Each year, kids passing out of Class X and XII boards encounter crazy cutoffs to get into college; higher than the year before. Does this mean that kids are getting better quality education or are becoming more qualified? Unfortunately, it doesn’t. The truth is that there is still a vast gulf between education and employability. The degrees that college graduates receive doesn’t necessarily equip them with the skills necessary for the job market.
One report found that about 80% of India’s engineers are unemployable. It was found that though the graduates may hold engineering degrees, they do not have the technological skills that employers need. According to Aspiring Minds Chief Technology Officer and co-founder Varun Aggarwal, students don’t take up internships or projects beyond their curriculum. While students learn concepts they have little idea about the industry application of those concepts.
The problem is even worse for MBA students. Students enroll for MBAs in their droves, but 93% remain unemployable at the end of it. One reason is the low quality of education in the second and third-tier B-schools. Lack of problem-solving abilities and managerial skills is another. Lack of practical experience also hampers the students’ ability to actually land jobs.
College curriculums tend to be outdated so new-age skills in areas such as machine learning, AI, data science and mobile development tend are lacking. Cognitive and linguistic skills are other problems holding back aspirants for the job market.
It isn't enough to get good marks and get into college. Experts recommend that students should maintain academic rigour and continue to take an interest in the course material throughout college. Rather than concentrate only on bookish and theoretical knowledge, students should try and understand the real-world applications for what they learn.
It is important to do extra reading not just in the students’ chosen field but in general knowledge, current affairs and technological advancements. A person needs to remain current and well informed regardless of age; whether one is a student or a professional. This habit of reading extensively and being aware and well-informed will serve one well all throughout life.
Students should also opt for internships and projects while in college even if these are not prescribed or compulsory requirements. There is no substitute for hands-on experience; no book in the world is able to accurately simulate a work environment. Networking is important for future employability and the students would benefit by starting with this early in their student life. Participating in college research projects can also be very valuable.
It is important for a student to develop a varied skill set. Having hobbies or getting involved in extracurricular activities while in college can look good on the CV of a fresh graduate. For instance, an interest in drama, debating, public speaking, being part of the college newspaper or blog, developing musical skills can help students develop varied skills and look good on the resume as well. Volunteering for social causes or championing an environmental cause can also be similarly useful for students.
Students should try and venture outside their comfort zone and develop well-rounded skills that are not limited to their chosen subjects. Experts say Indian graduates tend to lack are cognitive and language skills. Because our education system is based on learning by rote, students tend not to understand what they are learning and why it is relevant. So, for a student, it is important to develop their comprehension skills. Reading and writing extensively helps widen the mind and also improves language skills.
Students also need to develop a healthy curiosity and inquiring minds that go beyond what is taught. Critical thinking abilities and a questioning attitude help students assess situations and develop problem-solving skills. Many students also need to work on their social skills; which stands them in good stead when they need to work in teams, develop professional contacts and so on. As Rancho in 3 Idiots memorably said, students should aim to become capable; success will follow.
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