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Jagpreet
18 April, 2024
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“The common man is not concerned about the passage of time, the man of talent is driven by it.” – Arthur Schopenhauer
The job market is constantly evolving, and the skills that helped you get your dream job a few years ago might leave you bare hands with an old resume today. This widening disconnect between the skillset graduates possess and the demands of the modern workplace is often referred to as the ‘Skills Gap’. It is a chasm that we need to bridge.
According to the Education Times, shocking statistics from a 2019 study conducted by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) uncovered that 80% of engineering graduates in India are struggling to find employment due to a lack of essential skills. This revelation shows the importance of innovative measures in higher education to seamlessly connect theoretical knowledge with the practical skills sought after by employers in the job market.
The Indian Govt. launched programmes like Skill India and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), which aim to help students by teaching them the required essential skills for success in their careers.
PMKVY, under Skill India, provides skill training to millions of students, and PMKVY 2.0 allocated Rs 7,279 crore to train one crore youth by January 2021.
PMKVY 3.0 introduced short-term training programmes across all districts. These efforts are crucial as a 2021 study predicts a vast skill gap of 200 million workers in India by 2030.
Now, the question is how do we prepare graduates for future jobs? Let’s explore some key strategies.
University curriculums must constantly evolve to stay relevant to current industry trends. Courses should include real-life situations, case studies, and problem-solving tasks that mimic graduates’ challenges in their careers.
Let’s take an example: suppose you are taking a history class and studying history along with data analysis skills to study historical trends; on the other hand, a literature course might examine the influence of social media on storytelling. These examples demonstrate the direct relevance of our curriculum to the real world.
This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application will help graduates understand not only the “Why” but also the “How” – how to use their knowledge to make a real-world impact.
The digital revolution has changed how we work, talk, and find information. Nowadays, companies really want graduates who are good with digital stuff.
Universities can fill this gap by implementing some digital tools and technology together in their curriculum. Institutions can teach students how to use data analysis software or manage social media platforms. These initiatives will equip you with in-demand skills that will strengthen your employability and make you a valuable asset in the modern workplace.
What’s most important is what you learn, not where you learn it. Many successful people did not necessarily go to school but still achieved great things. This emphasises the importance of experiential learning. Universities can prioritise experiential learning opportunities by providing internships, apprenticeships, and industry-related projects. These experiences will provide graduates with exposure to real-life workplaces. It will also help to develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability.
It is just like a builder learning his crafting skills by working on a real construction site. The same goes for an intern at a digital marketing agency who can get invaluable experience by contributing to actual campaigns.
The concept of a single career path is slowly becoming a thing of the past, as it is not reliable to depend on a limited number of skills in today’s ever-changing world. So, universities should offer opportunities to students who have already graduated from college. They can do this by providing continuing education programmes and online learning resources, which can be really helpful.
Collaboration among universities can have a significant impact. By regularly engaging with industry leaders, universities can customise their curricula to meet the specific skill sets employers seek. To make this collaboration more impactful, universities can include guest lectures, industry boards, and mentorship programmes. This helps graduates prepare for the specific needs of the job market by constantly sharing useful information.
To thrive in this ever-changing world, where continuous self-evolution is necessary for future career success, there are essential future-ready skills that will prepare you for a successful career.
Blockchain: You can learn about blockchain since employers are looking for experts in this technology. It has various applications beyond cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Cloud Computing: Proficiency in systems like Microsoft Azure is highly valued due to its versatile uses.
Analytical Reasoning: There is significant demand for individuals who can process and interpret large data sets, especially in fields like data analytics.
Artificial Intelligence: Professionals skilled in AI and machine learning are in high demand as these fields continue to evolve.
UX Design: Designing intuitive digital experiences is crucial in today’s job market.
Creativity: Using imaginative approaches to solve problems is valuable across industries.
Persuasion: Convincing others to support your ideas is essential for negotiation and leadership roles.
Collaboration: Working effectively with others to achieve results is fundamental in many organisations.
Adaptability: The ability to handle new situations and think on your feet is valuable in rapidly changing environments.
Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and responding to emotions, both yours and others, is key to effective teamwork.
As we have seen, the skills gap is a significant issue that needs to be fixed from every angle. Universities can really help to fill this gap by providing the right tools and knowledge to graduates. This will not just make their careers successful but also shape a future-ready workforce that can contribute to economic growth.
