July 1, 2023
In today’s job markets, both employers and workers face significant challenges. Employers struggle to find suitable candidates for their job openings, while workers often find it difficult to secure employment that aligns with their skills and aspirations. To address this problem, cooperation between the public and private sectors, particularly in the field of Education Technology (EdTech), is essential. One successful example of this collaboration is the program implemented by the Global Shapers Bangkok hub, which combines mentorship with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help soon-to-be-graduates develop strategies for their future careers.
The Challenge of Unemployment in Bangkok and Beyond
The issue of unemployment is particularly acute in Thailand, where a recent survey revealed that 40% of university graduates are unemployed, despite companies struggling to fill job vacancies. While some of the unemployment figures may be attributed to the post-COVID economic slowdown, there is a more significant underlying problem—a mismatch between the supply and demand of labor in an economy that is rapidly shifting toward digital technology.
The Thai government has implemented initiatives to address the issue by providing paid volunteer jobs to unemployed graduates. However, solving this problem on a larger scale requires a fundamental shift in the approach to education. It calls for a move away from a focus on grades toward developing skills and capacity building.
Introducing “Shaping the Future”
To tackle the issue of unemployment among university graduates, Global Shapers Bangkok has partnered with EdVISORY, an EdTech start-up based in Bangkok. Together, they have launched a 12-week mentorship program called “Shaping the Future.” This innovative program aims to provide soon-to-be graduates with insights into various career paths while leveraging AI-driven self-development tools.
1. Mentorship
Students participating in the program are assigned to small groups of three or four, where they have the opportunity to meet with their mentors for two small group mentoring sessions. Additionally, career roundtables introduce them to guest mentors from diverse fields such as entrepreneurship, marketing, technology, and social impact. Through these interactions, students broaden their understanding of the job market and establish connections with potential employers. This process also helps dispel myths and assumptions commonly associated with job seeking.
2. Self-awareness
As part of the program, students engage in a comprehensive self-assessment of their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth using EdVISORY’s WE Space tool. The insights gained from these assessments help align students with suitable career trajectories. Based on their profiles, WE Space recommends personalized learning opportunities such as e-learning and training, as well as potential employment options.
These assessments complement the mentorship sessions and play a crucial role in the students’ self-discovery journey. By articulating and planning their career paths post-graduation, students gain a better understanding of how they can navigate their professional lives.
3. Job Application Skills
To support students in the job application process, a senior HR professional conducts a workshop on the basics of CV and resume writing. The workshop covers what HR professionals typically look for during interviews and includes role-playing common scenarios.
Additionally, students have the opportunity to practice job interviews using EdVISORY’s WE Assess tool—a virtual job interview platform powered by AI. This tool allows students to simulate job interviews and work on improving their interview skills with the guidance of their mentors.
Positive Outcomes and Future Prospects
Participants and mentors alike have expressed satisfaction with the program, stating that it mettheir expectations and that they would recommend it to others. Post-program assessments indicate that the combination of AI-driven assessments and human-centric mentorship played a pivotal role in creating a roadmap to the ideal careers of the mentees. Mentors also reported that the program helped them stay updated with new developments in their respective fields.
Fostering Mentorship and AI Integration
Mentorship is a powerful tool that fosters deep, meaningful human connections. While technology may not be able to replicate these connections, combining AI-driven solutions with mentorship can enhance the overall experience. AI has the potential to augment mentorship programs by providing candidates and mentors with valuable insights about themselves or their mentees. This integration creates a more powerful and impactful approach to career development.
By leveraging the power of AI and mentorship, programs like “Shaping the Future” in Bangkok are paving the way for bridging the gaps in job markets worldwide. As other regions face similar challenges, it is crucial for public and private sectors to collaborate and invest in initiatives that prioritize skill-building, mentorship, and the effective use of AI-driven tools. Only through such collaborative efforts can we empower job seekers and create a more inclusive and prosperous future of work.
The Importance of Bridging the Gap in Job Markets
In job markets worldwide, the gap between job seekers and available opportunities poses significant challenges. This gap not only affects individuals but also has broader implications for economic growth and social well-being. When job seekers struggle to find suitable employment, it leads to wasted talent and potential, while employers face difficulties in finding skilled workers to meet their needs. Bridging this gap is crucial for fostering economic development, reducing inequality, and promoting social progress.
The Role of AI in Job Market Integration
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool in addressing the challenges of job market integration. By harnessing the capabilities of AI, we can gain valuable insights into labor market trends, identify emerging skill requirements, and match job seekers with suitable opportunities. AI-driven platforms can analyze vast amounts of data, including job postings, candidate profiles, and market dynamics, to facilitate more efficient and effective job matching processes.
