3rd International Exhibition and Conference on Higher Education World Class Teaching Universities April 2012, Riyadh - Saudi Arabia, Session 1: The Strategic Importance of Teaching Universities (Theme iii) Preparing Students for the Demands of Labor Market Jo Ritzen, Professor Maastricht University, Senior Policy Adviser IZA Bonn and Chair Empower European Universities Tuesday, 17 April 2012

A changing labor market for university graduates Preparing students requires a different way of working from the side of the university. Universities should be conscious of the huge changes which take place on the labor market. The demands for talents on the labor market are not different from those for good citizenship: there is no trade off in teaching between talents needed for the labor market and for society.

Universities drive sustainable growth The decrease in the half lifetime of a product (by which jobs defined as a regular set of tasks) continues. There is no production without innovative entrepreneurship, without the active participation of people who understand the complexities of societies. It is well trained labor that shapes technology and its applications in production.

The quality of higher education counts Not all education is quality education which enhances the potential of the student to contribute in the world of work (or society at large). Competencies in the domain of ICT are very important for the labor market. Graduate education in the humanities should focus on the understanding the complexities of the world.

What labor markets need. Cognitive achievement and knowledge of the field remain predominantly important. Most work is done in communication and cooperation with others. How to work in teams, how to communicate is an essential part of the job. Employers like graduates to be problemsolvers. Most graduates work in an international environment.

Efficiency in learning World wide universities are too much focused on themselves because the incentives for an outward focus are virtually absent. Problem based learning is highly efficient for most learners. Blended learning has the proven potential to enhance both the effectiveness and efficiency of meaningful learning experiences. Dual university education is highly promising.

Conclusions Constant evaluation of degree programs. Listen to the graduates. Innovate teaching. Work with local community in creating new enterprises.

Thank you.