Mapping the path from a classroom to a career

In today’s competitive job market, youth face numerous challenges in securing employment and starting on their career path, despite their academic qualifications.

Increasingly, employers now prioritise skills beyond academic degrees. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, critical skills include problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-management. Notably, the demand for creative thinking is expected to grow by 73 per cent in the next five years, surpassing that of analytical thinking. The ability to analyse complex issues and develop solutions is being prioritised, in a rapidly changing work environment.

Another significant challenge for youth is the lack of experience. Young job seekers often find themselves in a catch-22 situation: unable to gain experience without a job and unable to secure a job without experience.

Employers’ preference for candidates with relevant work experience further disadvantages fresh graduates. The 2023 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey highlights that many employers prioritise candidates with relevant experience.

Networking is vital for job hunting, but youth often struggle to build a professional network. Unlike seasoned professionals, young individuals may have limited connections, making it challenging to access job opportunities and obtain recommendations. The increasing competition in the job market exacerbates this issue. With a growing number of graduates and limited job openings, young job seekers face fierce competition, leading to discouragement and frustration even among highly qualified candidates.

Another hurdle is the mismatch between youth skills and job requirements. Many young individuals have theoretical education but lack practical skills that are in demand by employers. This skills gap hinders their employment prospects. The Future of Jobs Report 2023 underscores that problem-solving skills are highly sought after by employers, with 73 per cent prioritising these skills.

Youth from disadvantaged backgrounds face additional barriers, such as socioeconomic status, lack of resources, or discrimination, further complicating their job search. These individuals often struggle to access opportunities and overcome obstacles in the job market.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach:

1. Internships and apprenticeships:

These opportunities provide valuable hands-on experience, bridging the gap between education and employment. According to NACE, 60 per cent of employers prefer hiring candidates with relevant internship experience. Heriot-Watt University’s career services team notifies students about internships on the university jobs board.

2. Mentoring programmes: 

Mentors offer guidance, share experiences, and help youth navigate the job market. By connecting with experienced professionals, young individuals gain knowledge and confidence, increasing their employment prospects.

3. Cross-cultural skill development programmes:

These programmes align with international job market needs and focus on communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Exposure to different cultures helps students appreciate diverse perspectives. Heriot-Watt University’s Go Global programme allows students to experience new cultures and develop as global citizens.

4. Career services:

Robust career services, including resume writing workshops, interview preparation, and job search strategy guidance, significantly aid job-hunting efforts. Heriot-Watt University Dubai updates students on job fairs and provides circulars on interview preparation and organisational skills.

5. Entrepreneurship programmes: 

These programmes encourage entrepreneurial thinking and innovation. Heriot-Watt University’s EBS Global Incubator programme supports startups, teaching students to identify opportunities, develop business plans, and bring ideas to life. This fosters a culture of innovation valued in many industries.

By implementing these strategies, youth can develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate the job market successfully, leading to a more dynamic and capable workforce.

The author, Dr Racquel Warner, is director of Academic Quality, at Heriot-Watt University’s Global College