The Main Reason Why Getting a Job Straight Out of Uni is Hard

Congratulations 🎓! You've done it. After years of late-night study sessions, countless assignments, and exams, you've finally graduated. Armed with your brand new degree, you're ready to take on the world. But then reality hits: landing that first job still feels like a huge challenge.

Why is it so hard? The answer might surprise you.

The Skills Gap: A Growing Challenge

The main culprit isn't the job market, your GPA, or even the dreaded "lack of experience" line. It's the skills gap.

As Brian Tracy, author of "No excuses" aptly puts it:

In a time of rapid change, standing still is the most dangerous course of action.

Universities provide an excellent foundation of theoretical knowledge. They serve an important purpose of exposing you to different ideas, people, and challenges. But in today's rapidly evolving industries, especially in fields like Software Development and Accounting, that's often not enough.

The Real-World Conundrum

Employers are looking for graduates who can hit the ground running from week one. They need professionals who can navigate the latest tools, understand current industry practices, and adapt to dynamic business landscapes.

Alvin Toffler, futurist and author, predicted this challenge in his 1970 book Future Shock decades ago:

The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.

This is where many fresh graduates stumble. The skills learned in university, while valuable, often lag behind current industry demands.

Bridging the Gap: A Crucial Step

Recent statistics highlight the urgency of addressing the skills gap:

• 87% of companies worldwide are aware that they either already have a skills gap or will have one within a few years.
• By 2030, the talent shortage and skills gap in the U.S. alone is expected to result in a loss of $8.5 trillion in unrealized annual revenue.

These figures underscore the importance of supplementing your degree with practical, industry-relevant skills.

Preparing for Career Success

To bridge the skills gap and enhance your employability, consider the following strategies:

1. Pursue hands-on training: Seek out internships, projects, or bootcamps that provide practical experience in your field.
2. Develop soft skills: Focus on improving communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
3. Stay current: Regularly update your knowledge of industry trends and technologies.
4. Network: Build relationships with professionals in your field through events, online platforms, and mentorship programs.
5. Embrace lifelong learning: Cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement and adaptability.

As Bishal Sapkota, Software Engineer, and Managing Director of Skillaroo often says,

Build projects that you are proud of. Spend not just a few hours, but dozens, or hundreds of hours. Pour your heart out, and build something that you would want to use. Then, talk about it with the same passion. Share it with everyone you know. Somewhere along this process, you will build the skills, create some connections, and find someone who may want to work with you.

By actively working to bridge the skills gap, you're not just job-ready – you're career-ready.

Don't let the skills gap hold you back. Equip yourself with the tools you need to succeed. Your future self will thank you.

Ready to bridge the gap? Take the first step towards your dream career by exploring additional training opportunities and resources in your field. Contact Skillaroo Today.