Buffalo, NY - Shawn O'Rourke, PhD, dean of the Wehle Business School at Canisius University, was recently quoted in CEOWorld magazine in an article discussing how universities are addressing the widening skills gap in today's workforce.
The article highlights how forward-thinking universities are reimagining their educational models to better prepare graduates for an increasingly complex, technology-driven economy. According to the publication, universities are taking three key approaches: aligning curricula with industry needs, emphasizing experiential learning, and fostering continuous collaboration between academia and industry.
In the feature, O'Rourke emphasized the importance of hands-on education: "Experiential learning plays a crucial role in developing skills beyond the traditional classroom, such as critical thinking, teamwork, and communication."
The article specifically mentions Canisius University's approach to workforce preparation, which requires students to complete at least three hands-on learning experiences before graduation. It also highlights the Golden Griffin Fund as an example of how Canisius provides students with direct exposure to investment management by overseeing a real-money portfolio.
The CEOWorld piece concludes by encouraging CEOs and business leaders to view university partnerships as a strategic opportunity to shape future talent and develop employees who can contribute immediately upon hiring. Click here to read the full article.
