The landscape of the job market is rapidly changing, and so are the industry requirements for young professionals. Traditional degrees vs skill-based learning is the on-going debate, and there is overwhelming support for the skill-based education. The traditional degree programs that followed a set curriculum with very little variation or scope for additional certifications are fast becoming obsolete. Organisations now expect young professionals to wear multiple hats, have a decent understanding of topics and tech related to their niche industry, and be able to integrate into the workforce seamlessly without additional on-the-job training.
As jobs and industries evolve, it is important for universities to adapt to these changes. Career ready courses after 12th are the future of the education sector, and are already becoming a reality across the world. So, what does this mean for traditional degrees? Let us understand where traditional degrees stand today, the shift to skill-based learning, the need for global certifications, the rising popularity of micro-credentials, and how Sandip University is shaping the educational landscape with dynamic skill development programs:
Are Traditional Degrees Enough?
The simple answer to this question is NO. Traditional degrees are fast losing relevance in the world as the tech sector is becoming highly advanced and evolving at a lightning speed. A traditional degree usually spans across three to four years. The changes happening across industries is so rapid that the topics and skills learnt by students in the first year of a degree program can become obsolete by the time they graduate. This is why industries across various sectors are pushing for skill-based learning as the future of higher education.
The Rising Shift to Skill-based Learning
Skill-based learning is the future of education not only in India, but around the world. Universities are waking up to the fact that traditional degrees are just not cutting it. Skill-based learning is the future. Hence, there is additional focus on skill enhancement through various means. Value addition programs, certification programs, workshops, apprenticeship, part-time learning programs, and skill-intensive tech programs are gaining popularity among young professionals who are aware of the pulse of the industry.
Integration of Global Certifications in Traditional Degrees
Global certification programs are value addition programs that are offered by some of the best engineering colleges in Maharashtra, like Sandip University. These programs are integrated into the curriculum to provide skill and knowledge enhancement opportunities to students. Industry experts and mentors conduct these programs so that students have a direct connection with the current and future advancements within the industry.
Most leading colleges like Sandip University are collaborating with industry leaders to create Centres of Excellence on their college campus to train students in specific arenas. Experts from the collaborating organisations conduct skill development programs at such Centres of Excellence to train students and then recruit them into the organisation’s workforce upon graduation. Such collaborations are mutually beneficial to industry leaders as well as students aspiring for placements upon graduation.
What are Micro-credentials and their Advantages?
Micro-credentials are additional mini courses that students can pursue alongside a traditional degree program. This is still a very futuristic concept in education, and many leading colleges are offering such options to students. The main advantage of micro-credentials is that students have access to specialised, industry-oriented programs that can help them develop skills relevant to the industry.
Another advantage of micro-credentials is that they are flexible and students can dabble in fields that may interest them. For example, a student could be pursuing B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering, and the student could then opt for a micro-credential in the field of artificial intelligence, robotics, or even data science to explore these fields. The end result is that students will learn new skills in closely related fields that can elevate their chances towards a thriving global career.
How does Sandip University Implement Skill Development Programs?
Sandip University is one of the top engineering colleges in Nashik that offers cutting-edge and industry-relevant programs. Here are some of the ways in which Sandip University focuses on implementing skill development programs:
- The traditional degree programs have been revamped to serve the skill-oriented requirements of various industries
- High-tech fields relevant to one another have been combined for certain degrees like artificial intelligence and machine learning, or cloud technology and information security, and even cybersecurity and forensics
- Value addition and global certification programs are a part of the curriculum to help students gain skills and knowledge relevant to their field of study
- Employment Enhancement Programs are introduced in collaboration with industry leaders to help students learn soft skills, technical skills, and life skills for a transformative career
- Workshops, seminars, webinars, internships, projects, group assignments, and lab sessions are organised on a regular basis to provide 3600 skill development opportunities to students
Conclusion
Traditional degrees by themselves are just no longer viable for students who want a dynamic career on the global stage. Colleges and universities are now catering to the demands of the industries and focusing on skills to help students become employable professionals upon graduation. Universities like Sandip University are going the extra mile to ensure that their students have national and international opportunities through mutually beneficial collaborations.
Skill development through skill-based learning is the future and it is high time that students also understand the importance of opting for programs that promote skill-based learning. It is not enough to merely pursue one of the best high paying job-oriented courses after 12th. You need to conduct relevant research to shortlist colleges that have actually taken measures to transform their traditional degrees into high skill development programs. Only then can you carve a niche for yourself in a highly evolved and competitive job market. Good luck!