By Sanghamitra Buddhapriya

In today’s evolving global landscape, the demand for skilled professionals has surged to unprecedented levels. But the widening gap between skills imparted by higher education institutions (HEIs) and skills demanded by industry remains a challenge. According to a 2023 Manpower Group survey, 77% of employers globally reported difficulty in filling roles – a stark increase from 35% in 2013. Even in India, where a vast pool of young talent exists, only 45% of graduates are considered employable, according to Mercer’s ‘India’s Graduate Skill Index: 2023’.

Industry-relevant curriculum

To address the challenge of employability, HEIs must engage with industry to ensure their curricula aligns with real-world demands. While HEIs have traditionally involved industry professionals in curriculum design, development, delivery and review, this practice should be expanded.

HEIs must cultivate competencies that are relevant to the job market. For instance, a business management programme should aim to instil skills like problem-solving and decision-making (PSDM), while an international business programme should focus on fostering a global mindset. Such a tailored approach can ensure graduates possess the specific skills needed for their chosen fields.

What all can faculty do

With the advent of AI and generative AI, students can access vast amounts of information, making classroom teaching more about experiential learning than mere knowledge sharing. To enrich this experience, faculty can employ the following methods:

– Classroom discussions,

– Simulation-based teaching (using tools like markstat, capstone and HR simulations),

– Lab set-ups (establishing specialised labs, such as communications lab, IT lab, fintech lab),

– Management games,

– Case-based learning,

– Flipped classroom (encouraging pre-class engagement with course content, leaving in-class time for discussions and application),

– Collaborative learning,

– Technology integration,

– Problem-based learning,

– Project-based learning,

– Practical exposure.

Different pedagogical approaches, such as the constructivist, collaborative, reflective, integrative, and inquiry-based approaches, should be considered to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

Global mobility of students

To enhance students’ global mobility and employability, flexibility in earning academic credits is vital. The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system, as outlined in the NEP 2020, allows students to accumulate credits from various sources, including internships, industry partnerships and other universities. HEIs should also pursue international collaborations with accredited universities, fostering an environment where students can gain globally-recognised education.

Role of industry

Lastly, the responsibility of bridging the education-employability gap does not fall solely on HEIs. Industry must actively participate in the process. Traditional criticisms of poorly-designed curricula and pedagogy are no longer valid. Industry can contribute by:

– Offering live projects, internships and apprenticeships,

– Facilitating industry visits,

– Supporting the establishment of specialised labs,

– Designing industry-specific programmes and courses,

– Delivering cross-functional courses to simulate real-life collaboration,

– Organising skill development boot camps, hackathons and competitions,

– Establishing entrepreneurship and innovation hubs.

Such initiatives can go a long way towards enhancing students’ employability, and giving industry the talent it actually needs.

The author is dean (Academics) and professor (HRM), FORE School of Management, New Delhi. Views are personal.