This is the time of year when millions of kids are told if they’re getting into their college or university of choice.  It’s a time of huge stress for kids and their parents.

The kids think that their life’s arc is going to be facilitated by a name university. The parents are anxious to see if their 18 years of mentoring and parenting have pointed their kid in the right direction for life and work. And, oh by the way: who’s going to pay for the educational launch pad (i.e. college)?

“employers think most of today’s college graduates do the most important work things abysmally”

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING

So, the kid goes to the college or university of choice. That’s great. Hopefully, your kid gets a marketable degree and becomes most importantly employable.

End of problems? End of parenting. Unfortunately, no.

According to the survey below, most college graduates today are not ready for life or work. And, that’s a huge problem.

WHAT EMPLOYER’S EXPECT?

Employers now expect today’s graduates to:

·     Have a professional work ethic.

·     Be able to communicate well.

·     Think critically

·     Manage their career.

Today’s graduates think they do all these things already pretty well. But …

The Problem: Employers think much differently.  Today’s employers think most of today’s college graduates do the most important work things abysmally.

Take a look at the recent numbers below of how graduates think and how employer’s think.  Huge differences.

SO, WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?

Lots!

At a basic level, there is a huge gap between what employers want and today’s graduates think they do. This really impacts their employability and market value.

At a deeper level, it challenges the value of college and even an education.   From the graduate’s point of view will the 4-years of education improve employability or maturity?  From a parent’s point of view or the person who co-signs the college loan, will they be indentured for life.

OUR DAUGHTER’S COLLEGE DECISION

By the way, our daughter decided to get an online mechanical engineering degree from University of Alabama and learn AI/Machine Learning/Robotics online.

Hopefully, these all point to getting a job and being self sustaining.