by Vis Stalo
There are nine mechanisms that need to be in place to ensure transition from university to the workplace.
First, there should be the forum between private sectors and universities to discuss demand and supply sides.
Second, it is vital that the curriculum designs at universities are responsive and updated for the industry needs.
Third, university students shall receive good career guidance like job cancelling services provided by their university or via National Employment Agency (NEA).
Fourth, the internship opportunities for university students should be opened up and maximized in order to allow them to apply acquired theories to real practices and to understand actual working environment.
Fifth, teaching quality of instructors at universities is strongly correlated with students’ competencies and skills accumulation. Therefore, instructors need to have both theoretical and practical knowledge and skills and should always be firmly committed to their teaching duty.
Sixth, university students, are required to possess necessary skills for employability such as languages, ICT, team work, problem solving, creative and innovative, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Seventh, the research and development are supposed to be at the core of university functions.
Eighth, entrepreneurship concepts should be deeply embedded in curriculum and instructions at universities. Students are thus capable not only to seek for, but also to create jobs in the labor market.
Lastly, promoting of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) concepts to our students can result in diversification of job opportunities and more income generation.