The technological age has created a desperate need for upskilling oneself and staying relevant in order to be employable. This age has also made the gap between industry and academia bigger than ever. A study published in the Journal of Further and Higher Education revealed that Ghanaian employers graduates seem to have a decline in skills that are necessary to stay relevant in the employability world. Students come out of schools with theories and frameworks, with very little hands-on skills that make them relevant to industries. This contradiction often has graduates struggling to find their feet once they transition to the real world. 

Bridging the Gap

There are ways that the gap between industry and academia can be bridged. One of the ways this can be done is through volunteering. Volunteering is the act of offering time and expertise without any expectation of financial returns. Within the concept of academia and industry, volunteering is a solid bridge that aids both students and industry in exchanging ideas, creating collaboration and building a solid network. 

Here are a few advantages of volunteering while in the academic space:

Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practices: Academic institutions usually equip students with theoretical knowledge but there is no space to practice this knowledge in the real world. This usually has them grasping for nothing once they are thrust into the real world and start facing the real life experiences. Volunteering provides an avenue for the students to gain hands-on experience, giving them the chance to put what they have learnt into practice and honing the skills they already have. The GIJ class of 2021 had the chance to experience what is is like planning an event alongside the theoretical aspect of it. This gave the students an inkling into the world of event planning and what it actually entails as concerned to just studying about it in the classroom. 

Enhancing Employability: Due to the hands-on experience that the students gain from volunteering, this makes them seem more employable as they already have exposure into the workplace dynamics. This usually gives them an edge over their colleagues who have little to no exposure to the real world. This also boosts the volunteer’s experience paradox, as most workplaces tend to prefer students with working experience as compared to the greenhorns. This also provides students the space they need to develop soft skills such as teamwork, taking initiatives, communications and the likes that are necessary to survive in the working world. 

Knowledge Transfer between Sectors: Having student volunteers brings a set of fresh eyes into the industry. They bring their insights and new problem solving approaches that can usually revolutionize the industry they find themselves in. For example, a business student volunteering in a startup incubator can help refine go-to market strategies as well as come up with new and viable ways to keep customers coming back for more, ensuring the continuity of their clients’ businesses. 

Building Professional Network: As volunteers go about their tasks, they also end up networking with like minded individuals in and outside of their industry, creating a strong relationship between themselves and said individuals. It is also a way for businesses to scout talent and pick for themselves individuals they believe should contribute positively to their businesses. For example, a communications student who volunteers with a startup could end up with a job offer with the same business or other businesses based on the skills they have exhibited. 

Encouraging Lifelong Learning: Volunteering is not just for students. Anyone can be a volunteer. It is sometimes a way to learn emerging trends and expand your knowledge horizon. This ensures that you do not stay stagnant but have a diversity of skills that should be useful as you keep climbing your career ladder. 

Conclusion

Volunteering should not be seen as an optional activity for students- it is crucial to the academic and professional ladder of any individual. Outside of the individual, volunteering becomes a strong relationship between academia and industry by creating a mutually beneficial cycle for both sides. While the students gain their hands-on experience, industries get their share of tapping into fresh talent and ideas the students have to offer. To keep this relationship going, industries should come up with a more structured opportunity for students while institutions should imbed volunteer programs into their curricula (without forcing it down the throats of the students) and assist students in picking volunteer roles that are in line with their career goals.