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Graduates with practical experience more marketable in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Fresh graduates with practical experience have a 90 per cent better chance of securing a job in the market compared to those with mere academic qualifications.

A survey named ‘Industry vs Graduates’ conducted by INTI International University & Colleges (Inti) involving 600 respondents across three markets in Malaysia revealed industry placements were a deciding factor amongst 57 per cent of employers.

The study also revealed that the preference for well-rounded graduates with diverse interests stood at 81 per cent while the preference for those with practical experience stood at 65 per cent.

Rohit Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of Inti, said that it was essential for academic institutions to develop talent with the relevant skill-set, academic qualifications and right balance of aptitude and attitude.

"The survey could not be more relevant today, as academic qualifications alone are not sufficient to secure employment. Employers now want to see well-rounded, enterprising, and experienced individuals," he said while presenting the findings at Inti International College in Subang Jaya here today.

Meanwhile, parents and students believe that current graduates have improved their soft skills, whereas most employers say otherwise.

Soft skills include the four important C’s in the workforce: communication, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.

There was a significant gap in the findings: students placed critical thinking as the most critical soft skill, while 55 per cent of employers cite that communication was the most important factor.

However, both employers and employees agree that students who graduate from academic institutions that focus on internships tend to perform better and have better employment prospects.

Graduates are encouraged not to be picky when it comes to job-hunting, said panelist Leon Foong, General Manager of Uber Malaysia. He said it was better to follow your passion and gain experience rather than securing a job with the highest paid salary.

"If you follow your passion, success will always come with it. You must first add value to the field or company you are in. Only then will you start seeing money," he said.