The View
Bridging the skills gap: APAC Graduate Employability in 2024
By Gordon Scott
Alex Berka, QS Insights Manager recently said at the QS EduData Summit that “expectations from graduates have never been higher, in terms of what they want from university education”.
“At the same time, the preferred skills employers want from their graduates are rapidly changing. The expectation of graduate performance is also rapidly shifting.
Graduates can cultivate resilience by seeking experiences that push them out of their comfort zone.
“Throughout all of this, universities have never been more important, especially when it comes to bridging the skills gap, and managing the expectations of employers while also ensuring that overlaps very strongly with graduate performance on those emerging skills.”
Soon I will be heading to Macau to speak about the same topic at the QS Higher Education Summit: APAC 2024. Graduate employability skills required by employers are constantly shifting, and the latest (2024) QS Global Employer Survey data has some really interesting insights. University graduates are stepping into a world that demands not only academic qualifications but also an array of specific, transferable skills. Employers have long voiced their concerns about the gap between what is taught in universities and the competencies needed in the workplace.
Recent statistics on the graduate skills gap reveal that while universities provide a solid foundation of knowledge, there remains a significant disparity between the abilities graduates possess and those which are demanded by employers. The seismic shifts we are seeing in relation to automation, artificial intelligence and the new economy are only widening the gap.
Behavioural, cognitive and corporate skills
Let’s lift the lid on the latest data set from the QS Global Employer Survey. There are global insights available from the survey, but for the purpose of this article I will limit my analysis to the Asia Pacific region. Firstly, the sample size of this survey is worth taking notice of. This year there have been more than 85,000 employer responses to the survey from across 80 countries and 27 industries. Importantly, of those, more than 60,000 were employers in the Asia Pacific region. By contrast, the World Economic Forum employer survey is over 100 times smaller.
To accurately identify the skills gap among various competencies, a methodical evaluation was employed by QS. This process consisted of assessing employers’ perspectives on the importance and satisfaction of distinct skills. The QS data is from a comprehensive sample and is conclusive. Here are the top line results:
1. Employers in APAC perceive behavioral skills (such as teamwork, communication, resilience and active learning) to be more important than cognitive and corporate skills when recruiting graduates
2. The top 5 comprehensive skills ranked in order of importance to APAC employers are teamwork, communication, problem solving, active learning and ethics & social responsibility
3. The top 3 skills gaps according to APAC employers are problem-solving, communication and resilience & flexibility
4. These three skills gaps are most prevalent for employers who are seeking graduates in the consulting/professional services, manufacturing, media/advertising, metals/mining, non profit/charity, pharma/biotech, r&d/science, renewable energy, retail/wholesale, telecoms and utilities sectors in APAC.
Importantly, these gaps do not indicate a lack of technical know-how, they often revolve around the concerns employers have about the lack of transferable/soft skills that are critical for professional success. To be blunt, employers don’t want to have to teach graduates these skills, they see this as the responsibility of the university. These findings emphasise the need for graduates to augment their academic education with targeted skills development that will prepare them for the job application process and the demands of the modern workplace.
Why are these skills so crucial, how do they manifest in professional environments, and what can graduates and universities do to close the gap?
The skills gap: A persistent challenge for employers
The QS Global Employer Survey 2024 highlights that while technical skills and academic achievements remain important, employers increasingly prioritise skills that enable graduates to adapt, think critically, and communicate effectively. Among the surveyed employers, dissatisfaction was particularly pronounced in the areas of:
Problem-Solving: The ability to analyse situations, identify issues, and devise effective solutions.
Communication: Both written and verbal communication skills, particularly in conveying complex ideas clearly and concisely.
Resilience and flexibility: The capacity to adapt to new challenges, manage stress, and stay productive under changing circumstances.
For employers, these skills are non-negotiable in an environment where rapid change and complexity are the norm. Yet, the gap between what employers expect and what universities deliver is widening. Let’s explore why each of these skills is so vital and how universities and graduates can work to improve them.
Problem-solving: Navigating complexity with critical thinking
Problem-solving is often touted as one of the most critical skills in the modern workforce. Employers are not only looking for individuals who can identify problems but also for those who can think critically, approach challenges from different perspectives, and come up with innovative solutions.
Why It Matters:
In virtually every industry, problem-solving is essential. Whether it’s resolving technical issues, navigating organisational conflicts or improving processes, the ability to assess a situation and develop a strategic plan is crucial. In fields like technology, healthcare, engineering, and finance, the stakes can be particularly high. A graduate who can tackle problems efficiently not only helps their organisation function more smoothly but can also drive innovation and growth.
The Gap:
Many employers express frustration that while graduates are often well-versed in theoretical knowledge, they struggle to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. Critical thinking and problem-solving are not always explicitly taught in university settings, where much of the focus is on memorising facts and mastering academic content. As a result, graduates may find themselves ill-prepared to face complex, unpredictable situations at work.
Bridging the Gap:
To address this, graduates must actively seek out opportunities to sharpen their problem-solving abilities. This might involve engaging in case studies, internships or work placements that allow for hands-on experience. Participating in project-based learning, where students tackle real-world problems, can also foster the kind of critical thinking that employers are looking for. Online platforms offering problem-solving courses and hackathons are other effective ways to practice and refine this skill. Finally, learning to embrace ambiguity and uncertainty—rather than shying away from it—can help graduates develop the resilience required for effective problem-solving.
