Decoding the need for bridging the gap between academics and industry requirements

One of the biggest challenges many children face after college is adjusting to the corporate world. The topics that are taught in school hardly ever play an important role when you start working. One of the on-going debates that have been on for decades is the gap between academics and industry requirements. 

The biggest problem that job aspirants have is their limited knowledge of the corporate industry. While they may be toppers when they were in school or college, they often have a tough time adjusting to their work lives. So, what exactly is the problem, and how can we prevent this from happening? Read on to find out.

Understanding the root of the problem

Academic institutions on their own have a separate identity. Even the world in which the students live in is very different from reality. In most cases, children learn how to memorize a textbook without understanding the content. One of the biggest reasons behind this is the peer pressure to obtain a particular grade. The question that lies here is 

Are grades that important when it comes to the work front?

Many students spend a lot of money to get their degree from a good institution only to struggle to find a job. Come to think of it, those without a degree do much better in life. Not that getting a degree is bad or a waste of time. 

But what is it that makes such a big difference? The answer is – SKILLS. 

It does not matter if you are a topper, a graduate, or a non-graduate. When you have the skills for the corporate world, you can easily take on a job profile. Moreover, you even excel in what you do. As much as it is essential to have an excellent educational background, it is even more necessary to have good skills.

How do we bridge the gap between academics and industry requirements?

Align the curriculum based on the generic requirement of any industry 

There is no doubt that a curriculum has to be set. However, it would be great if the curriculum is based on the present market and industry requirements. It is no use teaching kids things that were acceptable during the 1980s in the current year. 

The world has progressed and continues to progress at a rapid pace. This is why it is vital to align the curriculum based on the general requirement of any industry. Moreover, it helps them understand what skills they need to have based on industry requirements.

• Introduced a skill-based educational system

A textbook system may provide a good backing, but for a strong foundation, a skill-based educational system is necessary. When children learn to develop their skills at an early age, it helps them adjust to the real world. We all know that the world’s reality is very different from what we think it to be when we are in school or college.

By developing their skills, children find it much easier to venture out into the corporate industry. The skill-based educational system helps to tap the skill set of students. Moreover, it also helps them understand the importance of working on their skills to take on future challenges and obstacles head-on.  

• Workspace exposure through corporate interactions, live projects, and internships

Workspace exposure should not be limited to when a child enters the corporate world; instead, it should start much earlier than that. Giving children an exposure to the corporate world at an early age helps and prepares them for the future. 

Internships also help as children get hand-on experience of what is in store for them. Similarly, part-time or live projects give them an idea of how they need to enhance their future skills. These methods also expose them to the real world.  

Moreover, it gives them practical experience. This practical experience comes in handy to adjust to the real world. Although there is no guarantee of job placement, it helps them understand what is expected of them.  

• Enhancing the skills of teachers to come out of textbook teaching

The need of the hour calls for teachers to step out of their comfort zone. It also requires them to come up with new and innovative methods to teach children. At least 21 years of a person’s life is under the wraps of a teacher. 

This is why teachers also need to come out and contribute towards enhancing the skills of their students. By encouraging them to work on more practical based projects, it will help students to prepare for the future. 

When a teacher focuses more on the skills and blends in the curriculum; accordingly, it prepares a child for the industry requirements. Furthermore, it also helps the student understand the difference between memorizing and understanding the textbook contents.

A final note on the gap between academics and industry requirements

While having an excellent educational system is essential, it is crucial to have a system that enhances a student’s skill. In the real world, the textbook teaching process does not come handy. It is all about a person’s potential, skill, and performance at the workplace.

When you prepare children from a young age to handle such situations, it is easier for them to adjust to the real world. Many children are lost when they step into the real world only because the reality and the expectations differ.