More Than a Degree: Solving the post-graduation skill Gap.

 

You graduated. It is one of the biggest dreams that every alumnus should be proud of, since knowledge serves as the essential tool for transcending ignorance and developing critical thinking skills. Higher education also enables an individual to apply their acquired knowledge for the benefit of society while also fostering personal intellectual and financial growth.

We'll take a different perspective on the matter this time. It all starts with graduating and how you deal with life, including finding a job, which is the main goal that the alumnae are focusing on after finishing higher studies. This is not true for those who continue their higher education and pursue masters or PHD studies.

College or higher education can be overwhelming and cause an undergraduate to give up on pursuing higher education, but he/she perseveres to achieve his academic goals. For years, you have devoted yourself to racking your brain and staying up late at night to accomplish your academic objectives, by sacrificing and keeping consistent reading habits. You have borne the burden of taking on different university courses while perhaps facing difficult financial circumstances or being solely dependent yourself and paying for your life consumptions.

Upon obtaining your degree, you present it to the job market to address the inquiry, "Did you complete your college education to enter the job market?" However, you are confronted with new obstacles, the most significant of which is the experience paradox, which states, "you require experience to secure a job, yet you must first have a job to gain experience." At this juncture, you come to understand that the job market offers no leniency.

The obstacles encountered by a university graduate encompass not only the experience paradox but also the perplexing realities, including the impact of clan affiliation on hiring, which undermines the level and quality of knowledge an individual possesses. This phenomenon is frequently observed locally. It prompts numerous questions in a graduate’s mind, leading to doubts about the relevance of the knowledge they have gained when it fails to align with the demands of the job market.

This should not be viewed as an individual failure, but rather as a strategic error within the university higher education system, which focuses more on theoretical knowledge than on professional preparation. Additionally, it is a longstanding tradition that tribalism significantly impacts the employment prospects of young individuals. Even though university curricula and higher education do not align with the demands of the job market, it is crucial for young people to recognize that they have alternative avenues to equip themselves for the job market. They must establish a proactive approach to safeguard their futures from disappointment and unemployment post-graduation, as merely obtaining a degree is insufficient.

It is now clear that possessing a university degree by itself does not guarantee success in the job market, as employers seek more than just a bachelor's certificate. They depend on your experience and skills, which necessitates a shift in your mindset, moving beyond reliance solely on a university degree. It is your skills and technological knowledge that will enable you to advance in the job market and secure a suitable job in a timely manner, accompanied by your skills and experience.

The misalignment between academic instruction and occupational demands.

University curricula frequently emphasize imparting theoretical knowledge instead of practical skills and application, which is why one should not depend exclusively on a university degree. These programs aim to eliminate ignorance and cultivate your ability to think critically and contribute by adhering to the foundational knowledge provided. Research, assignments, peer collaborations, lectures, and discussions at the university are intended to develop your intellect; however, they do not always ensure success in a professional environment.

The job market requires an individual capable of performing this role and possessing the necessary skills. However, a graduate with a grasp of Keynesian economics or post-structuralist literary theory does not ensure that they will secure a suitable, stable, and dependable job. This does not imply that a university degree lacks value; rather, it highlights that employment opportunities demand specific skills and knowledge to effectively address the projects at hand.

The employer's wishlist - skills missing from your degree.

Higher education entails acquiring knowledge to become an enlightened person, devoid of ignorance. This gained knowledge enables you to successfully apply what you have learned; nonetheless, the crucial element is the employer's choice. In the competitive job environment, employers look for the most skilled and highly capable graduates who can contribute to their business goals. It's not just about the knowledge acquired in university; it's crucial to grasp the competitive skills needed for the job. Currently, employers often prefer graduates who have these three abilities that might not be thought in the university curriculum.

1. Digital Literacy.

In today's world, understanding technology is crucial, and it is necessary for individuals to be digital citizens. The era is over when individuals relied solely on Microsoft Office to complete their tasks. The moment has arrived when technology assumes control in life. Technology is ever-changing, and numerous applications and programs have been developed to perform various tasks autonomously. This understanding has enabled data analysis, financial issue resolution, online education, filmmaking, and AI that can perform tasks beyond human capability.

Proficiency in using software related to skills and career advancement is as necessary as water in this contemporary workspace. For instance, if you are a civil engineer, it is essential to be proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, and Civil 3D software, which will enable you to execute your engineering tasks in a high-quality and contemporary manner, aligning your profession with the demands of the modern world.

Likewise, if you are a professional accountant, familiarity with QuickBooks, Tally, and Excel accounting is necessary to position yourself as a preferred candidate for employers. Knowledge of technology holds significant importance in the job market, and it is possible that you may not have fully developed your technological skills during your university lectures, resulting in a gap in your technology competencies.

2. Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving

Upon entering the job market or beginning a new position, we encounter numerous challenges, such as a lack of experience and the anxiety of executing tasks competently, given that our understanding is primarily theoretical. Work environments demand cognitive abilities and critical thinking to effectively address work-related challenges and manage projects. As an employee, it is essential to possess not only knowledge but also skills in conflict resolution, patience, and communication to successfully manage the project you are involved in as efficiently as possible.

In the real-world, the workplace poses challenges that cannot be solved with textbook answers; instead, they demand that you apply your intellect and analytical skills to navigate your tasks and the dynamics surrounding you. You may not have acquired the critical thinking skills at your college level, so it is essential to cultivate your critical and creative thinking abilities to avoid feeling disheartened by work-related dilemmas.

3. Communication & Collaboration.

Work it is essential to develop your workplace communication abilities and familiarize yourself with the chain of command to grasp the various levels of management authority, ultimately facilitating your growth into a valuable employee who significantly contributes to the workplace.

You have received an excellent university education; however, it is crucial to enhance your skills in using emails, video calls, reports, and presentations to become an engaged participant in the workplace. This will help boost collaboration within your work environment and elevate your job satisfaction.

Work environments are intricate settings that necessitate strong communication skills to foster a sense of belonging, akin to home. Effective communication skills allow you to influence the business's trajectory. They enhance collaboration and efficiency. As a recent graduate.

How to bridge your Skill Gap Post-Graduation.

Acquire soft skills to position yourself as a strong candidate in the job market, enabling you to swiftly adjust to the demands of your role and workplace culture. Abilities like effective communication, team leadership, conflict resolution, and more will assist you in becoming a valuable employee who supports organizational objectives.

To connect with your employer, it is essential to market yourself by highlighting your strengths. After graduation, you should think about writing articles and conducting research pertinent to your area of study, concentrating on the job requirements that your field can fulfill to showcase your skills. Develop podcasts and blog entries from an employer's viewpoint that provide value. This approach will assist you in understanding yourself better and in reaching out to prospective employers.

Networking remains crucial even after you complete your college education. Life necessitates building connections, particularly with individuals you have collaborated with. To ensure your expertise is recognized within the community, it is essential to establish professional networks that can provide you with valuable advice and inform you about job opportunities beyond your immediate field. Furthermore, you can engage in professional outreach to potential employers by showcasing your skills and knowledge, making them aware of how your expertise can benefit their business.