Resilience must become a core outcome of higher education

The world our graduates are stepping into is changing fast. Roles are evolving, technology is accelerating and expectations in the workplace are shifting all the time. Employers are no longer just interested in what a graduate knows, but how they respond to change and uncertainty.

In my role at Regent’s University London, I work closely with employers and support students as they move from study into work. That gives me a clear view of where graduates thrive, where they struggle, and what really helps them succeed in those early stages of their careers.

What employers are really looking for

When I speak to employers, the message is remarkably consistent. Strong academic knowledge matters, but it’s human skills that really set applicants apart.

Skills like communication, collaboration, problem solving and initiative shape how someone shows up at work. Resilience sits at the centre of all of this. It influences confidence, judgement and how well someone works with others.

Strong academic knowledge matters, but it’s human skills that really set applicants apart

This matters more than ever because the environment graduates are entering is constantly changing. New tools appear quickly, automation and AI reshape roles, and organisations adapt again and again. Graduates who can stay calm, take feedback on board and keep learning are the ones who tend to thrive. Resilience helps them manage uncertainty and move forward with confidence.

Higher education needs to catch up

Most universities now recognise the value of these skills, but the sector as a whole is still catching up when it comes to instilling them in a practical way, with academic knowledge often taking precedence over all else.

Of course, this will always be important, but it doesn’t automatically prepare students for the realities of working life. Employers often tell me that graduates arrive with strong intellectual ability, but feel unsure when applying it in practical situations. Some hesitate to share ideas. Others struggle to collaborate with different personalities or find constructive feedback difficult to handle. These are all normal early career challenges, but without prior experience, they can feel overwhelming.

When students haven’t had the chance to practise navigating difficult situations, the transition from university to work can feel much harder than it needs to be. Ambiguity, shifting expectations and the pressure to perform can knock confidence if young people aren’t used to it. Some miss out on valuable opportunities simply because they lack the confidence to speak up, while others disengage from roles they might have enjoyed with better preparation.

The difference early experience makes

By contrast, graduates who have developed resilience and strong communication skills tend to settle into the workplace more quickly. They read situations well, contribute sooner and see feedback as part of the learning process rather than something to fear.

They feel more comfortable asking questions, trying new ideas and working with different teams. That confidence often leads to greater fulfilment in those first months at work, because challenge feels manageable rather than intimidating.

How universities can build resilience in practice

Resilience can’t be taught in isolation, it has to be learned by experience.

At Regent’s, learning by doing is at the heart of what we do. Across academic programs, careers support and the wider student experience, we create opportunities for students to practise the behaviours they’ll need in the workplace. Live business projects, industry collaborations, placements and guest speakers expose students to real expectations while supporting them as they learn and grow.

A great example of this is our Luxury Lab, launched in 2024. Through this extra-curricular master’s program, students work on genuine business challenges with leaders from brands such as Fortnum & Mason, Berry Bros. & Rudd, Laurent-Perrier and Estée Lauder Group. They collaborate under pressure, make decisions in real time and receive direct industry feedback. Alumni from the program have gone on to secure opportunities with organisations like Dom Pérignon and dunhill, supported by the confidence and adaptability they developed during the experience.

Looking ahead

The world of work is continuing to evolve, and there is a real opportunity for universities to strengthen graduate confidence by embedding crucial ‘human’ skills development throughout the student journey.

When students understand how workplaces operate and have the chance to practise responding to challenge, they leave university ready to contribute, adapt and succeed from day one.

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