Is College Failing Gen Z? New Data Reveals Just How Deep the College Crisis Goes

The landscape of higher education is shifting dramatically. With colleges closing at an alarming rate and Gen Z questioning the traditional four-year degree, it’s clear that institutions need to adapt to survive. A recent Forbes article, “New Data Reveals Just How Deep The College Crisis Goes,” cites a study sponsored by Hult International Business School, a global education institution with seven campuses in three countries, that points to a sharp gap in how colleges are preparing their students for success and what employers demand from new graduate hires. “Recent college graduates are profoundly unhappy with their lack of workplace readiness—and so are their employers,” the article states. You can read the full Forbes article here.

The study reveals some alarming statistics from recent undergraduate students and HR leaders:

  • 77% of graduates report that they learned more in 6 months on the job than in their entire 4-year education.
  • 85% of graduates wish their college had better prepared them for the workplace.
  • 55% of graduates say their college education didn’t prepare them at all for their job. 
  • 75% of HR leaders say most college educations aren’t preparing people at all for their jobs.  
  • 96% of HR leaders believe colleges need to take more responsibility for workplace training.

Forbes reports: “According to the study, the top five human skills that HR leaders are desperate to find in their new hires are communication (98%), a willingness to learn (93%), collaboration (92%), creativity (90%) and critical thinking (87%). People with these skills are able to adapt and grow as professionals, even if they don’t arrive at the job with all the technical competencies perfectly mastered.”

Transformation at Utah State University

See how business school students at Utah State University are learning human skills for life and workplace readiness with The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People®.

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These findings underscore the urgency for change in higher education. So, how can institutions address these challenges and better prepare graduates for success? Dr. Stephen Covey’s international bestselling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People offers a powerful framework for higher education institutions to teach students the top five human skills HR leaders are looking for, preparing  students to be attractive to employers and and get hired.

Here’s how these habits can be applied:

  • Be Proactive: Institutions must anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of the job market. This means actively seeking feedback from employers and analyzing industry trends to ensure curriculum relevance.
  • Begin With the End in Mind: Colleges need to clearly define the desired outcomes for their graduates. This includes identifying the specific skills and competencies needed for success in various fields.
  • Put First Things First: Prioritize the development of essential skills like communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and AI literacy, as highlighted in the Forbes article. These are the skills employers value most.
  • Think Win-Win: Foster partnerships with businesses to create internship and apprenticeship opportunities. This provides students with real-world experience and gives employers access to potential talent.
  • Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: Actively listen to the concerns of students, faculty, and employers. Use this feedback to inform curriculum development and improve the overall learning experience.
  • Synergize: Encourage collaboration between departments and disciplines to create interdisciplinary programs that address the complex challenges of the modern workplace.
  • Sharpen the Saw: Invest in faculty development to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest industry trends and teaching methodologies. Continuously improve the quality of education offered.

By embracing these principles, higher education institutions can bridge the skills gap and empower graduates to thrive in the 21st-century workforce. The time for change is now.