Graduate studies urged to boost global competitiveness

CEBU CITY – In order for the Philippines to remain globally competitive in the human resource sector, both government and private sectors are urged to invest in boosting post- graduate programs.

“There is a need for the Philippines to prepare for changing trends in human resource competitiveness in the next few years. Global companies are now regarding post graduate degree holders as more competitive than college graduates,” said renowned international strategist Brian To in a recent interview.

To, who is a senior fellow at The Wharton School, and working with Fortune 500 corporations as business professor and manager adviser for over 25 years, said if the country does not capitalize on investing in more postgraduate programs, the country may lose the opportunity of global employment in the next few years.

“There is no doubt that Filipinos are the most in-demand human resource in the world because of their work ethics and quick adaptability in other cultures, strong collaboration attitude, and cheerful disposition. But college graduates now are encouraged to take up post-graduate studies to boost their competitiveness in employment” To stressed.

The future trend, he said, is that competition among the workforce especially with the Asean integration will not only be gauged by skills and attitude but also by strong academic credentials and advanced educational backgrounds.

He understands though that because of financial constraints, Filipino college graduates usually pursue a career right away instead of enrolling in postgraduate courses. For many in the Philippines, taking up postgraduate studies is seen as an expensive undertaking.

However, To noted that countries like India and China are now beefing up efforts to improve their educational system by introducing more postgraduate programs. “These countries are preparing their next generation workforce to compete globally,” he added.

Still, he said, he is optimistic that the Filipino workforce will continue to be the “crème of the crop” since Filipinos are also known as innovators, creative designers, and excel highly in various professions.

To was in Cebu for the charitable business workshop dubbed “Strategy Formulation Seminar: A Charity Event.”