Paper Title
FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER: INSIGHTS FROM THE FUTURE-READY INITIATIVE EVALUATION

Abstract
Problem Statement: Aligning future career goals with the evolving demands of the workplace remains a significant challenge for students, especially in the present post-COVID-19 era. Methods: Participants were Chinese postgraduate students who had taken part in our various workshops and courses under the Graduate School’s Future-Ready Imitative. Focus group was adopted as the primary methodology of seeking feedback from the participants. A focus group interview study was conducted by a trained research assistant, aiming to unveil outcomes and themes that highlight the importance of developing specific life skills and opportunities to support career goal alignment. Through a series of focus group discussions, student participants were presented with a series of questions asking about their experiences and needs related to career goal alignment. To analyze the data, thematic analysis was used to identify common themes and outcomes from the discussions. Results: The thematic analysis revealed key areas for improvement among participants. Enhanced communication and collaboration skills was the most prominent theme, with many believing these skills facilitate better teamwork and workplace navigation. Participants also noted that improved conflict management could boost job responsibilities and research productivity. The Future Readiness Initiative helped participants acquire work-life balance skills and self-motivation techniques, alongside practical skills like time management and effective communication. Lastly, there was a demand for networking opportunities to connect with peers and alleviate academic stress. Conclusion: The focus group discussions underscore the importance of developing a comprehensive skill set and providing networking opportunities to support students’ career goal alignment. These findings suggest that targeted interventions and programs can significantly enhance students’ preparedness for future career challenges in the present post-COVID-19 era.