Building Employability
Real-World Impact Modules Are the
Future of Higher Education
“Demand for graduate skills among employers remains strong – particularly in transferable employability skills such as critical thinking, communication, and leadership – and the higher education sector will be an essential component in meeting the UK’s rapidly changing skills needs.”
Ongoing debates around Higher Education encompass a fundamental question about its key purpose. Is it primarily a means to an end, such as securing employment, or is it more about cultivating intellectually well-rounded individuals? The prevailing trend seems to prioritise the former perspective. This shift is, in part, propelled by the increasingly competitive nature of the job market. The days when possessing a degree alone guaranteed easy access to employment opportunities are gone.
When recent surveys by the NUS have shown that 70% of students are concerned about their employability and only 50% of students feel that University has adequately prepared them for finding the right jobs and opportunities – questions will naturally arise. Today, students also face the daunting task of standing out amidst fierce competition. They require not only academic credentials, but also real-world experience, tangible skills, and a robust professional network to navigate the complexities of the professional realm. Given that many students have spent several years in full-time education, they often find it challenging to successfully navigate the graduate market with distinctive experience and skills ready to make their mark.
Yet, there remains hope. Universities can, and do, play a pivotal role in equipping their students with the requisite skills and experiences that they can leverage upon graduating. Employability has already emerged as one of the most coveted outcomes among university students. Modules dedicated to fostering these skills become indispensable in ensuring that universities deliver the anticipated value, commensurate with the investment made by all students in their education.
So, how do they go about doing this? Firstly, to create such a programme the benefits must first be outlined – so let’s explore them.
Nurturing a Mission-Driven Generation
One of the key advantages of incorporating experiential learning modules into university curricula is the opportunity they provide students to have real-world impact. These modules empower students with the agency and motivation to solve problems, and to tackle real challenges faced by government and industry, reflecting this generation’s passion for solving problems that matter. Research by Ernst and Young reveals that two-thirds of Gen-Z consider it “very or extremely important to work for employers that share their values highlighting a shift in priorities”. For this generation, work is as much, if not more, about values than it is about monetary gain. The desire to be mission-driven, rather than profit focussed, is evident among students and young professionals and is a crucial part of what employers, educators, and beyond – must have to offer.
Early career offerings, as well as higher education offerings, need to adapt and reflect these changing dynamics in order to engage students more effectively. Experiential learning can prepare them for the real world, foster a mission-driven mindset, create educational value, and cultivate agency in solving real-world problems. By engaging with the right opportunities through different modules, students have the opportunity to develop deep critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and most importantly, the confidence to apply their knowledge in practical settings. This empowerment is not solely for personal gain, but is driven by a commitment to meaningful causes that prioritise social or public value over profit - the very essence of being mission-driven.
Networking
Networking is a crucial aspect of navigating the professional world, especially for students who want to have real-world impact. Building strong professional connections is essential, but it is just the beginning. Engaging with stakeholders from diverse sectors - be it industry or government - allows students to forge meaningful relationships that extend beyond career prospects. These connections enable them to draw upon a variety of perspectives and approaches, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Moreover, the networking opportunities provided by universities play a significant role in enhancing employability. Research from Universities UK in 2023 revealed that 28% of UK graduates secured their first job through a direct connection to their university or degree course, while 77% of business leaders credit their university experience for opening doors to relevant companies. This underscores the value of networking with like-minded people that want to come together to solve a common problem, and create long-lasting, positive impact.
Strengthening ties between universities and both the public and private sectors not only amplifies the impact of early career professionals, but also addresses critical skills gaps within UK government and industries. By facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange, universities serve as catalysts for driving meaningful progress and innovation across sectors.
Real-World Impact and Experience
The tangible nature of these types of modules will also enhance the learning process. Students aren’t confined to theoretical concepts, they’re thrown into real-world scenarios where their contributions can have a tangible impact – but also where they might fail. This authenticity mirrors the unpredictability of the professional world, where success isn’t always assured. Yet, it is precisely this exposure to genuine challenges that prepares students for their future careers, cultivating transferable skills and resilience that endure beyond the classroom.
The final year of university marks a pivotal moment as students prepare to transition from university to the workforce. Real-world impact modules serve as a bridge, treating students as professionals and equipping them with the skills and expectations necessary for success in their careers. For students who haven’t had the opportunity for industry placements, this experience provides a competitive edge in the job market.
This might all sound too good to be true, but this shift is already underway across numerous universities nationwide and spanning diverse sectors. Organisations like the Common Mission Project UK facilitate this convergence of academia, industry, and government, addressing pressing challenges through collaboration between seasoned professionals and eager students.
“The opportunity to interact and communicate with stakeholders across different sectors was invaluable. You don’t often get that at university, so it was immensely beneficial to practise these skills before starting my career.”
The recognition of the importance of real-world impact and experience in preparing students for their future careers highlights a fundamental shift. Hands-on learning experiences, coupled with opportunities for networking and collaboration, equip students with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.
Moreover, the acknowledgement that being mission-driven is not only desirable but also crucial for employers and educators, highlights the need for a holistic approach to talent development. By prioritising values alignment and meaningful work, organisations can attract and retain top talent while fostering a culture of innovation and social responsibility.
To get in touch, please email jkirkwood@commonmission.uk, or pick up the conversation on LinkedIn
