According to a 2016 World Economic Forum report, 65% of children entering primary school will go on to be employed by jobs that do not yet exist. In 2020, today’s most in-demand jobs are in areas such as cloud computing or artificial intelligence — almost unheard of just a few years ago.
As technological advances and automation continue to reshape the job landscape globally, it is important to have the right qualification that will enable graduates to pursue several career paths, jumping with ease from one to the other. McKinsey estimates that between 400 million and 800 million individuals would need to find new jobs by 2030 around the world — for digital-first, future-proof graduates, this is not an ominous prediction. It is a statement of opportunity.
If your goal is to graduate and immediately take your career by storm now and in the future, preparation is key. Choosing a university that prioritises the development of technical and professional skills that employers value is crucial. In Australia, there is a university that makes you career-ready: La Trobe University.
Established in 1964, La Trobe University has over 35,000 students in seven campuses who are embarking on their journeys to world-class careers. This is the ambition the university encourages and nurtures, providing pathways to success for people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities.
As the world changes, so do job opportunities. Which is why La Trobe University equips students with future-proof skills and competencies that are essential to ensure they land their dream jobs of today and tomorrow.
The Career Ready Advantage Award provides that extra push. Students can take part in activities in these categories: Professional Learning, Practical Experience and Career Portfolio. There are levels to the award and each one grants formal certification. For one of the requirements, building a career portfolio, you can work your way up from “Silver to “Platinum” by completing the basics (creating a career plan, CV and LinkedIn profile), then levelling-up with interviews and industry mentoring.
These initiatives help to fill the “skill gap” many employers lament about today. It refers to the disparity between the knowledge companies seek in recruits and the knowledge job applicants actually have. Many companies are no longer interested in teaching their new staffers. The jobs that are up for grabs are typically in need of individuals who are ready to come in and immediately add value.
La Trobe University aims to close the gap by focusing on what matters, which is overall career-readiness. The university is fully focused in equipping students with skills that employers are looking for and that will serve them well throughout their careers across a global, knowledge-based economy.
Apart from building exceptional soft skills and personal qualities, the university pays close attention to the technical skills that are required when securing a future-proof career. For example, La Trobe University’s Bachelor of Humanities, Innovation and Technology brings a human touch to technology. The course was designed for students who are looking to embrace technology’s pivotal role in life today, all while paying attention to the surrounding ethical issues.
“La Trobe University’s Humanities, Innovation and Technology course answers the call for graduates who can bring a humanities perspective to fields like artificial intelligence, sustainability, virtual reality, and big data. It shapes future leaders to guide the progress of society and respond to questions surrounding ethics, inequality and digital disruption,” says Professor Nick Bisley, Head of School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
La Trobe University’s many successful graduates are a testament to the effectiveness of its career development and professional training courses. From government to industry and non-profit organisations, these graduates go on to become state ministers, CEOs, scientists and entrepreneurs.
To name a few: Yanti Turang, a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Nursing graduate is now the founder and executive director of global healthcare non-profit LearnToLive; Peter Crock who completed his Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences in 1987, is now the CEO of Cann Group, one of Australia’s leading medicinal cannabis companies; and Tan Sri Ghazzali Sheikh Abdul Khalid, who completed his Bachelor of Economics degree in 1971, is now the Director of Axiata Group, a Malaysian multinational telecommunications conglomerate.
At La Trobe University, you might find these illustrious graduates sharing their knowledge with students. This is done through the Industry Mentoring Programme, another opportunity to network and develop professionally.
In the span of 12 weeks, mentors will nurture students by challenging preconceived ideas and beliefs, providing valuable insights into industry-specific job markets, and assisting in career planning. Students and mentors are strategically matched based on interests, education and career aspiration.
From start to finish, La Trobe University’s career advisers are there to help students make the right decisions. What internships should you consider? When is the right time to volunteer? Should you study overseas and gain global experiences? How do you start looking for a job?
Advisers are ready and available to connect you to the programmes, resources and initiatives that will develop your career-readiness. They also provide feedback on resumes and help with interview preparations.
La Trobe University is offering more flexibility and support to start your degree online and study on campus later. This includes an expanded range of scholarships, updated ways to meet your entry requirements, new deposit payment options and a flexible refund policy. Same world-class education, different mode of learning – with support every step of the way. To find out more, click here.
Have a question about life at La Trobe University? Get real answers from real students and find out how to make the most of your La Trobe experience. Chat to La Trobe University’s students now.