How Thai Universities Can Better Prepare Graduates For The Workplace

Abstract

Thai universities play a crucial role in preparing learners to be productive members of society. This study looks at how universities prepare students for work and what can be done to improve the process. Using a mixed method approach involving a survey of university students’ opinions, a focus group of hiring managers interviews, and interviews with lecturers, a holistic view is achieved from the main stakeholders. The stakeholders show significant dissonance among expectations. These differences stem from many sources, mainly, the lack of shared and open information. Students enter university without a clear goal or a realistic informed prospectus. Lecturers try to bridge the gap between what is expected to be delivered and what industry needs. However, lecturers are working against a tide of reluctance from students’ aptitude and abilities, faculty realities and fractured industries that do not share. Human resources personnel seem not to have a clear idea of what is expected from graduates, especially in a dynamic environment. What employers want varies widely, making training difficult. Even when students enter the workforce with the creative energies required, the established systems stifle growth. Having greater interaction among the parties would help reduce the differences in expectations. The interactions need to be continual throughout the students’ time at university. Flexible programs and more internships would allow students to better understand how what is taught can be applied. Lecturers would have access to more relevant data and with class discussions being more informed. Companies can structure onboarding programs better as students would have experienced an introductory phase. More exchanges among stakeholders are required.