Aligning higher education with industry expectations: Preparing students for the workforce

The alignment between higher education and industry needs can determine how students approach the transition from university to the workplace and whether they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to meet the demands of today’s labour market. For fields like biology, which are constantly evolving, the skills required of new graduates also adapt over time. However, many employers have noted a gap between the skills that students develop through higher education and those required by the industry. This disconnect raises the question of whether higher education is aligned with industry needs, and more importantly, how this alignment might be improved. My research aims to determine how students’ views on the biology curriculum, science industry requirements, and career preparation inform the alignment of higher education with industry needs. Existing literature has identified areas where students express a desire for improvement, including opportunities to develop communication skills, more interdisciplinary courses, and a stronger emphasis on real-world applications in their programs. I surveyed biology students from several Canadian universities, and I will present these findings, along with recommendations to improve the quality of science education in a way that prioritizes student and educator well-being. To engage the audience, I will use interactive tools and storytelling to illustrate key findings and facilitate reflection and discussion on how institutions can better align biology education with industry expectations. This study has received approval from the University of Guelph’s Research Ethics Board (REB).