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Three skills crucial to success in tomorrow’s workplace

I am puzzled and disturbed that fresh graduates are having difficulty pursuing their desired full-time careers, given the economy and the competition these days (Fresh grads forced to lower career expectations; Aug 7).

I am puzzled and disturbed that fresh graduates are having difficulty pursuing their desired full-time careers, given the economy and the competition these days (Fresh grads forced to lower career expectations; Aug 7).

There are young Singaporeans who are frustrated by their plight and face a series of problems, from not getting interviews, or replies, to resorting to ad hoc work to sustain themselves.

Evidently, and contrary to the preconceived mindset, a degree may not necessarily take one far, especially these days.

I believe there needs to be a certain degree of change in our educational system to equip students with the skills to survive in the 21st century, rather than training them for a specific sector.

With the uncertainty in our competitive society, I feel that adaptability, critical thinking and resilience are the skills every student needs to handle adversity in the future workplace.

Many fresh graduates are switching careers and even holding jobs meant for diploma holders. Adaptability allows students to be open and willing to try new experiences, avoiding obsolescence in the process.

Similarly, critical thinking is a sought-after trait that enables students to reflect independently and form useful judgments on issues (Critical thinking a key skill in digital age; Aug 8).

Building resilience in students entails the courage to stand up after countless failures, which would help graduates manage their struggle to find a job effectively.

These three skills should be nurtured in students from as early as secondary school, so as to give them a head start in life and prepare them for the challenges of the job market ahead.

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