Future-proofing graduates for a post pandemic world

Ten years ago, never would we have comprehended the reality of careers stemming from media platforms such as “YouTube”, and from various gig economies. Yet here we are today, stuck in our homes during lockdowns and consuming online content like never before, as we hail online food platforms and delivery drivers as a blessing.

Enter the 4th Industrial Revolution, “Digital Revolution”; self-learning algorithms, human-machine collaborations and far-reaching big data analytics. Like the ever changing times we live in today, education too needs to be agile to fluid demands and needs if it is to continue finding relevance in this 4th IR.

A study conducted by Dell Technologies has found that 80% of career paths for graduates in 2030 are yet to even exist. Recognising the need for adapting, Taylor’s University has rolled out its Taylor’s Curriculum Framework 2.0 that builds on the core pillars of academic excellence, life skills and emotional wellbeing to meet the demanding needs of the current environment.

The most recent step in the TCF 2.0 was the acceleration of the university’s ‘Teach Less, Learn More’ approach of encouraging independent online learning. Its Virtual Learning Environment meant students had – at their fingertips – microsites dedicated to each course, a ReWIND lecture capture system with over 40,000 lectures recorded, and the advantage of lectures conducted with its pioneering Lightboard Video Technology, besides an ecosystem of e-forums, e-tutorials, e-assessments and such. Additionally, their online learning is incentivised with digital badges.

The university has recently been awarded 5 Stars by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) for Online Learning, a category previously only reserved for universities providing distance learning.

And while online learning is the method currently employed, deeper content reforms are what sets TCF 2.0 apart. Doing away with rigidity, the new TCF 2.0 allows students to be able to mix and match subjects through majors, minors and extensions in various subjects. Imagine the limitless opportunities awaiting Arts students that pick up Software Engineering modules, or even Engineering students giving IT a go (yes they can do that now)! Beyond subjects, students will also be required to participate in cross-faculty projects for greater exposure.

To properly satisfy the requirements of the IR 4.0 job market, key skills such as critical and design thinking, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and conflict resolution are compulsory modules under TCF. Not only will this develop globally competitive learners, this will also nurture future employees to make lasting impact and work collaboratively in a team of colleagues. The new inclusion works two-fold, as almost all of the listed skills are encountered on a daily basis in social interactions.

Giving emphasis to both technical skills and soft skills, the TCF now incorporates the Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities (TGC) which are assessed and captured in a Graduate Capabilities Attainment document, alongside the traditional CGPA transcript, to provide a holistic picture of a graduate’s ability. The TGCs include elements such as communications skills, global perspectives and social competencies, and now all Bachelor’s degrees in the institution have been redesigned to include these.

But how does an eventual job applicant really stand out amongst the rest when a huge percentage now have similar qualifications? Taylor’s SHINE Award will recognise a student’s social achievements beyond the confines of the classroom; activities that demonstrate social responsibility, cultural adaptation, networking and teamwork to help them truly shine in job interviews. Many employers today seek relatability, be it to themselves, the company, or even the work culture. The SHINE Award will highlight the best in a candidate to help employers realise early on when they have a perfect fit come through their doors.

In hindsight, this pandemic for better or for worse has nudged the education sector into taking the next step in what has been stalled for too long now; moving education away from just physical classrooms. In a win-win solution for both university students and employers, TCF aims to move towards experiential learning such work-based learning, where students spend a year at a company or organisation, and are co-taught and co-assessed by them. This is made possible by more than 1500 active industry partners of Taylor’s University to date.

Now, more than ever, individuals and organisations have to adapt to change in order to stay relevant. For this reason, Taylor’s has innovated over the past 50 years, and continues to blaze a trail in the national education landscape.

The workforce is drastically changing in IR 4.0, so stay ahead of the curve and make a choice that will last the years. Interested in how you can gain a future-proof education? Visit https://university.taylors.edu.my/ for more information!