Dr Julio Gimenez, Principal Lecturer at the University of Westminster's Centre for Education and Teaching Innovation (CETI), recently joined a panel discussion for a Times Higher Education (THE) webinar focused on preparing students for the workplace of the future. The session examined how higher education can better equip students with the skills required to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.
The webinar provided key insights into how students can prepare for jobs that do not exist yet, with a focus on embedding AI literacy, teaching the soft skills they will need after graduation, highlighting the best ways to partner with industry and showcasing ways to improve work readiness.
During the webinar, Dr Gimenez emphasised the importance of integrating both technical and soft skills into curricula. He noted that while digital literacy is essential, interpersonal skills like empathy, collaboration and adaptability are equally crucial for future workplace success.
The session was led by Kiera O’Brian, Content Curator at Times Higher Education, who was also joined by Rushana Khusainova from the University of Bristol, Deborah Bartlett from Al Akhawayn University in Morocco and Abdelmoniem Sahal Elmardi from the Dubai Medical College for Girls.
About the session Dr Gimenez said: "The webinar was a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas with academics worldwide on how to prepare university students for careers that do not yet exist. Our panel explored the essential skills and competencies graduates will need in the next five years—including AI literacy, new social and emotional skills and the flexibility to adapt to evolving market demands and trends—ensuring they remain employable and future-ready."
Learn more about the Centre for Education and Teaching Innovation at the University of Westminster.
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