University of Mysore Raises Alarm Over Postgraduate and PhD Unemployment Crisis
In a stark revelation, University of Mysore Registrar (Evaluation) N Nagaraju on Tuesday voiced deep concern over the escalating number of postgraduate and PhD degree holders who are failing to secure employment, attributing this trend to significant deficiencies in professional skills and communication abilities.
National Workshop Highlights Critical Skill Gaps
Nagaraju was addressing participants at a national training workshop focused on skills, expression, and communication, held at the BM Shri Auditorium. The event aimed to tackle the widening chasm between academic achievements and real-world employability, a pressing issue in today's competitive job landscape.
He emphasized that while academic qualifications, such as degrees, may formally qualify candidates for positions like assistant professors, they often fall short in imparting the practical competencies demanded by modern industries. This disconnect, he noted, leaves many highly educated individuals struggling to find suitable roles.
University Initiatives to Bridge the Divide
To combat this challenge, Nagaraju announced that the University of Mysore is rolling out specialized training programs with support from the central government. These initiatives are designed to equip students with essential skills that are frequently overlooked in traditional academic curricula, including enhanced communication, problem-solving, and industry-specific proficiencies.
"Students should not feel disheartened by the gap between their educational qualifications and job opportunities," Nagaraju urged. He encouraged them to proactively adapt to the evolving demands of key sectors such as corporate industries, banking, and information technology, where practical skills are increasingly valued over mere academic credentials.
Focus on Communication and Language Skills
Highlighting a critical area of concern, Nagaraju pointed out that even some Kannada postgraduates exhibit weaknesses in effective writing and communication. He advised students to leverage government schemes aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, suggesting that becoming job creators could be a viable alternative to traditional employment paths.
Echoing the importance of linguistic adaptability, NK Lolahakshi, director of the Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies, stressed the need to prepare the Kannada language for the digital age. He remarked that while artificial intelligence can efficiently process information, human intellect and emotional depth remain irreplaceable, underscoring the value of combining technical skills with human-centric abilities.
The workshop concluded with a call to action for educational institutions to integrate more skill-based training into their programs, ensuring that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also job-ready in a rapidly changing global economy.
