Linear education focusing on specific subjects may not be as “advantageous” as once thought, with a blended learning style better allowing students to ‘reverse-engineer’ their career choices, according to the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS).
Highlighting a recent poll of 1,250 CEOs across Europe, Carl Gombrich, dean of LIS said seven in 10 (70%) senior leaders believe that higher education fails to equip students for the modern workplace,
The poll showed problem-solving was the most valuable skill desired by business heads. Soft skills, including level-headedness and leadership ability, were ranked higher than technical ability and relevant experience.
Gombrich said one reason for this is the rise of artificial intelligence and automation, with research from the World Economic Forum suggesting that between now and 2027, 44% of workers will see their core skills become less valuable, leaving soft skills more important than before.
Meanwhile, nearly half (44%) of graduates regret their field of study. Gombrich believes that a focus on blended learning styles can help graduates attain the salary that they deserve.
Embracing soft skills will be essential in maximising salary expectations for graduates, according to the university. A survey from Nerdwallet found that 62% of recent graduates skip salary negotiation, despite 84% of employers admitting they had room to bump up their initial offer.
Gombrich also noted that a focus on interdisciplinary learning can enhance skills such as public speaking, problem-framing and pitching, abilities that are key to successfully navigating the world of working.
Main image: mike-petrucci-f6Xv0xs9JWg-unsplash
