Nearly ¾ of students feel their college didn’t adequately prepare them for the professional world. While ¾ of Employers say they have a difficult time finding recent grads for open positions who have the required soft skills that their company needs. Both sides are struggling, and colleges and universities are a key intermediary that can help close this gap.
The Real-Time Learner Difference
At NimblyWise, what we aim to do is develop real-time learners. Why? The world of work is changing and the way we prepare our students for this world needs to change with it.You see, we’re on the verge of what is being called the 4th industrial revolution. We’re living in a world where technology is driving change beyond our wildest imagination every single day. This is going to generate millions of new jobs over the next few years, many of which aren’t even in existence today. Machines will be doing basic tasks, it’s the soft skills and ability to think critically that will be key to career success during this revolution.
How can you educate someone for a job that doesn’t even exist?
It’s not book learning. Nor subject mastery. The key is teaching students how to become a real-time learner, paired with foundational soft skills that will enable them to navigate new situations and remain curious.
So what does being a real-time learner mean?
It means embracing a learning mindset that allows you to be:
- Relentlessly curious
- Situationally aware
- Able to identify personal skills gaps and how to overcome them
- Recognize patterns and make connections
- A big picture thinker who can also pay attention to small details
Having these skills enable young professionals to move from a place of fear and frustration to confidence and opportunity. The sooner we instill that mindset and real-time learning understanding, the more value it will provide students as they transition from college to career.
The Importance of Foundational Skills for the World of Work
Today, 91% of employers say critical thinking, clear communication, and problem solving skills are more important than their major. As an educator, this is sometimes difficult to understand. However, there are ways that you can help your students develop these foundational skills in your classroom, while still encouraging mastery of your subject area! The two are not mutually exclusive.
Encourage ambiguous projects, inspire volunteer or internship work, help promote extracurricular clubs, and more. Check out our blog post on how you can help students prepare, regardless of the curriculum.
