The question for universities is no longer whether to offer work-integrated learning but how to do it well, especially now that digital technology has expanded the scale of what is possible.
Four things that count when it comes to employability: the reputation of the university, networks/ connections, experience, and type of work.
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Universities shouldn’t only attend to the knowledge and skills graduates need for work but also the factors that give graduates a better chance of earning a living and participating in society.
When a degree is not enough, how can students make themselves more employable?
Academics who are closely aligned to professional practices in health professions, engineering, teaching and social work also value work integrated learning highly.
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Work Integrated Learning includes placements, internships and work experience. It is increasing as students are expected to be more work-ready and to contribute to the economy post-graduation.
For universities to produce employable graduates, they need to work collaboratively with industry partners in educating their students.
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To make graduates employable and close the training gap, we need to strengthen links to industry and pay attention to the changing needs of businesses.
High level interpersonal and problem solving skills are what will make you employable in a digital world.
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Despite the hype about STEM skills, research shows interpersonal, problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills will make you more employable in the 21st century.
Northern Territory has the highest proportion of Indigenous school students.
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Teaching students skills such as creative thinking and problem solving will become part of the curriculum from 2017. But in order to assess these capabilities, teaching styles will have to change.
Young people today will need to be more flexible and more entrepreneurial than in the past. Universities can help by designing courses that will have value in a rapidly changing economy.
Daily life for young men in Baghdad.
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