Competition in the Job Market has led to a change in education system
The pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavor. But if that education cannot get you meaningful and well-paying employment, then you really must question what the University experience was about. At the end of the day, all fields and subjects have a tremendous scope and it is all up to you to move ahead with passion.
The truth is there is only one goal of a student when selecting a university, will it make me an in-demand professional who can earn a steady income and have future career growth scope? If the University is not able to do this, then there is no value in the education and training imparted.
DIGITAL-FIRST
The future is digital-first, with technology disrupting all industries from traditional retail, health sciences, and even manufacturing. Digital presence has made a huge impact in improving the ROI and reach of these industries. Therefore, a good program should not only make you a specialist in your field but should also equip you to find jobs in this digital age and also spur you ahead in your career. If this mindset is missing, then the student is left to their own devices to find employment, which reduces their chances of achieving their potential.
NOTABLE UNIVERSITIES
A few notable Universities working on this in Pakistan must be highlighted for their positive contributions.
In the government sector, NUST is doing a tremendous job with technology and distinguished faculty working on cutting-edge research that the industry is utilizing. Many other universities have been doing research, but its impact on the industry has been minimal, and gaining criticism from the international community on charges of plagiarism and low-impact work.
In the private sector, LUMS has been a leader in promoting the highest quality education and ensuring students are heavily engaged via strong sessions with industry, alumni, and future employers. Two other private Universities doing a tremendous job is
Iqra University in Karachi and the University of South Asia in Lahore. Iqra University offers the best experience with an affordable fee structure and a great learning environment.
The University of South Asia is offering a unique first semester that equips students with in-demand high-paying skills within the realm of digital and then inculcating technical skills in the field in subsequent semesters. The university also offers one-of-a-kind power courses that enable students during the first semester to learn the essential digital skills required to become entrepreneurs and excel in their fields.
The need of the hour is that Universities compete to create employment by upskilling students and ensuring students have options to choose from a variety of courses. We need to encourage diversity in skills students to gain, rather than trying to create cookie-cutter graduates. If everyone is studying the same thing, it will not create any differentiation. For Pakistan to resolve its economic challenges, it must have high-quality skilled labor, and this is the responsibility of universities. From imparting education, it must also train students on the latest digital skills much like some universities are doing, so they can learn to monetize their knowledge and bring a positive contribution to Pakistan’s economy.
