CONTRARY to the popular belief that millennials don’t have a long-range strategy in their career road map, a leading academician pointed out this group of young individuals have a plan how to build their future once they graduate from college.
“As early as their college freshmen years, millennials are already thinking of their future, which begins by securing a good paying job when they graduate. This poses the challenge to academe of preparing a path for students to the world of work,” Far Eastern University (FEU) President Michael Alba told the BusinessMirror. “Higher-education institutions should equip their students with the needed occupational and behavioral skills to thrive and excel in the modern workplace.”
In a research conducted by Universe Sum Global (http://universumglobal.com/millenials/), it was found out that millennials are not only independent and ambitious, but also passionate in their personal development. Moreover, Alba said their commitment to grow into accomplished individuals drives their decisions in life, particularly their academic and career aspirations.
Based on the research, Alba said millennials consider college as a vehicle to achieve growth and self-fulfillment
“They are planning for a rewarding career after college that will allow them to enjoy a higher standard of living,” he said.
As a result, employability—the realistic feasibility of being employed in a stable job—has become one of the most important factors for them when choosing a college.
Nowadays, employers are looking for graduates who are easily trained and willing to learn the company’s complex work processes and systems, as opposed to hiring applicants based solely on their educational background. Aside from knowledge and occupational skills, Alba stressed that graduates should also possess the right attitude and critical thinking skills in to be a relevant force in the workplace.
In response to the needs of the millennials in their career development goals, Alba said FEU introduced academic innovations and engaged in strategic partnerships that will provide its students advanced industry know-how and work experience. These give FEU graduates an edge in today’s competitive environment.
He said FEU has a roster of faculty practitioners that utilizes an application-based teaching approach to fully develop the potential of FEU students.
FEU boosted its international partnerships with companies in different industries and universities abroad, such as the United States, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia and Canada to offer internship opportunities that complement FEU’s advanced curriculum.
Alba said FEU also established several programs for its students so they can broaden their horizons. He added that FEU encourages student engagement and participation in sports, arts and culture. Likewise, the university supports organizations, such as Tamaraw Volunteers, E-Club and the Circles of Leadership Influence Program (CLIP), that promote volunteerism, entrepreneurship and leadership, respectively.
“We want to differentiate ourselves from other higher-education institutions by providing our students with relevant, real-life education. FEU believes that a college experience should empower its students with life skills that will enable them to pursue their personal goals and flourish in their chosen profession,” Alba explained.
Aside from stressing on university standings and school pride, Alba said academic institutions should support students’ ambitions and open opportunities for their growth and development.
“With these shared efforts, millennials will be equipped with practical education to pursue their career goals and life aspirations in today’s modern and competitive work environment,” he explained.
Image credits: Rizal Raoul Reyes
