One thing stands tall amidst the chaos of preparing students and graduates for the world of work: How to go from classroom to boardroom?
Schools, universities and colleges play a pivotal role in preparing students for employment after graduation by equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to succeed in their chosen fields.
Recent studies reported 40% of business leaders believe recent college grads are unprepared for the workforce.
However, we have identified a gap which addresses preparing students for the world of work – everything from working and communicating in teams to how they brand themselves for differentiation and employability. There are a host of skills, mindsets and qualities which come with careers which aren’t captured in regular technical studies. The difference between these is sink or swim for fresh professionals entering the workforce.
Students and graduates alike, bring a wealth of benefits to organisations; full of enthusiasm and a readiness to learn and engage. One of our expertise at Peopleconnexion is working with businesses to not only recruit graduates for graduate schemes, but bind this eagerness with a host of skills in our I am Talent graduate training & new employee program to set them up for success in their new careers.
We recognise that the growth and mentoring of upcoming professionals comes well before graduation; which is why we are committed to partnering with PNG’s educational institutions like Port Moresby Business College to deliver career empowerment programs.
A key aim of career empowerment programs is to offer students a thorough understanding of their career opportunities and pathways; how to identify and leverage on their strengths, and portray their unique brand both online and in person. Our career empowerment sessions take the framework of our I am Talent program delivered to graduates, with a focus on equipping students with the foundations of putting their best foot forward to s) secure a job; and b) succeed in their new roles.
Here are some of the skills we take from our graduate development program (I Am Talent) and present in our career empowerment sessions, including our recent one with Port Moresby Business College late-2023:
- Employability skills: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership
- Resume writing
- Interview preparation including how to prepare your PITCH
- Social media networking and building professional brand online to build and maintain meaningful connections within their industries.
- How to foster a growth mindset and a commitment to ongoing self-improvement
Employers have a significant role to play in bridging this divide by investing in the development fresh graduates and new employees, the future professionals of our workforce. It’s not just about hiring fresh talent; it’s about nurturing them, equipping them with essential skills beyond technical knowledge, and fostering a mindset of continuous growth and improvement.