You’ve probably heard someone say: ‘I wish I learnt that in school’. You may have even thought it yourself.
While school teaches you essential academic knowledge, many of the skills you’ll need beyond the classroom are still missing in 2026. Careers are changing fast, competition is increasing and employers are seeking young professionals with more than just good grades.
So, what are some of the key things schools aren’t teaching students today?
- How to Break Into Competitive Industries
Thinking about your future can feel overwhelming, especially when you are not sure where to start. You might know what subjects you enjoy, but that does not always translate into understanding what careers actually look like day to day.
For many students, exposure to careers is limited. Students lack networking opportunities with industry professionals and the chance to ask questions and learn about the current job market.
Without early industry exposure, it is difficult to explore your different options and understand how people get their foot in the door. This means many students leave school unsure how to choose the right career path.
- Practical Skills Employers Seek
Employers don’t just look at grades. They seek young professionals who can communicate strategically, think critically and adapt to different environments.
These skills are transferable across almost every career, but students are rarely shown how these skills are used in the professional world or how to develop them to increase their employability.
Practical, industry-specific skills, like taking blood and data analysis, are also valued among employers and showcase your dedication to a specific industry.
As the world continues to be shaped by advanced technology, AI literacy and digital fluency are becoming essential for young professionals. While schools are introducing more digital learning, many students will start their careers without understanding how these skills apply to specific careers.
- How to Make Informed Decisions About Your Future
Students must make big decisions about their future at a young age, which can be daunting. Subject choices, higher education and career options often feel scary, even though careers are no longer linear.
Access to career coaching and professional development training, from evaluating personal values to CV writing, is often missing. Students rarely learn how to reflect on their values, strengths and interests or how to map out their future.
Trends like remote working, AI integration and in-demand industries are reshaping careers, yet many students are unaware of how these changes might affect their future.
Become Career-Ready with InvestIN
While academic achievement remains important, real-world experience is what prepares students for life after school.
With industry exposure, practical career skills and the knowledge to make informed decisions not embedded in the curriculum, students need to look elsewhere for career preparation.
At InvestIN, our weekend career tasters are designed for students aged 15-18 in 15 of the world’s most in-demand careers. From healthcare and law to engineering and media, students can explore competitive industries and discover their dream careers alongside experienced professionals and like-minded students.
Gain hands-on experiences in real industries, develop in-demand skills and understand what the professional world is really like by registering for a Weekend Programme here today!
