This column has, over the past three weeks, explored some of the career challenges students face and recommended ways in which they may be addressed. Career uncertainty, accessing career information as well as the economic and technological challenges were among the areas discussed. This week, we focus on what the students have to say.

JOBS requiring three to five years work experience was among the challenges identified by students from three local tertiary institutions, by way of an exploratory study.

It was a challenge identified primarily among those graduates who began to pursue studies immediately after leaving high school.

They also identified finding part-time and summer employment while on campus as a challenge. Those opportunities for employment not only provide needed funds for general maintenance purposes, but it also gives them needed work experience.

Although, not permanent employment, it gives them an insight into the working world. It therefore builds their self- confidence and helps to develop needed skills and competencies.

Financing their education was another of the challenges.

Although students’ loan is obtained by many, there are those who find it difficult to secure guarantors. Additionally, there is the challenge of funding their maintenance, including accommodation, transportation, meals and books.

Other challenges they identified are detailed below.

1. A lack of knowledge concerning what employers expect

As prospective employees, they do not know exactly what employees expect of them – except for the three to five years work experience. They, therefore, have a fear of not knowing how to function effectively on the job, although they possess the required academic qualifications.

2. A lack of practical experience in their area of specialty

Students believe that they have insufficient hands-on experience related to their programme of study. They would, therefore, like to get more involved in structured work-study, internships and service learning programmes.

3. Finding a mentor/career counsellor

Tertiary level students note that they are hard pressed to find someone to guide them and to help develop their career path so that they can achieve their career goal.

They at times, therefore, pursue programmes not in keeping with their career interest, and have to make changes which prolong the duration of their programme of study.

4. Limited programme offerings

The limited offerings in programmes of study at the tertiary level, and the competitive job market do not allow many to find jobs or pursue careers in their area of study. Positions are also accepted at levels below the entry level for a tertiary level graduate.

5. Repayment of student loans

Securing a job that pays enough to facilitate easy repayment of student loans is another of the challenges they identify and faced following graduation. There is also the issue of other debts incurred while studying, and the lack of a salary that allows them to survive at an acceptable standard.

6. Religious affiliation

Religious affiliation and the geographical location of the prospective employee also pose a challenge for some job- seeking graduates.

7. Coping with advanced technology

Coping with advanced technology in the workplace was to a lesser extent seen as a challenge to some students about to enter the world of work.

8. Visa restrictions

Visa restrictions also emerged as a challenge for students. Prospective job seekers have the needs and the desire to access job opportunities regionally and internationally, but find it difficult to do so in light of certain visa restrictions.

How the public and private sectors can help

Most, if not all, institutions are cognisant of the needs of students/prospective employees and must collaborate to help them meet the challenges.

Public and private sector organisations are the users of the human resources, which tertiary level institutions provide. They need, therefore, to increase collaboration among themselves to offer internships and work-study programmes. This will enable students to get the work experience they require.

Too, there should be more career preparation and planning programmes for students to become aware of employers’ expectations. These programmes should be developed and delivered jointly with the educational institutions, human resource practitioners and managers who are the prospective employers.

Prior to entering tertiary institutions, applicants should be guided not only on the academic requirements for survival, but also on the financial requirements, which extend beyond tuition fees.

Tertiary level institutions should design and develop new programmes and expand or reduce programme intake in keeping with manpower needs.

Students should become aware of how to plan and organise an effective job search. The importance of hands-on experience with technology as part of a programme for job survival cannot be over-emphasised.

The perceived challenges of students at the tertiary level need to be carefully examined and given attention. Greater focus on these can only help to improve the human resources potential of our nation, the region and the rest of the world.

Merrit Henry is career counsellor and students services manager at the Placement and Career Services Unit, UWI, Mona. She may be contacted at merrit.henry@uwimona.edu.jm.