Higher Education Review| | September 20158HIGHERReviewAn observation of theMindset of Modern GraduatesDr. Niall Smith, Head of Research, Cork Institute of Technology, IrelandSince the market is in a state of constant flux, students should not be too disappointed upon not receiving their desired jobs. Although a student may be successful in acquiring a job of his choice immediately after graduation, there is a huge chance that his understanding of different sectors will change ­ in technology rapidly and in some other fields perhaps gradually. Hence, students should be prepared to adapt themselves to exploit new opportunities that are always opening up. Before applying for a job, graduates should look at the recent market trends and exhibit an understanding that market-change is not necessarily a disadvantage. This is because it can comfort potential employers into believing in the flexibility of fresh employees and provide long term returns for the investment of the company.There are multiple initiatives which exist within the educational systems for connecting graduates to the employment world. However, incorporating everything into a four-year honours degree is almost impossible. There is a belief that graduates should focus on getting themselves "job-ready" in courses where there are specific industries underpinning their coursework. Industrial collaborations certainly prepare graduates to be impactful employees because courses with significant industry involvement naturally introduce concepts beyond traditional educational elements. An example in the field of bio-pharmacy wherein there is significant input from local companies in the development of the curricula and the same companies also provide work-placement or internship opportunities to undergraduates. In such instances, graduates might feel that they can start reasonably "job-ready". In other cases, where there A PhD holder in Astrophysics from University College, Dublin, he has more than 18 years experience as a lecturer at Cork Institute of Technology. He established the Blackrock Castle Observatory and currently holds the position of Head of the organisation. A member of the International Astronomical Union, he has also co-authored 27 papers and conference proceedings.Dr. Niall SmithIn My View
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