Employers have raised concerns about the lack of social and presentation skills among graduates post-COVID, which poses a challenge for a smooth transition from campus life to the workplace. Graduates mistakenly believe that technical skills are the deciding factor for recruiters when selecting candidates. While employers cannot compromise on technical expertise, they all agree that social skills are equally important when hunting for new hires.
A two-way communication approach is needed to bridge the gap between graduates and managers and foster stronger bonding. Managers need to show their willingness to gauge feedback from graduates to improve the quality and relevancy of training materials. Employers are also implementing personalised orientation and on-the-job training programs to help graduates adapt to the workplace faster and perform their job more effectively.
In addition to organising targeted training sessions for line managers, companies may consider taking further measures to foster better understanding and communication between the Gen Z workforce and their supervisors. Encouraging young graduates to take a more proactive approach in their learning journey by addressing their fears, seeking guidance, and actively reaching out to their colleagues could be a viable solution to bridge the gap between the two generations. It is crucial to empower both parties to take the initiative to communicate and build a strong working relationship that benefits the team and the organisation as a whole.
Based on student feedback, it appears that many employers do not maintain contact with their interns after their internships come to an end. This lack of communication can lead interns to feel undervalued as members of the team and can even curb their enthusiasm for future work with the same employer once they graduate. Employers, too, have acknowledged this challenge and understand the importance of maintaining positive relationships with former interns to promote future employment opportunities.
In conclusion, the development of social skills and effective communication between graduates and employers is vital for a successful transition from campus life to the workplace. Employers are taking steps to bridge the gap by providing personalised orientation and on-the-job training programs, seeking feedback from graduates, and encouraging proactive learning. It is essential to cultivate a culture of open communication and build strong relationships between the two generations to create a positive and productive work environment.
This article was written with insights based on discussions that took place during the Bloomberg & GradConnection Campus Recruitment Round Table Event on 9 March 2023. If you are interested in finding out more about this topic please reach out to your account manager Bonnie Chan ([email protected]) or Robert Muresan ([email protected])