Businesses today face a fresh talent dilemma: how to balance cost with the competence needed to stay ahead.
Hiring fresh graduates may seem cost-effective, but they often lack real-world skills, leading to significant training investments. A 2019 McKinsey study found that 40% of employers globally struggle to find employees with the right skills. Similarly, a VCCI survey revealed that 64% of employers believe recent graduates lack essential skills like problem-solving and communication.
Students often enter the workforce underprepared, acquiring practical skills too late. The solution? Begin developing these skills earlier – ideally in high school. High school students should be mastering problem-solving, communication, and analytical thinking – skills identified by the World Economic Forum as essential by 2025.
We’re already seeing the impact of early skill-building. High school students equipped with these skills are securing professional internships as early as their freshman year in university, launching startups, and even driving business results before graduation. These well-prepared students are winning in the workforce, demonstrating the value of early investment in their development.
What We’re Doing at Crimson Education
At Crimson Education, our mission extends beyond university admissions; we focus on overall personal development. In 30 countries, we’ve helped over 5,000 students build real-world skills through our capstone project program. These projects allow students to develop leadership, networking, and community engagement skills by tackling hands-on challenges.
For example, Minh, at 16, launched Koda Station, a startup selling “talking teddy bears” to support local animal shelters in Ho Chi Minh City. Minh’s team managed everything – from design and finances to expanding sales. This project not only generated $3,500 but also helped her secure a spot at NYU Stern, showcasing the entrepreneurial and leadership skills she developed early on.
Why Investing in Education Matters for Leaders
Investing in education is a smart business decision. By supporting programs that build work-ready skills early through internships, extracurricular activities, or parental guidance, we can create a stronger workforce. A 2018 Brookings Institution report found that education systems effectively preparing students for the workforce contribute to sustained economic growth. Germany’s robust high school apprenticeship program is a prime example, leading to a youth unemployment rate of just 5.7% in 2021, compared to the EU average of 16.8%.
Investing in work-ready skills from high school is crucial. At Crimson, we see our role in shaping Vietnam’s next leaders as essential to the nation’s growth and innovation.
