The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is causing a massive shift in Malaysia's job market, and fresh graduates are struggling to cope with the changing demands of employers. As per JobStreet by SEEK Malaysia, most new graduates are not ready for the technological advancement that is taking place across industries, and there is a considerable gap between their skills and the roles they seek.
Fresh graduates are often forced to take on jobs that fall into the bracket of what they studied. "However, skills are a very different ball game from qualifications", added Nicholas Lam, managing director at JobStreet Malaysia. "A fresh graduate has only seen and learned through limited exposure within his or her curriculum, with rapidly changing employers' needs- not to forget AI is seeping into various sectors".
A report from the ‘Decoding Global Talent Report 2024: GenAI Edition’ reveals that 79% of Malaysian professionals anticipate changes in their roles due to AI, with 28% expecting significant transformations. Lam emphasized that graduates must not only adapt but also acquire skills to leverage AI for career advancement. “This underscores the necessity of equipping graduates with the tools they need to succeed in an AI-driven workforce”, he added.
These three sectors, specifically technology, finance, and manufacturing industries, are fiercely competed for with entry-level position competition, which increases the pressure further on fresh graduates. Nevertheless, the high applicants' flood leads employers to increase the search not only for such academic qualifications but also for someone who has got practical experience, along with relevant industry knowledge.
Lam pointed out the need for the multi-lateral collaboration of both educational institutions, industries, and policymakers. "Universities should make their curricula update according to the latest trends in industries and collaborate with employers to better sync education with job requirements", he suggested. He also urged employers to provide 'structured internships' and graduate training programs to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical experience.
Lam suggested that fresh graduates should take proactive steps to enhance their employability. "Graduates should consider pursuing short courses or certifications in high-demand skills related to their target industries. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering can significantly improve employability", he said.
Lam also encouraged graduates to customize their resumes and cover letters to emphasize transferable skills and achievements that are relevant to the job opening. Attending job fairs, joining professional networks, and keeping abreast of market trends are also essential for expanding career opportunities.
According to Lam, technical and soft skills are equally important in today's competitive job market. "Adaptability, problem-solving, and communication are just as crucial as technical expertise", he said. By preparing, persisting, and continuously learning, new graduates can get over challenges and secure successful career paths.
