Abstract:

The development of cognitive skills, such as critical thinking and collaboration ability, resilience, is very important in improving entrepreneurship education. Literacy skills are also needed in contemporary society and are an asset of the younger generation. Last but not least, life skills are essential for integration into society; the balance between them creates future professionals who are able to create a progressive society where everyone wants to perform. Post-pandemic has created many dilemmas, insecurities and controversies for young people in the job search process. Online jobs, which were prevalent throughout the pandemic, have begun to be replaced by jobs with a physical presence. Skills that were essential at the time (media) are beginning to be overshadowed by social and cognitive skills. Our theoretically grounded study aims to answer the following questions: which of the 21st century skills are most effective in increasing the number of graduates in a competitive labour market? What are the 21st century jobs? What are employers' requirements regarding the skills and capabilities of 21st century youth? Will human skills be more valued in the digital age than they are today? Can artificial intelligence replace teachers/human resources? In this sense, the aim of our analysis is to study and determine which skills young graduates in Romania have and which are the most desirable in finding a job in the field of their studies. The research method is fundamentally theoretical and analyzes empirical data from reports conducted so far as well as literature studies in the field in the international and national context.

Keywords:

Skills, jobs, abilities, capabilities, labour market.