Despite the overwhelming number of graduates each year, Pakistan struggles to grapple with the issue of unemployment. This can be attributed to the significant disconnect between what students learn and what industries need. More than a quarter of graduates are mismatched in terms of skills, with about half being over-skilled and the remainder under-skilled.
What is the reason for this disparity?
- Pakistan’s education system suffers from an outdated curriculum that fails to keep pace with rapidly evolving industrial and technological requirements. Universities stress theoretical knowledge and rote learning, leaving graduates without the hands-on experience that employers seek.
- Minimal exposure to industry professionals and limited internship opportunities tend to create a communication gap between graduates and employers, making it difficult to align academic knowledge with industry expectations and requirements.
- As batch sizes swell with each passing year, Pakistani universities struggle to maintain respectable standards of education. Inconsistencies in teaching quality and poor mentorship prevent students from reaching their full potential.
- Take the textile industry in Pakistan, for example. While the industry is eager to compete globally by adopting modern technologies like automated machinery and advanced dyeing techniques, degrees in textile design remain focused on theoretical aspects like textile chemistry and fiber technology. This mismatch leaves graduates struggling to find employment and hinders the industry’s progress.
Our Solution: Career Launchpad
We are on a mission to bridge the gap between education and industry, empowering graduates to seamlessly transition into the workforce with confidence and the right skills. By doing so, we not only uplift individual careers but also contribute to a stronger, more dynamic economy that thrives on a well-prepared and capable workforce.
How do we achieve this?
- We prioritize student inclusion by organizing networking events and industry fairs, bringing together students, academics, and industry professionals to interact, share knowledge, and explore potential collaborations. This gives students the connections they need to thrive.
- We focus on skill development through insightful, interactive workshops led by seasoned professionals. These workshops cover a broad range of topics—making a strong first impression in an interview, overcoming inhibitions, turning an idea into a successful business, or crafting the perfect resume. Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered.
- By collaborating with leading companies, we help our students secure internships and job placements that provide real-world experience beyond the classroom. Our alumni, now working at top-tier companies like Jazz, S&P Global, and Binance, are our pride.
If you’d like to partner or need more information about our work, please reach out to us at mahad@careerlaunchpad.pk.
Written by: Sara Khan
Works Cited:
1) Hussain, M. Z. (2024, April 30). Pakistan – the industry & academia situation. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pakistan-industry-academia-situation-mirza-zia-hussain-1nhgf/
2) Farooq, S. (2015). Job Mismatches in Pakistan: Is there Some Wage Penalty to Graduates? The Pakistan Development Review, 54(2), 147–164. https://doi.org/10.30541/v54i2pp.147-164
3) Tribune. (2024, January 8). Academia industry gap. The Express Tribune. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452492/academia-industry-gap
