Many students think that secondary level or higher level education will enable them to acquire the knowledge needed to develop in the world of work.

However, this is not necessarily so. While young people get frustrated looking for a job they cannot get, many companies are unsuccessful in getting the talent they need. There is a gap.

Academic performance is important, as it shows the effort and the level acquired, but theory will do little until it is put into practice.

Companies do not only analyze the graduation degree or the grades a student got. They are starting to value more and more other aspects, such as experience and soft skills.

Developing professional practices, both during education and upon graduation, is the best option to gain real working experience.

Such practices increase the chances of getting a job and enable the creation of network and a real vision on what has been learned.

Unono, a Spanish digital agency specialized on recruiting millennials, has summarized the values acquired during the development of professional practices, which cannot be taught in formal education:

• Learning to “do”, applying everything that has been learned in theory.
• Functioning of the labour world. An increasing number of schools and universities acknowledge the importance of preparing students for the real world.
• Problem solving and stress management skills. Apprentices acquire skills that enable them to face real problem solving.
• Organization, responsibility, commitment and discipline. These are key soft skills. Being aware that the tasks developed by an apprentice have a real impact, which are relevant for the company, promotes the person’s commitment.
• Communication and interpersonal skills. These are key skills when it comes to hiring and retaining talent. Every company must pursue involvement, commitment, and team work.
• Building a professional network. Professional practices are an opportunity to get to know professionals who, besides sharing knowledge, can deliver recommendations and support once the practice is over.
• Learning what it is that you really like. Professional practices enable you to discover what is the area of your profession you like the most, checking out whether that area that used to really call your attention at university is as enjoyable as you thought in a real working environment, or learning about new professional possibilities you had not even consider.

It is important to strengthen the link between education and work in Latin America, as it is one of the keys to increase employability, and develop talent for the future of work.