Aligning Academic Curricula with Real-World Skills for Workforce Readiness

In an exclusive interaction with Higher Education Review Magazine, Ruhie Pande, Group CHRO at Sterlite Power, shared her views and thoughts on what changes academic curricula can incorporate to prepare students for the challenges of working in a globalized economy as well as how academia can shift from a one-time education model to a lifelong learning ecosystem that supports workforce adaptability. She is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience spanning financial services, real estate, fashion retail, IT, and FMCG. Renowned for her empathy-driven leadership, she has a proven track record of fostering high-performance cultures. In her previous role at Godrej Capital, she played a pivotal role in strengthening the organization by strategically identifying and acquiring top talent.

Many academic institutions struggle to balance theoretical knowledge with practical skills, leaving graduates underprepared for the workforce. How can educational institutions collaborate with industry leaders to ensure curricula remain relevant to evolving job market demands?

The job market is rapidly evolving, and employers are seeking candidates who can handle their job roles effectively and efficiently. Theoretical knowledge alone is insufficient for organizations. I believe educational institutions should be more diligent in preparing students holistically for the competitive job market.

For example, a great teacher not only lectures on a subject but also helps students absorb the learning and apply it to their lives. They plan lessons, adapt their modules for easy understanding, and offer extra help to students, ensuring they not only excel in exams but also in life.

Similarly, educational institutions should provide students with both practical and theoretical knowledge to secure good jobs. They should also teach interpersonal skills and prepare students to face obstacles and challenges without being overwhelmed, ensuring a successful career trajectory. Institutions can update their curricula to expose students to real-world knowledge of relevant industries.

In today’s dynamic economy, continuous upskilling has become essential, yet many institutions focus solely on foundational education. How can academia shift from a one-time education model to a lifelong learning ecosystem that supports workforce adaptability?

In today’s fast-paced world, where automation is rapidly taking over, traditional job roles face uncertainty and the risk of becoming redundant. Upskilling and reskilling have become prevalent trends of the decade, and even the World Economic Forum has dubbed the 2020s as ‘the decade of upskilling.’ I think as we move towards a more technologically advanced professional ecosystem, employers are looking for candidates who are versatile and possess varied skills. Since the candidate pool is extensive, organizations are not sold on just generic skillsets; they are seeking proactive individuals who are willing to learn and diversify their skillset to effectively contribute to the industry.

While foundational education is necessary for all students, it is not nearly enough to take on complex opportunities within the current workforce. We’re past the era where people had one job role for the entirety of their careers. Academia must align itself with the transformative social and economic forces shaping the 21st century. Academia needs to transition to a lifelong learning ecosystem by offering flexible, ongoing programs, partnering with industries, and emphasizing practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. This will equip learners with the tools to adapt to the ever-evolving job market.

Hands-on experience through internships not only helps students apply theoretical knowledge but also fosters adaptability to dynamic work environments. What role do internships and apprenticeships play in bridging the gap between academic learning and workplace readiness?

Internships and apprenticeships are not just opportunities for soon-to-be graduating students or recent graduates; they are essential tools for preparing them for the competitive job market. These programs help them hone their skills and test their theoretical knowledge, ensuring they are well-equipped with job-specific knowledge, familiar with industry trends and norms, can develop suitable communication skills, and learn to work effectively in teams. These qualities are not just necessary for the workplace but also helpful in handling personal challenges and tackling difficult situations effectively.

Internships are a vital stepping stone for young individuals transitioning from academia to the formal sector. Candidates, often with little to no workplace experience, can feel overwhelmed in the office environment and struggle to fulfill their work obligations. However, internships provide them with the opportunity to adapt to specific industries and work systems, equipping them to thrive in their future full-time roles.

With the rise of AI and automation, equipping students with relevant tech skills is no longer optional but essential for workforce readiness. How can academia incorporate emerging technologies and trends into their programs to prepare students for future industrydisruptions?

AI literacy has become an increasingly in-demand skill in many corporations. It is clear that AI is a crucial part of the evolving workspace, and not knowing how to navigate AI effectively to carry out generic tasks can be a skill gap that employers may not overlook. While having knowledge of your job roles is great conduct, freshers must be ready to face a dynamic working environment and accept learnings and challenges to grow personally and professionally. AI and automation are useful tools that can streamline a lot of things; hence, knowing how to use them for benefit will only make jobs easier. Transformation is a constant in every area, even academia. Educational institutions must integrate the advancements into their systems to familiarize students with the world of automation.

Academic institutions can play a pivotal role in preparing students for the future by embracing technological advancements. This can be achieved by offering specialized courses in AI and machine learning, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating project-based learning, and providing hands-on experiences. Investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure and high-speed internet connectivity is imperative to support cutting-edge research and online learning. Strong industry partnerships, through internships and co-op programs, can bridge the gap between academia and industry. Additionally, student support systems, such as mentorship, career counseling, and lifelong learning initiatives, empower students to thrive in the dynamic technological landscape.

With globalization, the workforce needs cross-cultural competencies and an understanding of global business environments. What changes can academic curricula incorporate to prepare students for the challenges of working in a globalized economy?

In today's interconnected world, it's more important than ever for students to develop a global perspective. To prepare them for this future, we can transform the academic curriculum by incorporating courses that promote cross-cultural understanding and global competence.

Imagine a world where students learn about intercultural communication, global ethics, and international business. They could study global economics, comparative management, and multiple languages, including those widely used in international business. By integrating technology into the curriculum, we can equip them with skills in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing. This is an opportunity to empower our students to think critically, solve problems, and embrace entrepreneurial thinking. We can challenge them to analyze complex global issues and develop innovative solutions.