In today’s evolving job market, there’s a gap between employers' expectations and learners' readiness. According to the Cengage survey, learners shy away from applying for entry-level positions due to a perceived lack of qualifications. 53% of US college learners have refrained from pursuing roles in their chosen fields, with 42% feeling unqualified because they lack the skills listed in job descriptions.
Remarkably, employers are not seeking technical expertise or years of experience in early career talent; it’s soft skills. Our latest research report, ‘Unlocking Career Readiness,’ delves into this topic based on sights from over 700 remote internship intern-supervisor pairings.
The demand for soft skills has experienced a surge in the job market, yet graduates find themselves lacking in these attributes. The white paper highlights a boost in all eight critical soft skills featured in the NACE Job Outlook Report 2023, which employers pinpoint as absent in recent graduates. Structured remote internship experiences empower learners to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios and hone their soft skills in a practical context.
The impact of AI and technological innovations is posed to reshare the future job market. 85 million jobs is forecasted to be displaced by AI by 2025, leaving nearly 50% of all employees needing reskilling. While the demand for technical skills is shifting, what remains constant and critical, regardless of the industry, are soft skills.
The white paper reveals enhancements in critical thinking and communication skills preserved by both employers and interns upon remote internship completion. For instance, by the end of internships, the number of supervisors acknowledging interns' communication skills surged from 69% to 87%. By offering structured experiential learning programs, universities are empowering graduates to remain adaptable in their early careers.
As the job market continues to evolve, faculty members bear the responsibility of integrating career-enhancing opportunities into the academic curriculum. Through these innovative approaches, learners can gain hands-on experience, hone their soft skills, and develop a competitive edge in an AI-driven world.
Delve into insights about higher education challenges and employability trends in our ‘Unlocking Career Readiness’ report. This research will inform you of strategies to build and develop curricula that are future-proof and aligned with the evolving industry landscape.