The link between universities and the graduate jobs market is one that is frequently mentioned in the press. Still, how much does university teach you about a particular subject, compared to providing you with a more transferable skill set that you can take into the workplace?
Well, recent research into higher education suggests that universities are not teaching students the crucial skills that they need to tackle the jobs market. The key issues that have been highlighted include presentation, communication, problem solving and even punctuality. You may think that the latter skill is quite straightforward, but after university, it will take you some time to get used to early starts! On a more serious note, turning up late to internal meetings will not look good to your superiors and if this occurs at client meetings, then this could even have an adverse impact on the relationship with the client.
Presentation is one area that is extremely important in a professional environment. On a basic level, this means always going to work dressed appropriately. You may think that not dressing smartly enough is a problem, but actually the other way around may not work either. This is especially true nowadays where many offices adopt business casual attire. The key is to think about how you come across to others. For example, if you are delivering a presentation, then you also need to have good communication skills and engage the audience. Universities provide opportunities for presentations during most degrees and if you need more practice, then you can get involved in society committees for example. In a way, it is more important to develop the confidence of speaking to an audience and managing to convey your message clearly and concisely.
One of the key points in this debate is the notion of being taught skills at university. Of course you will gain guidance, including hints and tips from lecturers, tutors or even your peers, but the key is knowing how to use the advice. You need to explore a variety of opportunities and see how you can get that first step into a career. By reading companies' websites and articles in the press, you will understand more about the core skills that you need to work in most office jobs. Problem solving skills will be used on a daily basis during university, but the challenge is to adapt to new problems, which will arise in a different context in the office. You don't need to worry if you are not extremely proficient but by identifying the skills required early on, you will no doubt have more time to develop them.
Overall, you need to remember that university is not a place that will take you directly to a graduate job, but rather somewhere where you can discover more about careers and develop the most relevant skills. Still, there is no harm in reading job descriptions in specific industries and seeing which skills companies want, to ensure that you are well prepared indeed.
Arnab Datta