Communication: The power of clear and concise expression
Communication is often referred to as the glue that holds teams and organisations together. Effective communication ensures that ideas are shared clearly, tasks are delegated appropriately, and goals are achieved collectively. Despite its importance, communication remains one of the top areas where employers report dissatisfaction with graduate hires.
Why It Matters:
Good communication is vital at every level of an organisation. It’s essential not only for building strong relationships with colleagues and clients but also for ensuring that work is done efficiently and that everyone is aligned with the company’s objectives. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and even conflict—issues that can be costly to an organisation.
Employers value graduates who can articulate their thoughts clearly, both in written and verbal form. This is particularly important in roles that require frequent interaction with clients, management, or team members from different departments. Moreover, with the rise of remote work and digital collaboration, effective communication in virtual environments has become increasingly crucial.
The Gap:
While university assignments often require written reports and presentations, these activities may not fully prepare graduates for the more nuanced forms of communication required in the workplace. Effective communication in a professional setting involves not only clarity but also the ability to tailor messages to different audiences, collaborate across teams, and listen actively.
Bridging the Gap:
Graduates can improve their communication skills by practicing public speaking, engaging in group discussions and seeking feedback on their written work. Joining clubs like debate teams, writing groups or student memberships with industry organisations can provide a platform for developing these skills in a real-world context. Learning to write concisely and persuasively—skills often underdeveloped in academic writing—can also make a significant difference. Courses on business writing, digital communication tools, and interpersonal communication can further enhance these abilities. Moreover, understanding and adapting to the cultural dynamics of a workplace, particularly in global or remote teams, is crucial for effective communication.
Resilience and flexibility: Thriving amid change and uncertainty
The workplace can be fast-paced, and change is constant. From shifting market demands to technological advancements, employees are required to adapt quickly to new situations. This is where resilience and flexibility come into play. Unfortunately, many graduates enter the workforce with limited experience in managing high-pressure environments or coping with setbacks. Indeed, an associated trait of adaptability is necessary in this skills mix, because resilience and flexibility alone will not help a graduate to adjust to the demands of a workplace.
Why It Matters:
Resilience - the ability to bounce back from failure or challenges - is crucial in helping employees stay productive and focused, even when things don’t go as planned. Flexibility, on the other hand, is about being open to change and adapting quickly when circumstances shift. Adaptability requires the development of emotional intelligence and the ability to adjust one’s thinking to new scenarios and environments. It enables individuals to manage uncertainty confidently, respond to challenges and take advantage of opportunities for growth and advancement. Together, these skills help individuals navigate ambiguity, remain composed under pressure and continue contributing positively to their teams.
In industries like technology, healthcare and finance, where rapid change is the norm, resilience and flexibility are particularly important. Employers value graduates who can manage stress, take initiative and pivot when necessary, without losing sight of their goals.
The Gap:
While universities provide a structured environment with clear deadlines and expectations, the workplace often presents a more fluid and unpredictable set of challenges. Employers frequently report that graduates struggle to adjust when their routines are disrupted or when they face unexpected obstacles. Resilience, adaptability and flexibility are not typically taught in academic settings, making it challenging for graduates to develop these traits.
Bridging the Gap:
Graduates can cultivate resilience by seeking experiences that push them out of their comfort zone - whether through extracurricular activities, volunteer work or internships in dynamic industries. Practicing mindfulness, time management and stress-reduction techniques can also help individuals manage pressure more effectively. Learning to view setbacks as opportunities for growth, rather than failures, is another key aspect of resilience.
Flexibility can be enhanced by taking on diverse roles or responsibilities, embracing a learning mindset and remaining open to feedback. Building this skill may also involve learning to prioritise tasks effectively and manage uncertainty, especially in fast-changing work environments.
Adaptability enables graduates to develop emotional regulation – a trait that allows them to recognise, understand, and manage their emotions and workplace behaviours effectively.
Empowering graduates for success
The graduate skills gap highlighted by the QS Global Employer Survey 2024 underscores the urgent need for universities and graduates alike to rethink their approach to education and skill development. While technical knowledge remains essential, it is clear that problem-solving, communication, and resilience, flexibility and adaptability are equally crucial for career success.
For graduates, the path to bridging this gap involves a proactive approach to learning. Engaging in real-world experiences, seeking feedback and continuously developing soft skills will help them stand out in a competitive job market. By closing the gap between academic learning and workplace expectations, graduates can position themselves as valuable, adaptable and future-ready professionals—equipped not only to survive but to thrive in the workplace.
Addressing the Skills Gap at Scale
Successful Graduate has a range of new microcredentials that teach these skills at scale. These online microcredentials are now available through QS. They differ from other online courses because they are designed exclusively for university students/graduates and contain specific tuition about how graduates should describe and demonstrate these skills to employers throughout the job application process. To learn more, visit https://www.successfulgraduate.com/qs/ .
If you are attending the QS Higher Education Summit: APAC 2024 in Macau SAR, we look forward to seeing you there! It will be an historic occasion, marking the 20th anniversary of the Summit. Please come and say hello at the QS booth. Learn more about the Summit here https://qshesummits.com/asia-pacific/