GIG ECONOMY AND THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION
Education is not only the key to success but also a key to develop an individual’s perception of the world. As our society continues to flourish by inventing new ideas and products, it is understandable that education should adapt to these changes and make the future generations prepared to take-over the world. One key question that guides education is, how do we ensure that students today are competent in their respective careers in the future? When the COVID-19 pandemic arose, it created the need for huge changes in every part of life. From the physicality of wearing masks, and socially distancing, to the philosophy of how we educate and advance our societies. With this given situation, how would education prepare the youth for their careers?
The problem is, jobs today aren’t what they used to be. Through the years, people are trying to adapt to the changing economy. We are facing an economy in which alternative work arrangements are growing faster than traditional full-time jobs, and are only projected to keep growing. Students may have been unaware of the opportunities to take advantage of, in the gig economy. If universities have yet to integrate the study or practice of the Gig Economy into their curriculum or career services then they are just continuing to educate and prepare students to become full-time employees in full-time jobs. These full time jobs may not exist when students graduate, so they could be preparing themselves for a life that will not exist.
A study done by Upwork and the Freelancers Union revealed around 57 million US workers are freelancers. With this vast growth, even if students do not wish to pursue gig work upon graduation, they need to have some basic background about the required skill-set of a sector that is contributing largely to economies around the world because not only the gig economy is changing the way businesses function but the hiring trends of companies as well. Having students equipped for this kind of set-up would someday benefit them if they opt to be a freelancer at some point in their career.
Building transferable skills, adapting their resumes and CV’s, creating social media profiles free from drunk party pictures that employers could be put off by, gaining certificates in important skills and online trades, being able to study and work in remote locations, being an expert in online communication, proving that students have the ability to change and adapt are all valuable life skills that enhance employability in the Gig Economy.
