According to research by an Arizona State University special advisor, two-thirds of college students struggle to launch their careers following graduation. This pressing issue stems from a lack of either or both the soft and technical skills demanded by most employers.

College students can have a better grasp of what they want and expect from their future career through immersive and engaging virtual simulations. Read on to gain insights into virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR) solutions, and discover how they help address the skills gap as well as help students choose the right career path for them.

Virtual Reality Explained

Virtual reality uses computer technology to recreate real-world experiences in three-dimensional (3D) environments. Using VR headsets, a head-mounted display, or multi-projected environments, users can explore the artificial worlds and interact with virtual objects.

VR often integrates audio and visual feedback to simulate real-world scenarios, but more modern versions now use haptic technology that enables sensory and force feedback.

Currently, VR is widely used in different fields, including entertainment, sports, military, education, and career training.

Below are some of the ways VR better equips students for workforce integration and the real world:

Generates Workplace Simulations

There’s only so much that students can learn from textbooks. VR technology encourages learning by doing which has a 75% retention rate compared to traditional lectures with only 55%.

For example, in the medical field, students can participate in simulated surgical procedures even before they begin their residency. It also enables them to study human anatomy virtually, without a cadaver.

Likewise, VR provides a consequence-free learning environment. By using virtual scenarios and people, students can develop technical skills which they can apply in the real world later on.

Supports Career Exploration

Virtual reality enables students to have hands-on experience in different careers, from a pilot navigating the skies to a nurse doing rounds in a hospital. This helps them gauge their interests before spending time and money on a curriculum.

VR is especially helpful for those interested in the medical field, as the ​​Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) limits what interactions and information students can access.

Helps Develop Soft Skills

A 2019 report by the Society for Human Resources Management revealed that 51% of its respondents felt that educational systems had yet to address the skills gap issue. The top missing soft skills are:

• Critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation, and creativity
• The ability to handle ambiguity and complexity
• Communication skills

Virtual reality bridges the soft skill gap by creating immersive environments where students can hone their skills. They get to solve real-world problems that require collaboration, communication, critical thinking, etc.

In addition, they can record and replay simulations to review their performance and identify points for improvement.

Implement State-of-the-Art XR Solutions for Education

Create innovative ways to train students for the real world by integrating XR solutions like VR into your higher education curriculum. Ready-to-use VR programs are helpful in stimulating an engaging and educational work environment for them. And, all they would need is a good working laptop.

Get VR solutions tailored to your students’ needs. Book a free discovery call with VEDX today.