Generation Z has finally found an answer to the question of whether or not our educational system creates skills that prepare students for jobs and the reality appears grim – no we do not. In reality, according to a recent Hindustan Times survey, an overwhelming majority of graduates in India's major financial capitals – Mumbai (89%), Kolkata (86%), and Hyderabad (84%) – believed they lacked the requisite practical experience, and blamed it on a lack of pragmatic education. So, as more Generation Z students prepare to graduate from traditional four-year colleges, the true state of the Indian education system, as well as its effect on employability and career success is becoming more exposed.
The lack of good networking skills, negligible professional experience, and insufficient career counseling at universities are to blame for the graduate’s deficiency in employability. Graduates in India are dissatisfied with their education system's inability to provide them with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace. In fact, according to the same Hindustan Times survey, only 26% of those polled believed their education had a major impact on their interpersonal management skills – a crucial skill for work interviews and jobs.
Wrong theory and no practice
Now, widely popular, internships address one of Generation Z's major grievances: a lack of practical knowledge and abilities. When it comes to securing a job, 91% of Generation Z believe that professional connections and relationships are more important than grades. If they already have well-established networks, including family and friends, then traditional studying and actual learning take a backseat. The benefits of internships, whether paid or unpaid, ranging from helping you create a strong network and strengthening your resume to learning professional skills. In fact, short internships that lead to full-time employment aren't uncommon these days. Who knows, you may even discover your dream job or an undiscovered passion!
Besides developing our own personal skills through internships, the following steps can be taken by universities and institutions alike to increase employability:
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Introducing skill-oriented course curriculum or specialization in all areas of education
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Focusing on the applicability and practicality of the course content by using a demonstrative teaching methodology
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Encouraging and providing students with value aided certification along with conventional degrees
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Providing global exposure and network opportunities by collaborating with various local and foreign institutions and universities
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Lastly, by introducing stipend-based summer internship programs. The stipend can act as a reward for partaking in such programs.
As a society, we must remember and work towards a future where education makes our children independent and open doors to better jobs and career possibilities. Further, We must ensure that our students have access to the best educational resources available to them, including a high-quality educational system that recognizes and addresses their career and personal growth needs. Our goal must be to build a more holistic, versatile, multidisciplinary education system that is better tailored to 21st-century needs and highlights each student's specific talents, which they can apply later in their careers.
“The first condition of education is being able to put someone to wholesome and meaningful work.” – John Ruskin
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Author : Apekshya Basnet
A freshman at Jamia Millia Islamia; feminist; Based in New Delhi; a young ambitious woman with strong opinions, a brave heart, and a skeptical mind.
Image Credit : Unsplash
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