University Degrees Going Sour - how to ensure you remain employable in a changing workforce

There is growing concern around the longevity of many University degrees and training qualifications provided by a number of educational institutions, with some executive search professionals suggesting that undergraduate degrees, masters and even doctorates have an expiry date. Due to rapidly changing technologies, tools, techniques and methodologies in many different fields of work, many people who have been out of the job market for a number of years (or less, if their field of work is ICT), are finding that their qualifications are now out of date, and not up to recent shifts workplace environments.


Yet there are many things jobseekers can do to ensure their skills remain relevant in an ever-changing jobs market.



• Join a professional body or association - Based on the latest research in their fields, professional associations and institutions help develop the latest tools and techniques. There are a large number of associations, no matter what your qualifications are, such as the International Project Managers Association, the System Administrators Guild of Australia, or the Australian Society for Music Education. Graduates in any discipline who stay in touch with such a community of professionals will be more aware of what qualifications and skills are most valuable throughout the years.



• Undertake a top-up program or refresher course - Many institutions are responding to the concern around degree longevity by offering top-up courses and additional training programs designed to help teach University graduates learn new skills, refresh their old knowledge, and help give job seekers an advantage when searching for a job. Check local colleges or even TAFE institutes for short courses or refresher courses, such as executive coaching courses, sales training, or specialised courses for those in the health industry.



• Work within an-up-to-date workplace environment - When searching for a job, if possible, choose to work with companies that give exposure to new methodologies and technologies, and plenty of training. Check to see what kinds of research and education programs are being carried out by the company.



• Show that you’re willing to keep up - Above all, employers are looking for people who are committed to the discipline, so any extra research, reading, and self-training you undertake in your spare time will beneficial, and look good to potential employers.



• Don’t be afraid to update your skills – Even though you know you have all the intelligence, technical skills, and know how, acknowledge that the workplace is a constantly changing and evolving area, no matter what your discipline is, and keeping up to date with new changes will also benefit your productivity and enjoyment at work.