Why The Education System Is Getting A Failing Grade In Job Preparedness

TORONTO - Aug. 26, 2013 - PRLog -- TORONTO, ON (August 26, 2013) – The high of graduating university or college for young people, is often followed by a feeling of hopelessness, discouragement and crushed dreams. It’s a common scenario that Gen Y graduates end up moving back home while they frantically search for a job. Business Insider recently reported that 53 percent of 18-34 year-olds are living with their parents, and 85 percent of college seniors plan on moving back home after graduation. 

They have the education, so why aren’t they landing the hire? Author and Founder of The Artistic Edge, Lisa Phillips, has three explanations:

1)    Gen Y’s aren’t practicing job related skills.Practicing is a constant necessity, and educational institutes need to offer students the space to do so. Gen Y’s trained by The Artistic Edge learn in an environment where they participate in mock interviews, as well as networking opportunities that exercise their relationship building and communication skills. “There should be lots of opportunities for students to practice and develop their skills while in school so they can be ready to tackle and succeed in the real world upon graduation,” says Lisa Phillips.

2)    Gen Y’s aren’t aware of the generation gaps.When Gen Y’s walk into an interview, they are usually sitting across from a Gen X or Baby Boomer. The challenge: 20-somethings often struggle to understand the language and morals of the older generations. Gen Y’s have a small amount of experience through student-teacher relationships, and educational institutes need to focus more on highlighting this gap to help generate an understanding of the differences.

3)    A Gen Y post-secondary degree is the equivalent of a Gen X high school diploma. What used to be the value of graduating high school 15-years ago is basically irrelevant today. Job seekers are now requiring university and college credentials along with field experience to even qualify for entry-level positions. Post-secondary education is supposed to be the last stop before starting a career, meaning key leadership skills need to be fully developed and practiced by the time Gen Y students graduate. Unfortunately, they’re not!

We’re currently in a world where 20-somethings are unprepared and lack the crucial creativity and leadership skills employers’ desire. The rules of the game have drastically changed, and we need to teach our Gen Y’s how to play. Gen X’s and Baby Boomers lived in a world where obtaining a degree would land them a job. That’s not the case anymore, and Gen Y’s need to realize this. The Internet has thrown a curve ball making the job market global and it will take adaptability, persistence and leadership to land their dream job. The Artistic Edge addresses this major issue to their Gen Y students through a new job-training program offered for the first time this year. For more information, visit www.theartisticedge.ca/jobtraining.