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Preparing Transnational Education (TNE) students for the future of work
Victoria Wade, Director, University of London Careers Services explores key areas impacted by the changing nature of work and how she plans to address these in the upcoming session at the Transnational education conference 2024. The future of work is a topic of intense discussion and speculation. Questions abound: what jobs will remain in human hands, and which will be outsourced to technology? Will humans retain their integral role in the workforce, or are we edging towards redundancy as generative AI replaces us? While the exact future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: preparing Transnational Education (TNE) students for this evolving landscape is crucial.
The Changing Nature of Work – Key Considerations
Technological Advancements and Automation
The pace of technological advancements, especially in artificial intelligence and automation, is staggering. Consider this: while it took fixed telephones 75 years to reach 100 million users globally, ChatGPT achieved the same milestone in just two months. AI is transforming industries by streamlining tasks and enabling complex decision-making in shorter time frames. This dual-edged sword of optimism and concern about AI's impact on the workforce necessitates that students worldwide become proficient in digital tools and AI technologies. They need to understand both the applications and implications of these tools, not just from a technical standpoint but also in articulating their use and emphasising their unique human strengths to future employers.
Workforce Changes
Many countries are experiencing an aging population, leading to longer working lives, more job changes, and a greater number of career shifts. A recent survey found that U.S. workers stay with one employer for an average of about 4.1 years, holding down an average of 12 jobs in their working lifetime. Additionally, a 2023 McKinsey report highlighted that one in 16 workers might have to switch occupations by 2030, equating to more than 100 million workers across eight major economies. We must prepare our students to be flexible and resilient to these changes as well as helping them create adaptable career plans and master skills acquisition.
Many countries are experiencing an aging population, leading to longer working lives, more job changes, and a greater number of career shifts.
We must prepare our students to be flexible and resilient to these changes as well as helping them create adaptable career plans and master skills acquisition.
Skills Shortages
Despite rapid changes, there are persistent skills shortages in critical areas. Employers report significant skills deficits and job vacancies, and are turning to higher education providers to bridge this gap. Around the world, people are continuing to prioritise investing time and money in education to acquire necessary skills. A robust careers education and employability development offer can help higher education institutions stand out in the market. Addressing economic and environmental challenges requires a well-skilled workforce, making it imperative for TNE programs to prepare students comprehensively.
How Careers Services can prepare TNE students for the future of work
Preparing TNE students for the future of work involves a multifaceted approach addressing technological advancements, demographic changes, and the need for collaborative and data-driven skills.
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Conference
Transnational education conference 2024
In our upcoming session at the TNE conference (Link), we will share how the University of London's comprehensive employability support, including embedded resources, transdisciplinary learning, and AI-related initiatives, ensures students are well-equipped to succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy. We bring to life the value of transdisciplinary learning by facilitating attendees through a transdisciplinary learning activity to illustrate the universal and personal aspect of careers education and employability.
We will highlight the AI-related tools, events and resources the University of London Careers Service offer their TNEs students, enabling them to articulate their use of AI and emphasise their human strengths and personal qualities to future employers. We look forward to seeing you there between 8-9 October.