Moreover, AI can play a crucial role in providing personalized career guidance and upskilling opportunities. Through intelligent algorithms and machine learning, AI systems can assess an individual’s skills, interests, and aspirations to recommend tailored learning pathways and career options. This empowers job seekers to make informed decisions about their professional development and enhances their chances of securing meaningful employment.
The Global Impact of Mentorship Programs
Mentorship programs complement the role of AI in job market integration by providing a human touch and personalized guidance. Mentors, with their wealth of knowledge and experience, can offer valuable insights, advice, and support to job seekers. They can help mentees navigate the complexities of the job market, refine their career goals, and develop essential skills.
The combination of AI-driven tools and mentorship creates a powerful synergy. AI can provide mentors with data-driven insights about their mentees, helping them understand their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This enables mentors to provide targeted guidance and support that aligns with the specific needs and aspirations of the mentees.
Table: Country Ranking – Unemployment Rate (%)
| Country Name | Unemployment Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Djibouti | 28.39% |
| Eswatini | 25.76% |
| West Bank and Gaza | 24.90% |
| Lesotho | 24.60% |
| Republic of Congo | 23.01% |
| Sudan | 19.81% |
| Tunisia | 16.82% |
| Sao Tome and Principe | 15.91% |
| Cabo Verde | 15.42% |
| Zambia | 13.03% |
| Morocco | 11.47% |
| Mauritania | 11.46% |
| Georgia | 10.66% |
| Nigeria | 9.79% |
| Egypt | 9.33% |
| Kyrgyz Republic | 9.10% |
| Ukraine | 8.88% |
| Angola | 8.53% |
| Honduras | 8.51% |
| Bolivia | 8.51% |
| Uzbekistan | 7.16% |
| Mongolia | 7.08% |
| India | 5.98% |
| Nicaragua | 5.96% |
| El Salvador | 5.94% |
| Kenya | 5.74% |
| Sri Lanka | 5.40% |
| Bangladesh | 5.23% |
| Timor-Leste | 5.07% |
| Ghana | 4.70% |
| Indonesia | 4.41% |
| Pakistan | 4.35% |
| Bhutan | 4.33% |
| Moldova | 3.96% |
| Cameroon | 3.87% |
| Papua New Guinea | 2.75% |
| Philippines | 2.41% |
| Vanuatu | 2.18% |
| Myanmar | 2.17% |
| Vietnam | 2.17% |
| Lao PDR | 1.26% |
| Solomon Islands | 1.03% |
| Cambodia | 0.61% |
Leveraging Mentorship and AI for Job Market Integration
The success of mentorship programs like “Shaping the Future” in Bangkok demonstrates the potential of combining mentorship and AI-driven tools to bridge the gap in job markets. By leveraging the expertise of mentors and the capabilities of AI, these programs provide job seekers with valuable guidance, personalized support, and access to relevant resources. This holistic approach enhances their employability, equips them with the necessary skills, and connects them with potential employers.
The integration of mentorship and AI-driven tools also benefits employers. They gain access to a talent pool that is better equipped to meet their specific needs, reducing the time and resources spent on recruitment processes. Additionally, employers can tap into the insights generated by AI to gain a deeper understanding of labor market trends, emerging skill requirements, and potential candidates.
The Need for Collaboration and Investment
To replicate the success of mentorship programs and AI integration in job markets globally, collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial. Governments, educational institutions, and businesses should join forces to develop comprehensive strategies that prioritize skill development, mentorship, and the effective use of AI-driven tools.
Investment in education and training programs that focus on developing future-oriented skills is essential. By equipping individuals with the skills demanded by the evolving job market, we can enhance their employability and facilitate smoother transitions between education and work.
Furthermore, fostering partnerships between educational institutions, employers, and AI technology providers can facilitate the development of tailored solutions for job market integration. This collaboration can ensure that AI-driven tools are designed to meet the specific needs of job seekers, employers, and mentors.
Embracing a Future of Work Powered by AI and Mentorship
As the world continues to navigate the challenges of the evolving job market, embracing AI and mentorship as integral components of career development is crucial. By combining the power of AI-driven insights with the personalized support and guidance of mentors, we can empower job seekers to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.
Programs like “Shaping the Future” in Bangkok provide a blueprint for success. By fostering collaboration, investing in education and training, and leveraging the capabilities of AI, we can bridge the gap in job markets worldwide. Together, we can create a future of work that is inclusive, equitable, and driven by the potential of individuals to succeed.
“And so, as the dance of life unfolds, let us remember that the fusion of mentorship and AI, guided by wisdom and grace, shall pave the way to a world where every step taken leads to a brighter tomorrow.”
ANONYMOUS
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