Ideal university or tertiary education for the creation of employable graduates able to fit the needs of the increasingly challenging job environment and the ever-rapid growth rate of industrial progress and social and cultural changes.

In this article, I will expose my considerations on the role played by tertiary education in creating graduates with highly employ ability standards. What is my point? Tertiary education must carry on the responsibility to form and produce gradates able to immediate find their first occupation and start their professional career.

However, it is a well-known harsh reality that, more often than not, fresh graduates are not able to pursue employment in the field related to their majors. The delusion is hard to settle in for graduates faced with a life on uncertainty and instability alongside stressful anxiety at professional and personal level.

Let me start by breaking down the problem.

First, the job environment is challenging and changing quickly. Industries are evolving with technology, like AI and automation. Social and cultural changes mean that workplaces are more diverse, and there's a focus on things like sustainability and global collaboration. So graduates need to be adaptable, tech-savvy, culturally aware, and have skills that don't become obsolete quickly.

Traditional education often focuses on static knowledge, but maybe the ideal system should emphasize lifelong learning. That way, graduates can keep updating their skills as needed. But how do universities teach that? Maybe through teaching students how to learn, rather than just what to learn.

Then there's the issue of industry needs. Employers want people with both hard and soft skills. Hard skills like coding, data analysis, etc., but these can become outdated. Soft skills like critical thinking, creativity, communication, teamwork might be more durable. So the curriculum should balance both, maybe with project-based learning where students apply knowledge to real-world problems.

Interdisciplinary studies could be important too. Many modern problems require knowledge from different fields. For example, a tech product might need understanding of ethics, design, and business. So maybe universities should encourage combining majors or having more cross-departmental courses.

Experiential learning is another aspect. Internships, co-ops, apprenticeships give hands-on experience. Universities could partner with industries to provide these opportunities. That way, students gain practical skills and understand workplace dynamics before graduating.

Technology integration is crucial. Using online platforms, VR for simulations, AI tutors could make learning more flexible and personalized. But also, teaching digital literacy as a core skill, so students can adapt to new tools as they emerge.

Cultural and global competence. As workplaces become more global, understanding different cultures and being able to work in diverse teams is key. Maybe mandatory study abroad programs, language courses, or virtual exchange programs with international universities.

Entrepreneurship and innovation. Encouraging students to start their own ventures, offering courses on entrepreneurship, and having incubators or accelerators on campus. This fosters a mindset of innovation and self-reliance.

Mental health and resilience. The pressure to keep up can be stressful. Universities should provide support systems, teach stress management, and build resilience through challenging but supportive environments.

Assessment methods might need to change. Instead of just exams, use portfolios, project outcomes, peer reviews. This reflects real-world performance better.

Lifelong learning beyond graduation. Alumni access to courses, micro-credentials, workshops to keep skills updated. Partnerships with online platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning.

Ethics and social responsibility. As technology advances, ethical considerations are vital. Courses on ethics in tech, sustainability, social justice to ensure graduates contribute positively.

Personalized learning paths. Using AI to track student progress and suggest courses or skills they need. Allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and market demands.

Faculty development. Teachers need to stay updated too. Regular training on the latest industry trends and teaching methods. Bringing in industry professionals as adjunct faculty.

Government and policy support might be needed for funding, creating frameworks for partnerships between education and industry, and ensuring accessibility so all demographics can benefit.

Wait, but how do all these elements fit together?

Is there a risk of overloading the curriculum?

Need to ensure that core competencies are still covered. Also, equity and access: not all students have the same resources. The ideal system should be inclusive, providing necessary support for all students regardless of background.

Another thing: rapid changes mean that universities need to be agile in updating their curricula. Traditional approval processes for new courses are slow. Maybe a modular approach where courses can be quickly added or modified as needed.

Also, feedback loops with industries to constantly align programs with market needs. Advisory boards with industry leaders to inform curriculum development.

Assessment of the education system itself. Regular evaluation to see if graduates are meeting employment goals and adapting well. Use data analytics to track graduate outcomes and adjust programs accordingly.

