Degrees dont guarantee jobs—skills do!

in today's dynamic world, a college degree by itself no longer guarantees employment. with the emergence of new-age fields like artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, forensic science, criminology, biotechnology, and biosciences, students have a vast array of options before them.however, traditional subjects like accounting, physics, chemistry, and linguistics are seeing a decline in student interest. if this trend continues, we may soon face a shortage of qualified teachers in these critical disciplines.the abundance of choices has left many students confused about which course to pursue. at such a crossroads, it is essential for students to make informed decisions based on their own interests and strengths. choosing a course simply because a friend or parent recommends it can lead to long-term dissatisfaction. instead, students should carefully understand their own aspirations and align their academic path accordingly.the industry today expects candidates to be job-ready from day one. this means students must not only gain academic knowledge but also acquire the practical skills relevant to their chosen profession. while educational institutions provide about 60% of these skills, the remaining 40% must be learned independently.part-time work opportunities offered by companies can play a vital role in this learning process. for instance, a b.com. student aspiring to become an accountant should learn essential software like tally and seek part-time roles to strengthen their skills and gain real-world exposure.equally important across all fields is the development of communication and professional behavior. students should begin cultivating a professional attitude right from college, as this smooth transition will make them more effective in future work environments.inconclusion, it's not just a degree, but the combination of knowledge, skills, and professionalism that paves the way to meaningful employment. as students invest in skill development, their opportunities will naturally expand.— k.gereesan, chairman, cms educational institutions, coimbatore