Exploring the intersection of employability and sustainability in higher education
By Gordon Scott, Managing Director, Successful Graduate
QS has recently launched a sustainability ranking which is focused on social and environmental sustainability performance in higher education institutions. The fact that students are interested in using this ranking to help inform their decision about where they will study is an indicator of the importance that students place on sustainability overall.
Is there a potential relationship between a Gen Z focus on sustainability and the development of their employability skills, essentially providing a pathway for their environmental concerns to enter their careers? Of course there is.
In the dynamic industry of higher education, the intertwined relationship between graduate employability skills and sustainability has gained significant prominence.
As institutions dedicated to moulding the leaders of tomorrow, our role extends beyond imparting professional competencies to nurturing an awareness of sustainability. Let’s delve into the confluence of graduate employability and sustainability, presenting a 10-point plan that encourages students to seamlessly integrate these elements into their academic journey.
Understanding the Connection
The connection between employability skills and sustainability is not just inherent but crucial for producing well-rounded, socially conscious professionals. A wealth of research supports this perspective. Mulder et al. (2017) stress that graduates equipped with sustainability-related skills are not only in demand by employers but are also more likely to make meaningful contributions to corporate sustainability initiatives.
10-Point Plan for Fusing Sustainability with Employability Skills
1. Integrate Sustainability into Coursework
Advocate for courses explicitly addressing sustainability issues. By weaving sustainability into academic studies, students can gain theoretical insights and critical thinking skills valued by employers (Lambrechts et al., 2013).
2. Engage in Sustainable Internships or Work Placements
Encourage seeking internships with companies committed to sustainable practices. Such hands-on experience not only enhances employability skills development but also provides firsthand insights into responsible business operations (Sharma & Starik, 2015).
3. Participate in Extracurricular Sustainability Initiatives
Encourage involvement in sustainability-focused clubs or campus initiatives. This not only showcases commitment to sustainable causes but also refines teamwork, leadership and communication skills (Bamber et al., 2019).
4. Develop Digital Literacy and Technological Proficiency
Stress the importance of acquiring skills in using digital tools for sustainability assessments. Technological proficiency is increasingly essential across professions and significantly contributes to sustainable practices (Wiek et al., 2016).
5. Undertake Research Projects with a Sustainability Focus
Encourage engagement in research projects emphasising sustainability. This not only enriches academic profiles but also allows students to contribute to the evolving knowledge in sustainability-related fields (Buckley & Simons, 2019).
6. Attend Sustainability Conferences and Networking Events
Actively participate in conferences and events centred around sustainability. Networking with professionals in the field not only provides valuable insights but also enhances interpersonal and networking skills (Wals, 2014).
7. Demonstrate Cross-Cultural Competence
Encourage activities fostering cross-cultural competence. This may include studying abroad, participating in exchange programmes or collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds, vital in today's globalised workforce (Gacenga et al., 2015).
8. Acquire Project Management Skills
Advocate for taking on projects requiring planning, organisation and execution. These skills are not only crucial for professional success but also transferable to sustainability initiatives often involving complex project management (Jones & Fisher, 2017).
9. Cultivate Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities
Emphasise engagement in coursework and activities enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These competencies are not only essential for employability but are also fundamental for addressing the intricate challenges posed by sustainability issues (Lozano et al., 2017).
10. Promote Environmental Responsibility in Daily Life
Instil environmentally responsible practices in daily life, from reducing waste and energy consumption to promoting eco-friendly habits. These not only align with global goals but also reflect positively on an individual's character (McKenzie-Mohr, 2012).
"50 percent of Gen Z is reluctant to pursue a four year degree program…indeed students are eager to develop sustainability knowledge and skills as part of their career preparation. They want real world exposure and are looking for universities with a reputation in sustainability, that champion SDGs and create social impact on the work that they’re doing."
As educators and mentors, we play a pivotal role in empowering our students to navigate the complex juncture of employability and sustainability. By endorsing and guiding them through this comprehensive 10-point plan, we ensure our graduates not only excel in their chosen professions, but also contribute meaningfully to a sustainable and responsible global community.
We cannot afford to ignore Gen Z’s perspective on higher education. I loved listening to Harsha Ravindran (Gen Z), Co-Founder and CEO of Ascendance when she delivered the closing keynote at the recent QS APAC Higher Education Summit in Kuala Lumpur: "50 percent of Gen Z is reluctant to pursue a four year degree program…indeed students are eager to develop sustainability knowledge and skills as part of their career preparation. They want real world exposure and are looking for universities with a reputation in sustainability, that champion SDGs and create a social impact on the work that they’re doing".
This article was published originally in QS Insights Magazine 11.
References:
Bamber, P., & Hankin, L. (2019). The role of universities in developing skills for sustainability: A systematic review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 232, 1353-1370.
Buckley, R., & Simons, H. (2019). Making a Difference: The Role of Business Graduates in Delivering Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainability, 11(24), 7008.
Gacenga, F., Sharda, N., & Taghian, M. (2015). Enhancing cross-cultural competencies in business graduates: Reflecting on the experiences of a developing country. Journal of Teaching in International Business, 26(1), 4-26.
Jones, P., & Fisher, T. (2017). Embedding sustainability into project management education: A comparative study of project management programs in the USA, UK, and Australia. International Journal of Project Management, 35(6), 1046-1061.
Lambrechts, W., Mulà, I., Ceulemans, K., Molderez, I., & Gaeremynck, V. (2013). The integration of competences for sustainable development in higher education: An analysis of bachelor programs in management. Journal of Cleaner Production, 48, 65-73.
Lozano, R., Merrill, M. Y., Sammalisto, K., & Ceulemans, K. (2017). Learning competencies for sustainable development in higher education. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 18(4), 429-447.
McKenzie-Mohr, D. (2012). Fostering Sustainable Behavior: An Introduction to Community-Based Social Marketing. New Society Publishers.
Mulder, K. F., Ferrer-Balas, D., Hidalgo, A., & Ceulemans, K. (2017). Enhancing a sustainability curriculum: A review of assessment tools for sustainability competencies. Sustainability, 9(6), 930.
Sharma, S., & Starik, M. (2015). Demystifying the Meso: Contributions to Advancing Stakeholder Theory. Academy of Management Review, 40(4), 556–578.
Wals, A. E. J. (2014). Sustainability in higher education in times of depleting resources: The role of moral competencies. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 15(3), 383–391.
Wiek, A., Withycombe, L., & Redman, C. L. (2011). Key competencies in sustainability: A reference framework for academic program development. Sustainability Science, 6(2), 203–218.