Why Even New Grads Need to Reskill for the Future
Date Posted: October 1, 2019
Posted In: Workforce,
From Harvard Business Review: In 2018, 35% of the U.S. population had at least four years of college education — the most in history. But while we might have the most educated population ever, these degrees aren’t necessarily giving people the practical work skills they need.
College degree programs simply cannot keep pace with how fast things are changing in the workforce. Many students are currently being prepared for jobs that no longer exist, and many don’t have the right skills for the job they want. Skills gaps are prevalent and widening.
This becomes even more problematic as more and more of our work tasks are automated. Automation means that grads could be doing higher-value work earlier in their careers, as machines take over repetitive or mundane tasks. On the one hand, this actually suits this demographic’s demand for autonomy and responsibility earlier in their careers. But it also means that they’ll need to be better prepared for what lies ahead: more and more employers are going to require exceptional soft skills — the ability to write, listen, and communicate effectively.
The good news is that new graduates are well-qualified to bridge their own skill gaps. Yes, this demographic of under-30 workers are known to be more demanding and anxious. But, they are also curious, and focused on agency, purpose, self-direction, and self-development. They’re aware that their careers will meander through multiple roles, industries, and company sizes, and they’re motivated to keep moving forward.
The way this cohort will solve the skills dilemma is through smart, iterative skills acquisition, sensibly and loosely guided by need. New grads already have the foundation of a college degree, so building new skills does not have to take the path of heavy-duty, multi-year qualifications, which are often outmoded and cumbersome. Instead, those new to the workforce can access the near-infinite resources available to them online, as well as the technologies (consumer software and apps) to filter them.
Reskilling and continuously building skills throughout a career are important to bring about lateral (and indeed vertical) career transitions for all ages, but will be particularly vital for this new graduate demographic as they strive to keep up with the skills and work of the future.