I try to articulate that the professional world and the academic world are very different worlds. In the academic world, we try as much as possible to level the playing field for all students so that each may succeed; we try to be completely removed from prejudice or any kind of bias; we try to give second chances when there are reasonable excuses; we try to bend over backwards to help create success rather than failures for our students.
In the real world, people may not be fair, in many cases who you are and your connections may be much more important than what you know or your ability to complete the job successfully; in the real world, prejudices or bias may be used in real terms to limit or create roadblocks to success; in the real world, second chances sometimes are never given; and bending over backwards is not a concept that many are willing to implement. The academic world in most cases is an ideal environment, the real world, not so much. When students are confronted with this contrast, if they are new to the real business world, it can be a jolt and difficult to deal with.
Hi Kelly,
Great point! Data tells us that 90% of jobs are lost due to the lack of "soft skills" in the work place and based upon personal experience I am sure that is correct. Effective communication skills and the ability to get along with others will help a person's career to move forward much quicker. Though, this is often a hard sell to students. They miss the connection between how they dress, talk and act and how successful they are going to be in the workplace.
Gary
In addition to the content of our courses, it is important to teach the "soft skills" that are necessary for success in the professional world. All of us have expectations for our students including being on time, working successfully with others, asking appropriate questions, etc. that will help our students to understand what will be expected of them in their fields. The process of school incorporates so much more than just the specific content of a particular course.
Hi Laurent,
Good point and great question. How I address this issue is to talk about the professional responsibilities of the career area. Then I have graduates come in and talk directly about what it takes to be successful in the field. These "chats" really open the eyes of the students because these graduates tell it like it is and much of the telling involves talking about the social and ethical aspects of career success.
Gary
