I have a degree; now what?

Observer

23-06-2025

A student graduates. Family cheers. Someone hands them a shiny certificate. They post it with a lengthy caption: Hard work pays off, but then? Sometimes not much! Weeks pass, months pass. Job applications disappear into the Internet's black hole. Suddenly, that fancy degree is beginning to look like a costly wall decoration. This is not about a particular country but a global issue, something that seems to be happening 'everywhere else.' If it feels familiar, well, that's purely a coincidence
Universities worldwide are producing graduates faster than bakeries make bread. And in nearly all of these places, employers are whispering the same thing: 'The degree is nice, but can they actually do anything?' Ask a recruiter, and you will hear it straight: 'This person knows the theory, but they can't lead a meeting, can't explain an idea clearly, can't work in a team without drama, and thinks 'soft skills' means being polite.'
Now, let's be fair; degrees aren't useless. They are necessary. But these days, having a degree without any practical skills is like owning a smartphone with no apps. It looks smart but can't do much. Real-world jobs require more than classroom knowledge. They need skills like critical thinking, time management, digital skills, adaptability, and yes, even how to send a professional e-mail. Believe it or not, some graduates are writing work e-mails as if they were texting their cousins.
The situation is so common now that even large companies are rethinking their hiring practices. Siemens, for example, began hiring people based on attitude and then trained them on the job, requiring no prior experience. It turns out that work ethic, curiosity and coachability are more valuable than just knowing formulas. Meanwhile, some Gen Z entrepreneurs are skipping college altogether and diving straight into real-world projects, start-up fellowships and self-directed learning. Is that the solution? Maybe for some. However, others still require structure, and let's be honest, not everyone is suited to be a 22-year-old CEO. Still, one in three high school grads globally admit they don't feel ready for adult life. They know calculus but not how to budget or file taxes. Parents worry their kids are academically prepared but emotionally lost. Somewhere, something isn't adding up.
So who's to blame? No one. Or maybe everyone. But not anyone in particular. Globally, many education systems continue to struggle to keep pace with the modern world. Some students think finishing school means they are done learning. Some employers still want fresh graduates with '10 years' experience.' Obviously, 'You can't clap with one hand.' And right now, some education systems and the job markets are clapping awkwardly with mismatched expectations.
So what should education systems be teaching? Sure, algebra and literature are important. But let's also teach how to speak confidently in a meeting, how to disagree respectfully, how to think under pressure and how not to panic when someone says, 'Can you share your screen?' Some universities are teaming up with employers to co-design programmes, incorporating real-world projects and emphasising 'learn it, do it, reflect on it' cycles. That's promising. But progress is uneven, and many institutions still treat employability as someone else's department.
Meanwhile, companies are getting creative. Some use bootcamps, others prefer micro-credentials. Coursera's 2025 report states that millions are now opting for short online courses to become job-ready in months, not years. Flexibility is the name of the game. The job market itself is changing faster than ever. Remote work, automation and AI are all rewriting the rules. These days, your competition isn't just the person next to you in class; it's someone on another continent who can build a website, speak three languages and edit videos from their phone. So, a degree might open the door, but it is skills that keep the door open. This isn't about blaming anyone. It's about realising that where education isn't evolving properly, we will continue to produce graduates who are well-educated but unprepared, motivated yet mismatched. You cannot bring a knife to a gunfight. Many young people are currently bringing diplomas to a world that's asking for resilience, resourcefulness and real results. The paper is nice, but life wants performance. This is a global issue. A shared reality. A gentle wake-up call, not an accusation.