Because theoretically sound students who also have job experience out perform those who only spend four years in the classroom. Having an internship built into an academics program has also been shown to increase graduate’s chances of finding employment after college.
Creating Curriculums That Match Today’s Skills Demand
It can be difficult for colleges to know what skills to focus on if they’re not talking to employers.
That’s why leading institutions are convening businesses to build their courses. This allows them to meet employers where they’re at and teach students the skills they need to be successful on day one.
When asked about the support they receive from their schools, 62% of students and recent graduates said they want more career resources. They’re not just wanting resources, they want their schools to know what skills they should be learning.
That means digital literacy, data, AI, you name it. And yes, that extends to majors that aren’t obviously tech related.
Supplemental Certifications
Here’s another one schools are getting right…
By offering certification programs that are recognized by industries, colleges give their students an opportunity to obtain credentials that will set them apart from the competition. Many colleges are offering these certifications along with their traditional degrees.
Employers are listening. When asked what the minimum degree requirement is for employers, 31% of employees said two to four year degree. That’s up from 23% just two years ago. Students now have to not only earn their degree, but continue to learn skills that will give them an advantage in the job search process.
Mastering Soft Skills
Technical skills get most of the buzz. But soft skills are important too.
Prospective employees who know how to speak on their skills and acclimate to company culture have a better chance at landing a job. That’s why the best colleges are teaching soft skills alongside technical skills.
What Students Should Look For
Not all academic programs of study are created equal. When you’re in the process of deciding which school you want to attend, here are a few things you should keep in mind.
Look for schools that:
- Include hands-on learning in their curriculum. Whether that be through required internships or encouragement to participate in co-op programs, students who learn by doing have a better chance at employment.
- Work with employers. By building relationships with businesses, schools can create a curriculum that better prepares their students for the workforce. Partnerships with local and/or online businesses for project-based learning is another way schools can allow students to gain real world work experience.
- Teach digital skills. Every student no matter their major should understand the basics of technology. While tech majors will dive deeper into technological skills, schools should at least be teaching non-tech majors about digital literacy, data, and AI.
- Have strong career programs. Career centers can help students network, prepare for interviews, and connect with local businesses to help students gain skills that will look good on their resume.
When it comes to academic programs of study, these are now table stakes. If your college doesn’t offer these opportunities, you could be graduating with a degree and no clue what to do with it.
Wrap Up
Skills gaps between college and employers will continue to exist as long as universities and colleges refuse to acknowledge that people aren’t working in the same capacity they did 20 years ago.
Change is happening, but not enough schools are onboard.
The schools that will stand out from the rest are those who begin to focus on academic programs that offer hands-on learning, work closely with employers, and teach students the skills they need to thrive in the workforce.
And students should take note.
If your school isn’t preparing you for the workforce, take your education into your own hands. Learn how to sell yourself in interviews, network like your dream job depends on it (it does), and gain experience through every opportunity available to you.
The digital economy isn’t going anywhere. Only graduates that know how to sell themselves and their skills will thrive after college.
