More and more young people enroll in universities and institutes of higher education in Latin America to study a career; However, this expansion has not guaranteed better job opportunities for graduates, who must face a saturated and competitive market, many times, without adequate tools or in unfavorable conditions.
According to data from the Unesco International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO IESALC), the global university registration rate went from 19% in 2000 to 43% in 2023. But the graduation rate only increased From 17% to 26%, and the number of graduates with quality jobs remains low.
The key to the problem lies in the disconnection between universities and the labor market. “Some universities have remained in a traditional education style, following hard schemes and formats, very unleashed, which focus more on conceptual academic development than on the understanding of what the country or business needs at this time,” Pablo Ardaya, National Director of Human Capital of the Franz Tamayo University, Unifranz explains.
To reverse this situation, universities must reformulate their educational strategies and promote a more practical approach, aimed at employability of their students.
The labor market is in constant transformation, promoted by technological advances and new economic dynamics. However, many universities take to update their curricula to align with these trends.
For example, digital skills are increasingly demanded, but there is still a significant gap in the training offer in these areas. “The simple fact of having a diploma no longer guarantees a professional career without problems,” says UNESCO IESALC in a recent report.
In this sense, universities must integrate subjects and certifications related to digital skills, artificial intelligence, data analysis and other emerging areas into their curricula. In addition, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation can be a key strategy for graduates to be inserted into a collaborative and competitive economy.
One of the main challenges for new professionals is the lack of work experience. Companies value more and more candidates who have participated in internships, volunteers or relevant projects during their university stage.
According to Diego Urioste, coordinator of the National Labor Observatory (ONT) of Unifranz, the combination of technical skills and soft skills is essential to improve employability.
“The new professionals should graduate with a combination of technical skills such as the domain of specific skills of their field, management of relevant tools and technologies, and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations. Soft competitions such as communication skills, leadership, teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking and adaptability are also essential. ”
Urioste adds that to facilitate the labor insertion of students, universities can strengthen the following aspects:
- Mandatory internship programs in collaboration with companies and institutions.
- Cooperative Education, which combines academic studies with paid work periods.
- Employment fairs and contact networks with successful employers and graduates.
- Personalized professional orientation, focused on the development of resumes, job interviews and search for opportunities.
Attend inequalities in access to employment
UNESCO IESALC warns that not all students start from the same exit line. Factors such as socioeconomic level, lack of contact networks or discrimination can hinder the employability of certain groups.
According to the international agency, students of low socioeconomic environments, refugees, indigenous peoples, first -generation university students and people with disabilities face greater barriers to access quality jobs.
Universities can reduce this gap by implementing inclusive strategies such as:
- Scholarships for internships and labor insertion programs for students with economic difficulties.
- Mentoria with successful professionals who can guide students without previous contact networks.
- Accessibility policies in hiring and professional practices for people with disabilities.
One of the greatest obstacles is unpaid practices, which leave out those who cannot afford without income. To solve this problem, universities can establish agreements with companies so that these opportunities are paid or provide financial support to students in vulnerable situation.
The future of education and employability
The current labor landscape requires that universities evolve and adapt their programs to the real market needs. The institutions that continue to bet only on a traditional and theoretical education run the risk of being behind, while those that promote practical and flexible learning will better prepare their students for the challenges of the future.
“What employers are looking for people who know how to solve problems. Soft competitions or technical knowledge fulfill a fundamental role, but more than having these competences, we must know how to apply them in the resolution of everyday and large problems, which require creativity, ”says Ardaya.
For its part, Unesco Iesalc indicates that universities have in their hands the opportunity to transform education and turn it into a true bridge towards employment. Through practical training, the development of soft skills and support programs for vulnerable students, can ensure that their graduates not only have a degree, but also a successful professional career.
