Traditional education and employment paradigms are undergoing a profound transformation. In a world increasingly characterized by virtual connections and remote opportunities, learners worldwide are shifting from in-person classes to distance learning. Likewise, more companies embrace the boundless potential of remote work, shattering the traditional 9-to-5 office grind, characterized by bustling commutes and rushed breakfasts.
This transition from confinement to borderlessness offers numerous advantages in the realms of education and employment and requires educational institutions to prepare their learners for the paradigm shift and the future of work.
According to a study by the Lumina Foundation, a staggering 83% of students believe that digital and online work experiences are essential for their future career success. As Michael True, President of InTRUEition, states, "Borderless education offers placements with thousands of organizations in dozens of countries, enriching students with diverse learning experiences across various industries and work environments."
This shift not only promotes accessibility for global communities but also empowers underserved and underrepresented social groups. One compelling success story comes from Jocelyn, one of our first-generation alum who managed to gain real-world experience through borderless education via the Virtual Internships program, all while juggling part-time employment and studies at Bridgewater State University.
International students also benefit from borderless experiences, as they explore work environments and engage in real-life interactions within their chosen industries and foreign countries. For instance, Sidney, an Indonesian student from the University of Sydney found her internship in Australia, acquiring remote work skills and boosting her confidence while exploring the work environment in a foreign country.
The digital landscape is rapidly evolving, with AI set to replace 85 million jobs globally by 2025 and potentially generate 97 million new roles, as reported in the Future of Jobs Report 2020. Coursera's Global Skill Report 2023 underscores the importance of AI skills for job candidates, with 67% of UK employers valuing AI qualifications and experience.
The World Economic Forum predicts that over 60% of workers will require retraining by 2027. However, only half of these individuals have access to necessary training opportunities. This disparity calls into question the effectiveness of current educational models. To bridge the gap, universities must recalibrate curricula to include AI-focused courses and interdisciplinary learning. Real-world projects and industry collaborations provide the practical experience needed in an AI-powered workforce.
Beyond convenience, borderless experiences foster accessibility, scalability, and inclusion. The University of Wisconsin reveals that 64% of their students miss out on internships due to commute and scheduling constraints. This issue extends to various barriers, such as geographic constraints, immigration status, and socio-economic background, in a future competitive job landscape.
Aravinda Ram, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor of Employability and Technology at Botho University, acknowledges the transformative potential of borderless experiential learning through Virtual Internships: "We also have been trying to place our students globally for many years now and with labor market issues with permits, etc. this had always been just a pipe dream for us. With Virtual Internships, we seem to have cracked the solution to that problem." The program enables universities to provide global opportunities, even in less target-rich environments, ensuring students gain invaluable global experience.
A study reveals that 67.3% of students who wished to pursue internships faced obstacles, exposing significant issues with equitable internship access. Heavy workloads, lack of internship opportunities, and transportation challenges hindered students, especially those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Michael True, a visionary leader in career services, comments on the issue: "We had students from lower socio-economic backgrounds who couldn't do internships because they lacked transportation or couldn't afford parking. These factors deterred them from gaining valuable experience."
As the digital landscape evolves and AI plays a larger role in the workforce, educational institutions must adapt to prepare students adequately. Borderless experiences offer a tangible solution to these challenges, creating opportunities for students to gain remote work skills and real work experience in their chosen career fields. This future-focused approach to education transcends borders and empowers students on a global scale.
Virtual Internships is an innovative platform that ensures intelligent, rapid matches between students and companies, providing access to real global internships and equipping students with the skills they need to excel. Our platform offers more than just placements; we provide comprehensive training and support to equip students with the power skills and mindset needed to excel in the future of work. With our webinars led by certified career experts and personalized coaching calls, students gain both real-world experience and valuable preparation for their careers. Partnering with us to be at the forefront of shaping the future of education and employment, transcending borders, and empowering students globally.
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