Universities ‘should boost students’ corporate skills’

An expert has called on higher education institutions to do more to boost the job prospects of their students by helping them to develop the kind of skills which will serve them well in the workplace.

Johnny Rich, editor of independent online guide Push.co.uk, acknowledged that corporate abilities should not be the “be all and end all” of university courses, but suggested some are failing to meet the requirements of business.

“At the moment, higher education can be very poor at preparing graduates for the workplace,” he explained. “I think businesses will appreciate anything that makes it easier for them to find the right candidates from among graduates.”

Mr Rich added that aspiring students should still choose to study a subject which appeals to their own interests, rather than one they think will lend them a particular advantage upon entering the increasingly competitive graduate jobs market.

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Entrepreneurs looking for practical advice on how to locate and develop top young talent could benefit from attending the Graduate Recruitment and Development Forum 2011, which will take place at London’s Canary Wharf in February.

Posted by Ross George