By: Nikhil Barshikar, Founder & CEO, Imarticus Learning, and Chairman, Advisory Council, Imarticus School of Finance & Business
In today’s hyper-connected, rapidly evolving global economy, the gap between traditional education and industry-ready skills has never been more apparent. Employers across finance, technology, and business are increasingly seeking graduates who combine academic excellence with practical experience, technological literacy, and a global mindset. Building globally competitive graduates, therefore, requires a strategic blend of rigorous academics, practical learning, international exposure, and continuous upskilling.
Recent employment data paints a complex picture of the graduate job market worldwide. According to a Financial Times analysis, the unemployment rate for new graduates in the United States has surpassed the national average since 2023, signaling that even advanced economies are struggling to absorb fresh talent into the workforce. The trend suggests that degrees alone are no longer sufficient; graduates must demonstrate practical, adaptable skills aligned with evolving business needs.
Bridging the divide between classroom knowledge and workplace competence begins with practical learning. A research shows that 92 million jobs are expected to be disrupted by automation by 2030, while 78 million new roles will emerge in technology-driven industries, creating a net growth of 170 million opportunities worldwide. Graduates who have engaged in applied projects, industry simulations, and internships are significantly more likely to transition smoothly into these future roles.
Project-based learning, where students solve real business challenges, cultivates both problem-solving and critical-thinking capabilities. Institutions that embed case-based projects, simulations, and capstone assignments within their curriculum produce graduates who are not only academically capable but practically confident. Moreover, by encouraging storytelling and writing as part of these projects, students learn to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively, an essential skill for communicating insights, influencing decisions, and leading effectively in the workplace.
Internships and co-operative programs remain one of the strongest predictors of employability. In India, for example, the number of internship opportunities grew by about 25% in 2024 and by over 135% in the last five years, signifying their increasing importance in industry-readiness.
This data underscores how structured internships, combined with higher education credentials, increasingly support both improved employment outcomes and higher earnings in the Indian context.
However, the degree’s value is maximised only when paired with work exposure. Structured internship programs, especially those tied to industry mentors and project deliverables, allow students to develop professional confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving ability in real-time. Beyond skill acquisition, such experiences create professional networks that often translate into early employment opportunities.
The concept of lifelong learning has gained prominence as industries evolve. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 indicated that employers estimate 44% of workers’ skills will be disrupted in the next five years. To remain competitive, graduates must engage in continuous professional development through certifications, online courses, and workshops that align with industry trends.
In the age of AI and automation, learning does not end with graduation. Micro-credentials, stackable certificates, and short-format bootcamps are enabling graduates to remain competitive. Professionals who invest in continuous learning are 48% more likely to transition into new high-growth roles within three years than those who do not.
The world no longer rewards academic excellence alone. The modern graduate must be multidimensional, analytically sharp, digitally fluent, globally aware, and emotionally intelligent. Achieving that demands a shared commitment from academia, industry, and policymakers to design ecosystems where theory meets practice and learning meets opportunity.
In essence, building globally competitive graduates is not about producing more degrees; it’s about producing adaptable, ethical, and future-ready thinkers who can lead innovation across borders.