So putting it all together, the ideal university would be dynamic, flexible, connected with industry, focused on both current and future skills, supportive of students' holistic development, and committed to continuous improvement. It would prepare students not just for their first job, but for a lifetime of changes in their careers and the world.

Do I think that training and education at university should be conformed or tailored up to the increase the quality of employment of the graduates?

Firstly, University should be focused on "quality" and "quality" is very important in many areas of university education. Studies have shown that "quality" is the most important factor in ensuring quality of education at the University. Studies carried by Australian universities have elaborated seven educational factors considered crucial for ensuring teaching quality:

1. Ability of the instructor.

2. Experience of the Instructor in the operational field of the subjects he is tasked to teach.

3. Training students through hands-on education in order to improve also their skills.

4. teaching organization, teaching method and evaluation method need to be related to the industrial needs and demands for competent knowledge.

5. Developing interpersonal and soft-core skills in students throughout the teaching.

6. Inspiring the students to explore beyond the textbooks and in-class learning by seeking knowledge through the use of external courses of information.

7. Ability to convey to the student the urgency of the meaning of competitiveness and innovation in the field of practical knowledge and academic theory.

Students are attracted by instructors able to teach but also proficient and competent in the application of their knowledge.

I think innovative and progressive thinking of the University aimed at creating a positive learning environment should continue to drive the development of teaching quality, improving the ability of students to master learning objectives.

The ideal university or tertiary education system for preparing employable graduates in a rapidly evolving world must be dynamic, interdisciplinary, and holistic. Here's a structured approach:

Core Principles:

Adaptability & Lifelong Learning:

Curriculum Design: Integrate meta-skills like critical thinking, creativity, and self-directed learning to foster adaptability.

Micro-Credentials & Modular Courses: Offer stackable certifications and short-term modules for continuous skill updates.

Industry-Aligned Education:

Partnerships: Collaborate with industries for internships, co-ops, and real-world projects.

Advisory Boards: Include industry leaders in curriculum development to ensure relevance.

Interdisciplinary Learning:

Cross-Departmental Programs: Encourage majors combining tech, humanities, and business (e.g., AI + ethics).

Problem-Based Learning: Tackle global challenges through projects requiring diverse expertise.

Experiential & Immersive Learning:

Simulations & Labs: Use VR/AR for hands-on experience in fields like healthcare or engineering.

Entrepreneurship Hubs: Campus incubators and innovation labs to nurture startups.

Technology Integration:

Digital Literacy: Embed training in emerging tools (AI, data analytics) across disciplines.

Personalized Learning: AI-driven platforms to tailor educational paths and track progress.

Global & Cultural Competence:

Study Abroad/Exchange Programs: Mandate international exposure through physical or virtual exchanges.

Diverse Teams: Promote collaboration across cultures in coursework and projects.

Soft Skills Development:

Communication & Leadership: Workshops and team-based projects to enhance emotional intelligence and teamwork.

Ethics & Sustainability:

Core Courses: Teach ethical decision-making, environmental stewardship, and social justice.

Support Systems:

Mental Health Resources: Provide counseling, stress management workshops, and resilience training.

Inclusive Access: Ensure affordability and support for underrepresented groups through scholarships and mentorship.

Agile Governance:

Rapid Curriculum Updates: Streamline approval processes for new courses reflecting market trends.

Outcome Tracking: Use data analytics to assess graduate success and refine programs.

Structural Innovations:

Flexible Assessment: Replace traditional exams with portfolios, peer reviews, and project outcomes.

Faculty Development: Regular industry immersions for educators and hiring adjunct faculty from sectors.

Lifelong Alumni Engagement: Provide access to updated courses and networking opportunities post-graduation.

Policy & Collaboration:

Government Role: Fund innovation in education, support industry partnerships, and ensure equitable access.

Global Networks: Partner with international institutions for shared resources and research.

Outcome:

Graduates emerge as agile, ethically grounded professionals equipped with technical expertise, soft skills, and a global mindset. They are prepared not only for current roles but also to drive and adapt to future transformations across industries and societies.