With advancements in technology, AI and machine learning, the world is changing faster than ever before.
This is true in almost every career, sector and industry, where old ways of doing things are giving way to new and improved ideas. But, as a student, how can you make sure your course will properly prepare you to thrive in this new age? Well, you just have to look for a future-proof degree.
Here are some questions you should ask to make sure your degree will set you up for success.
Do they have links to industry?
One important thing to look for in your course is whether it has strong industry connections.
Closer relationships with a sector and organisations within it mean that a university can offer more industry-specific knowledge and insights. They’re also often more aware of recent developments and new trends, meaning your learning will be up to date and reflect the real state of the industry.
For instance, RMIT’s Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education is guided by an Industry Advisory Committee and integrates 60 days of professional placement in early learning settings. Not only do their academics work closely with early childhood teachers to respond to the needs and priorities of young learners, but they also receive regular notification from centres when jobs become available, posting opportunities for new graduates. A connection to industry like this ensures the course is producing graduates who already have high-quality training in the field, as well as opening the door to finding opportunities to work!
It’s not just about what you learn, but the connections you’ll make, too. Courses with strong industry links can give you the opportunity to begin building your professional network early, giving you an important edge when looking for your first job post-graduation. Also, watch out for careers fairs, industry mentors, and networking events – they’re all signs your uni is actively plugged into your future profession.
Can you access workplace opportunities?
Employers today are looking for graduates who are ready to hit the ground running in their industry, and this means they want people with real workplace skills.
But how can you get this while you’re studying? The answer is through workplace opportunities like internships, placements, and Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a staple of many RMIT programs, giving students valuable industry experience before graduation.
Take Rohan Sheata, for example. This RMIT Master of Data Science student was offered a WIL placement with the startup, Voop.Global, helping to develop the first version of their product – a tool which analyses people’s values and behaviours at work, to create a dashboard of organisational culture. From there, Rohan became a key member of the team, eventually earning a full-time contractor role with the business.
“It was a no-brainer. Rohan got us to a certain point where we couldn’t stop working together. What Rohan worked on when he first started was very different to where he ended up. That can be attributed to his courage and absolute fearlessness to try new things and push boundaries,” shares People and Culture expert Kristin O’Brien.
Work integrated learning and internships, like the programs offered at universities, give you the chance to extend your education experience beyond the classroom, building first-hand knowledge and skills in a real work environment.
Ideally, your course should have work integrated learning embedded within it or offer the opportunity to pursue internships and work experience with industry partners.
How modern does the course seem?
Another thing to look out for is a modern, future-ready course. This means a course and curriculum that reflects the current and future state of your industry, ensuring you graduate ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
If you’re looking at an IT degree, for example, do the subjects reflect the current state of the industry and cover new and growing topics like AI, machine learning, cloud security, or blockchain?
RMIT’s Master of Artificial Intelligence is delivered in a newly developed AI Innovation Lab, giving students hands-on access to real-world data problems and practices. Similarly, students in the Bachelor of Cyber Security are taught using a Bootcamp-to-Studio model, focusing on current technologies such as cryptography, forensics, and ethical hacking.
At RMIT, students also benefit from access to innovation spaces like the Cyber Ready Cloud Innovation Centre and the Digital Health Hub, allowing them to use high-performance, innovative technology to solve real-world problems together with industry partners.
Who are you learning from?
A great teacher can make all the difference. That’s why it’s worth asking who’s actually delivering your course.
For example, at RMIT, your teachers are often not just academics – they’re active professionals in their fields. Many continue to work in industry as consultants, creatives, clinicians, engineers, or technologists, bringing real-world insight into the classroom. They’ll provide a great first contact for your professional network and can probably connect you with other professionals in the industry.
Make sure you are proactive in engaging with your teachers and show enthusiasm. Approach them, not only as a student, but as a budding future colleague in the field!
So, rather than only focusing on research profiles, look for courses where teachers are also mentors and industry insiders. They’ll help you learn the theory — and importantly, how to apply it in the real world.
Does it build soft skills?
While it can be easy to think the future will be all technology and automation, soft skills are actually some of the most important capabilities workers of tomorrow will need. Unlike technical skills, soft skills are attributes that help you operate effectively and efficiently in any workplace environment.
According to Forbes, the top future-proof soft skills include:
- Critical thinking
- Emotional intelligence
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Decision-making
- Creativity and curiosity
- Leadership
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Ethics
- Networking
- Self-care
Of course, most people have some of these skills or gain them throughout their careers. However, an intentional focus on building these capabilities early can give you an important edge in the workplace of the future. Choosing a university like RMIT, which teaches soft skills through real-world learning, collaborative team projects and industry placements, can help you grow these important traits while gaining a formal qualification.
Want to learn more?
Choosing a future-ready course means thinking beyond the classroom. Look for industry links, real-world learning, modern tech, experienced teachers and strong soft skills development.
Want to learn more about how an RMIT degree can set you up for success? Come along to the RMIT Study Expo in October to explore their future-focused campus, courses and learning experiences.
