Is Academic Success Enough for a Thriving Career?
Academic qualifications for students has long been accepted as a requirement in order to have or plan for a successful career. The higher the grade, the greater the benefits of landing a job of dreams.
As generations progress, thoughts about success and the achievement of it have changed. However there are those that still adhere to a traditional framework of what it means to preface a long and prosperous career. The focus around future success is very individualistic, creating a repetitive cycle of ‘what can I achieve for myself.’
An issue of deeper concern is the economic inactivity that exists in a high proportion of 16+ year olds, particularly in areas of deep depravation.
Education vs. Real-World Readiness: The Growing Gap
Multiple subjects taught in the curricula of Secondary education are relevant to specific job roles and academic achievement is necessary for progression to higher levels of education. “The school system is characterised by a national curriculum focused on academic subjects and written exams.” Lord Shipley (2022) The underlying issue outstanding for many young people is the ambition, not only for personal success but also to contribute to the societies they are a part of, the importance of which, ought to be a pressing question in the minds of every young person in education.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Career Success
The more young people who are focused on what can be achieved for themselves and their immediate surroundings, the less focus is attributed to contribution to and improvement of society. Part of this means a drive towards attaching current education methods and content with a way of being. Intelligence for academia is useful and helps to make a difference. However both the workplace and our world are calling out for more, particularly in terms of resilience and emotional intelligence in young people for the workplace.
“There is a significant mismatch between the skills young people develop in school and college today and those the future economy will need.” Lord Shipley (2022)
Preparing Students for the Workplace
In an instant and rights dominant society, tolerance is overshadowed by entitlement. Self-Awareness is self-obsession, self-regulation is seen as suppression, motivation is dependent on emotional well-being, empathy is overlooked due to distraction and social skills challenged by the inability to look away from screens. Are young people being equipped with the necessary tools to succeed in the workplace let alone contribute to the needs of society?
Emotional Intelligence
“Emotional Intelligence is the subset of social intelligence that involves the ability to monitor one’s own and others’ feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them and to use this information to guide one’s thinking and actions.” Salovey & Mayer (1990)
This highlights the skills of perceiving and discriminating emotions in oneself and others to inform decision-making and behaviour.
A Critical Lesson for the Next Generation
“The purpose of economic activity is to meet the needs (and wants) of citizens. This includes producing food so a population can eat, manufacturing, purchasing, or selling vehicles so citizens can access transportation, or ensuring citizens have access to services that can better their quality of life. All of these are influenced by and, in turn, can influence-economic activity.” (2024 StudySmarter GmbH)
This highlights the role of economic activity in meeting the needs and wants of citizens.
- It establishes a foundational understanding of how resources are utilised and transformed into goods and services, crucial for comprehending economic processes.
- It illuminates the fundamental purpose of economic activity: meeting the needs and wants of citizens, underscoring its societal importance.
- It highlights the interconnectedness between economic activities and societal well-being, emphasising their role in enhancing quality of life.
- It offers perspectives on both the structural aspects and the outcomes of economic activity, providing a comprehensive understanding.
Bridging Education and Future Prosperity
Ultimately, it frames economic activity as a vital mechanism for facilitating prosperity, development, and the satisfaction of human desires within society.
This is consistent with Szymkowiak et al (2021) stating that “Education plays a critical role in developing citizens whose confidence, awareness and advanced knowledge, as well as skills enable them to…cherish sustainability and prosperity for all.”
There is not supposed to be a gap between education and future sustainability and prosperity. Though there is no mention of responsibility, it does suggest an agenda. However, Szymkowiak et al (2021) adds “…in order to provide knowledge which will contribute to the community, motivation to acquire knowledge is of extreme significance.”
Prosperity, Development and Satisfaction are natural desires for all of humanity. The pathway to achieve those ends, some might say, logically begins with education.
What Education & Workforce Leaders Say
We conducted interviews with Education & Training Providers -
To hear an excerpt from the interview, click on the name:
Delivering transformative careers education as a way of preparing students for the world of work.
- Chris Towers - Newcastle College's Higher Education Recruitment Coordinator
- Karen Marshall - Social Value Apprentice, Apprentice and Engagement Lead at Accenture
- Catherine Angus - Behaviour Manager at Moorbridge Alternative Education Provision Service (North Tyneside)
- Paul Oliver - Chief Operating Officer at Citizens Advice (Gateshead)
These professionals in education, social value, and charity sectors underscore the importance of preparing young people for the transition from education to the workforce. Chris stresses the necessity of aligning secondary education with further studies, while Karen emphasises accessibility to opportunities and the significance of essential skills like resilience and communication. Catherine highlights the role of emotional intelligence in student engagement and the challenges posed by funding constraints. Paul stresses the value of practical experience, positive attitudes, and adaptability, advocating for a balanced approach that includes both academic and real-world skills development. Overall, these perspectives converge on the need for holistic education that equips students with the necessary skills and mindset for successful transition and contribution to society.
Shaping a More Sustainable Future Through Employment
When young people secure meaningful employment opportunities, they become integral members of their communities, contributing to local economies, supporting small businesses, and fostering social cohesion. By being gainfully employed, they not only enhance their own well-being but also contribute to the overall prosperity and resilience of their communities.
Young people in the workforce serve as role models and sources of inspiration for future generations. By choosing careers that prioritise social responsibility and ethical leadership, they set a precedent for others to follow
Final Thoughts: A Call for Holistic Education and Workforce Preparation
In conclusion, the responsibility of young people to contribute to society through employment cannot be overstated. By choosing careers that align with societal needs and values, they have the opportunity to drive positive change, foster belonging, and inspire future generations. In embracing their responsibility to contribute through employment, they shape a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for everyone.
Find out more about the wider work of M10 and careers education that matters to this generation of young people.
Learn more about how we support young people in their desire to serve the worldwide community
