New Delhi, 22nd December 2023 Cambridge University Press & Assessment recently concluded its impactful Industry-Academia Connect Conference at Taj Club House, Chennai. The event, themed “Innovate, lead, succeed: Corporate expectations in the new work era,” brought together key stakeholders from corporate organizations and higher education institutions to address the challenges faced in recruiting fresh talent during campus placements.

The conference highlighted the prevalent struggles in soft skills, communication, and language proficiency, echoing the need for holistic development. To bridge the gap between industry expectations and academic preparedness, the event featured five insightful panel discussions and a plenary session, offering strategies, challenges, and best practices for preparing the workforce for the dynamic job market. There is a growing need for professionals who not only possess academic excellence but also understand and can navigate the intricacies of international practices.

The panel discussions delved into topics such as developing future-ready talent, shaping graduates for the global stage, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for the challenges of the future workplace that demands a strategic alignment between academia and industry. Corporates, in their quest for top talent, are not only seeking academic excellence but also placing a significant emphasis on a diverse skill set and the ability to adapt to the rapidly changing work environment. Campus placement emerges as a strategic bridge, aligning academia with industry needs to ensure graduates possess the requisite skills and knowledge for a seamless transition into the global landscape.

The conference emphasized the importance of fostering strong ties between academia and industry to nurture job-ready graduates with multifaceted skills for professional success. The event witnessed active participation from key senior leaders, including Vice Chancellors, Registrars, Deans, Skill, and Placement Directors from renowned institutions across South India, underscoring the critical role in bridging the gap.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment, India, expressed its commitment to addressing these challenges by fostering collaboration between industries and educational institutions.

Arun TK, Regional Director, Cambridge English, highlighted the commitment to be a catalyst for change in the employability landscape “While there is a negative view that only 1 out of 10 graduates are employable, Cambridge English wants to be part of the solution by enabling graduates to acquire world-class English language communication skills and certification that are accepted by top recruiters across India and the world. Therefore, we invite Colleges and Universities in Tamil Nadu to partner with Cambridge English to bridge the skills gap and utilise the platform created by Cambridge to connect with top employers.”

The conference concluded with a vote of thanks and networking opportunities, reinforcing the shared responsibility of academia and industry in cultivating job-ready graduates.