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by Thirada Sanganukul
Industry expectations are higher towards graduates in this century based on world changes that affect the current job market and work field, especially higher expectations on international graduates due to the main use of global language in higher education. The world has changed rapidly throughout the century with the large-scale departure from the manufacturing economy to the current economy shaped by technology. The competitiveness in the job market keeps rising nowadays as time keeps running. Meanwhile, today’s graduates often face challenges in meeting expectations when entering the work field.
Thailand’s industries are mainly distinguished into three categories via Investopedia (2022) as follows;
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing (e.g. food, energy, minerals, automobiles)
- Services (e.g. tourism, retailing, transportation)
Thailand’s industries keep developing to catch up with the global industries’ demands and achieve related goals. This changes Thailand’s job market, mainly seeking workers with technological and English language skills. The private and international industries’ demands and expectations of candidates include soft skills, competence, the desire for self-development, collaboration, and flexibility. Besides, attitude and willingness are important and much expected in candidates, as well as ability, according to Adecco Thailand (2019).
Apart from job-specific skills, here are the ranks of the most important and required skills via Frontiers (2022).
Communication skills have become the top requirement. It means to be professional in using language in both writing and speaking. It also means being able to convey information effectively across cultures. Getting more employment opportunities requires using more than one language, especially English – the language of international communication. Studying in an international environment can help improve language skills, become familiar with other cultures, and help build a resume with outstanding language skills and experiences after graduation.
Stamford is an educational institution where learners are brought into the international community and academic environment. Students can enhance language skills by making friends, participating in class discussions, and working on projects.
Stamford International University (2019) reports the Market Average Salary Benchmark 2019 from Adecco Group Thailand below.
Learning at STIU gives students experiences of an international study environment with diversity and challenges of cultural diversity during group work. The courses and assessments are upon theory and practice, such as class participation, exams, projects, and assignments. These encourage students to apply what they have learnt in the real world, which helps them be equipped with the required skills by the industries and improves their mindset towards diversity in society and the work environment. Project-based learning is mostly used as a teaching methodology that effectively helps students experience working in groups and enhance related skills – communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and planning – to prepare for their future career paths.
Effective communication skills are the key to success in the 21st century, particularly the ability to communicate in multiple languages. Industries tend to hire international graduates with more than the average and even offer them jobs before completing their degrees, according to an STIU report (2019). Studying internationally is an effective way to develop foreign language skills through communicating with foreign friends and professors. In addition, this can improve the attitude expected by industries as much as the ability to through cultural diversity. It is important to understand what is happening in the world because the ability and willingness to adapt to changes will lead to better opportunities in life. Through a culturally diverse environment, student-centred teaching methodologies and assessments, Stamford International University, without a doubt, equip its graduates with the skills required by the industries.
Sources
Bajpai, P. (2022, September 26). Emerging Markets: Analyzing Thailand’s GDP. Investopedia.com.
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