Dew Drop:
Pensums raced ahead and opinions flowed in all directions, coinciding with the anticipation of waves of our new graduates preparing to enter the labor market. Some chose the traditional path, diving into the concepts of supply and demand to understand market requirements, while others see technology and artificial intelligence as a refuge for all problems... Between traditional methods and other technological applications, the reality remains before us: the responsibility of higher education institutions is no longer limited to graduating students and awarding degrees, but extends to preparing graduates capable of competing and integrating into a labor market characterized by extremely rapid changes.
Thus, the problem lies in the widening gap between some academic programs and the actual needs of the market, alongside the expansion of university capacity, particularly in the private sector, without always being accompanied by precise planning for future required specializations. The unemployment of some engineering graduates stands out as a clear example, as previous interest in engineering disciplines, driven by career and financial benefits, led to an increase in the number of graduates, with some fields reaching saturation.
The problem is not limited to the number of graduates, but is also linked to the heavy reliance of economic activity and employment on the public sector. Although employment support programs encourage work in the private sector, a sustainable solution requires more proactive policies, most importantly using modern tools to analyze labor market indicators and forecast future jobs, linking university admission policies to these indicators, in addition to providing continuous training to keep pace with new technologies.
Through this article, I propose creating or “activating” the role of a “Career Supervisor,” who should be someone with actual experience in the labor market, becoming a genuine link between the student, the requirements of academic departments, and professional reality, as well as assessing the availability of training programs that students can undertake during their studies and before entering the labor market. Today’s challenge is not merely about directing specializations, but about reevaluating the suitability of course materials with the “jogging” pace toward modern jobs, which rely on creativity and innovation, alongside flexibility in accepting change... The discussion continues.
A final word... I am surprised that, amid the push to privatize electrical services, graduates of electrical engineering and business administration find themselves in a vortex of job hunting.
