As Many As 77 Percent of Companies Find It Difficult to Find the Right Talent, the Gap Between Education and the World of Work is More Real

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - The gap between the world of education and industry needs is becoming more apparent. A global survey from Manpower Group shows that 77 percent of companies still have difficulty finding talent with the right skills. This condition shows that the main challenge today is no longer just on the availability of jobs, but on the readiness of graduates to meet the demands of the professional world.

In the midst of rapid technological changes, companies are now not only looking for graduates with academic degrees, but individuals who have work experience, practical skills, and adaptability from day one. Without this readiness, graduates risk having difficulty entering the workforce, as well as extending the transition period from education to the professional world.

This condition is a concern for parents, especially in ensuring that children are ready to be able to adapt directly to the world of work after graduation.

Dr. Nelly, S.Kom., M.M., as the Rector of BINUS University, conveyed that these concerns are increasingly felt in the midst of the demands of an ever-evolving industry.

"Currently, what parents are worried about is not only whether their children can graduate, but whether after graduating their children can immediately plunge into the world of work. Their children can work completely, both as professionals and creating jobs or becoming entrepreneurs," he explained, Tuesday, May 5.

The transformation of higher education driven by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology in recent years has encouraged universities to strengthen their connection with industry, prioritize experience-based learning, and place the readiness of graduates as the main outcome of education.

This approach places job readiness not as a result after graduation, but as a process that is built from the time of study. Universities are required not only to deliver academic material, but also to present learning experiences that are relevant to the needs of the world of work.

In this context, BINUS University integrates industry experience and skill development into the curriculum in a structured manner. Students not only acquire academic knowledge, but are also prepared to be more ready to adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of the professional world.

Through the innovative program "2.5 Years of Study, Ready for a Career", BINUS University carries the spirit of Start Earlier to equip students to complete their studies efficiently and faster to enter the professional world. This program is designed to accelerate student transition through a varied Enrichment program, ranging from Internship (Internship) to Entrepreneur (Entrepreneurship).

As part of the experience-based learning, students have the opportunity to spend a full year outside the campus to gain direct exposure through industry projects, business development, to international experiences. The strength of this program is supported by the superior value of BINUS University which has strategic connections with more than 2,200 active industry partners. This ensures that the curriculum and experiences that students get are always relevant to the dynamics of the global labor market.

Apart from industry partnerships, BINUS offers flexibility through Minor Programs that allow students to master cross-disciplinary competencies. Students are also supported by Mobility Programs and Study Abroad opportunities that allow them to study at various BINUS campuses (Multi-campus) and partner universities abroad to broaden their global perspectives.

The Rector of BINUS University, Dr. Nelly, S.Kom., M.M., emphasized the institution's commitment to producing graduates who are ready to work. "What we want to build is real readiness from the study period, not after graduation. Through the integration of industry experience, accelerated learning, and strengthening future skills, students have more relevant supplies to immediately adapt to the needs of the world of work," he said.

High-level technology integration is also a key pillar, where collaboration with global partners such as Apple and Microsoft provides access to the latest developments in the fields of digital and artificial intelligence (AI).

The readiness of student careers is further strengthened by access to a vast alumni network (Binusian), reaching more than 175,000 members. This massive networking opens the door to collaboration, mentoring, and business development opportunities for students even before they officially hold a bachelor's degree. Through a combination of accelerated study, cross-competence, and a strong professional ecosystem, BINUS University continues to be committed to nurturing and empowering the community in building a better archipelago.

This approach, which combines industry experience, acceleration of the transition to the world of work, and strengthening of future skills, shows measurable results. BINUS' internal data recorded that 82 percent of students at graduation were already working, entrepreneurship or continuing their studies. This figure shows that the work readiness built during college can shorten, even eliminate, the transition period after graduation.

For parents, this gives confidence that higher education is not only focused on graduation, but also on the child's readiness for the future. In the midst of a constantly changing dynamic, the selection of a university is an important decision that not only determines education, but also career readiness. More information about the learning approach and various programs offered can be accessed through the official BINUS University website at www.binus.ac.id.