Employment opportunities: Expert suggests 5 essential upskilling strategies post-higher education

Today’s job landscape is fiercely competitive and the journey of education does not culminate with just a master’s degree. While 13.1 per cent of India's population graduated with a master's degree from an impressive pool of 183 million, tech companies have laid off 226,000 employees in 2023 — a significant 40 per cent increase from 2022. Subsequently, Pratik Kapasi, founder of HeyCoach, says that this reveals a substantial employment gap between graduates and opportunities offered by the industry.

He says, "The reasons behind the employment gap for new postgraduates are complex. Many struggle to find work due to a lack of adequate skills that are in demand, focusing on oversaturated areas such as Data Science and AI, not being prepared for interviews, and lacking adequate project or internship experience. While software development remains a consistently in-demand field, the disparity on the other hand underscores a pressing need for strategic upskilling post-higher education."

Additionally, Kapasi says that the theoretical knowledge from academic pursuits, not embedded with practical industry exposure, further accelerates this issue. "This creates a massive space for opportunities in tech-integrated solutions for post-graduates as well as working professionals to adopt strategic upskilling. Digitally-led upskilling strategies can bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring postgraduates are not just educated but truly industry-ready."

The founder of HeyCoach lays down these 5 essential upskilling strategies post-higher education —

1. Leveraging Ed-Tech and MOOC Platforms: In an ever-evolving job landscape, Kapasi says that continuous learning and upskilling have emerged as significant contributors to acquiring new knowledge and skills. He opines, "Online educational and MOOC platforms (Massive Open Online Courses) offer a plethora of courses in emerging and evergreen technologies. Engaging with the quality course content of these platforms can help postgraduates acquire new skills and refine the existing ones, making them more marketable to employers."

2. Interview Preparation Program: He believes that the technology landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace that the existing knowledge of postgraduates can become obsolete or make them struggle to understand the sense of cracking a job interview. On the other hand, he says, organisations look for candidates with a diversified knowledge base to stay relevant in a space dominated by emerging technologies. He adds, "In tandem, platforms dedicated to interview preparations such as mock interviews and coding challenges can significantly enhance a candidate's confidence and performance in actual interviews."

3. Exploring Opportunities through Networking: Networking is essential for charting a successful career path. The founder of HeyCoach says making new connections helps postgraduates gain new insights, opening doors to new job opportunities. "Additionally, staying informed through blogs, and articles, and connecting with industry professionals, senior employees, and alumni can uncover hidden job opportunities while providing valuable insights into industry trends. Furthermore, attending tech events and conferences, joining online communities and building connections on professional networking platforms can prove to be key in advancing a career. Peer-to-peer learning makes individuals feel motivated, enhancing their professional growth," he informs.

4. Gaining Practical Experience: Amongst the vast competitive landscape, he says there is nothing more than practical experience that enhances a candidate’s chances of selection, strengthening their resume. He adds, "While theoretical knowledge from academic pursuits may highlight academic rigour, practical industry exposure provides the company with an ability to assess the readiness for the job. In this scenario, internships and project-based learning opportunities present a direct pathway to gaining hands-on experience, crucial for bridging the theoretical and practical knowledge gap."

5. Overcoming Roadblocks: Kapasi says that pursuing these strategies comes with a unique set of challenges like financial limitations, and time constraints to information overload, all can deter graduates from taking necessary steps. However, he feels that by prioritising learning, seeking scholarships or free resources, and adopting a focused approach to information consumption, aspiring postgraduates can mitigate these barriers.

Additionally, the importance of upskilling cannot be overstated. "It is the bridge that connects academic achievements with real-world success. For postgraduates aspiring to thrive in their careers, adopting these upskilling strategies is not just an option but a necessity. By mastering these approaches, they can not only pursue their dream careers but also contribute meaningfully to the evolving demands of the global workforce," he sums up saying.