Does University give graduates the tools they need to perform well in a graduate role?

Available degrees from university are varied. This article discusses if degrees prepare graduates to be effective in their graduate role. Notably, businesses may require more from a graduate than a degree with top-level content and basic life skills learned at university.

Having reviewed a couple relevant articles such as a Rate My Placement article on 8 Transferable Skills Learnt at University (https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/blog/8-transferable-skills-learnt-at-university/) and a Give a Grad a Go article on 7 Skills that University Teaches You (https://www.giveagradago.com/news/2018/06/7-skills-that-university-teaches-you-outside-of-your-degree/289) – outside of your degree there are a few things to consider before accepting how much value University adds to someone’s portfolio and ultimately makes a graduate employable. 

1. Organisation and communication

The Rate My Placement article suggests committee positions in society can help a graduate learn how to organise events which may require taking ownership of transactions, logistics and operational activities.

University is an environment where the graduate is independent and must meet their everyday responsibilities (providing support available if requested). But the metric, the measurement is key since academic attainment is measured rather than financial wellbeing, mental health or quality of relationships.

Students may be taught how to be effective with their written rather than verbal communication since assessment methods consist of coursework and exams rather than presentations.

Based on opportunities, university partially teaches organisation and communication.

2. Conflict resolution and group work

Living in halls or shared accommodation can be an empowering opportunity for self-discovery but may be challenging. However, if you are willing to go outside of your comfort zone and take responsibility this will teach valuable skills needed in business and may help you to remain civil, diffuse situations, navigate, for example, a personality clash and ultimately enhance employability.

University may prescribe group work which may help develop negotiation, teamwork and conflict resolution skills, but some students may learn that contribution is not equal, and some may avoid doing work altogether.

University teaches an element of conflict resolution and group collaboration skills which may be transferable to the work context.

3. Self-Motivation and Time Management

Whist University may not monitor students’ attendance there is an onus on the student to exercise self-discipline and make the most of the selected opportunity.

University can help teach an individual how to bounce back from a bad result and how to take criticism which is important in business when a task or project may face an unexpected challenge.

University societies and finishing a chosen degree can demonstrate commitment. For example, learning how to balance a degree with any extra-curricular activities and part-time jobs is a great way to prepare for the challenges and perhaps the intensity of the 9-5 working life. Similarly, understanding what you are willing to sacrifice immediately for long-term goal (delayed gratification) can be helpful when working to tight deadlines.

Through a degree or 3 or 4 years of working on the same project, University prepares graduates to be self-motivated, committed to a goal, and begin to encourage effective prioritisation skills.

4. Work Experience and business acumen

Universities empower students to seek their own work experience/ volunteering/ entrepreneurship opportunities. A year in industry as part of the degree is one way university adds value to a graduate’s portfolio.

Course content such as a business degree may be top-level or strategic therefore the administrative or day to day activities may not be discussed as much as more popular topics. Businesses may require someone to learn how to be a good administrator or sales assistant first, therefore, any strategic content may be less relevant to a graduate-level job.

Therefore, university is unlikely to deliver relevant content fit for the purpose for a specific graduate job but does encourage (rather than provide) work experience in some capacity.

Conclusion:

The level of preparation university provides graduates for a graduate role may reflect how proactive the student is to make the most of the available opportunities at university. The education environment and work environment are different therefore a student’s study strategies may not work in the office so would likely benefit from transitioning to work.

Businesses may transition graduates from university to work by installing specific skills during the induction process, apprenticeships or placement opportunities.