I first encountered Enactus on Social Media. I was following their twitter account and their posts started to catch my eye. This was something fresh. This was young people engaging with work and social issues in a really meaningful way. It resonated with me as their approach felt very aligned to what we do at Kelly. We, as a business, connect people to work while Enactus are readying early talent for the future of work.
So, after discussion with the business, we decided to get involved and it’s been one of the most rewarding schemes I have had the pleasure of being a part of. The students I have encountered through Enactus have been incredibly passionate, completely engaged and astonishingly knowledgeable. They ask questions, they push, they probe, and they aren’t afraid to tackle the big issues affecting business right now.
For this special publication, we asked a group of Enactus students to share their views on the biggest issues affecting the world of work today as well as the issues that are likely to make waves in the future. From the application of AI to the gender gap and work-life balance, these students provided a fresh perspective on the topics that keep industry leaders up at night. Their thoughtful and nuanced approach to the subjects is incredibly impressive and makes for a great read. With added insight from Kelly leaders and input from the wonderful Dan Richards at the EY Foundation, we hope this collection leaves you with plenty to think about!
For me, Enactus is an example of an enterprise that truly understands the gap between traditional education and the world of work. It’s something I have written about before and something that I feel is strongly in need of reform. The truth is that education right now isn’t providing young people with the tools they need to succeed in a highly demanding and ever-changing workplace. With a rigid curriculum and a focus on a few narrow skills, something needs to change. Enactus is showcasing a way to provide practical, hands-on learning that truly prepares young people for work. I hope that their example can help to inspire change elsewhere.
To the students here today, I’d say find a career you can be passionate about. Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Provocative. Don’t be afraid to rip up the rulebook. By the time you guys are professionals and leaders, the world of work won’t look the same. And it’s up to you to find new and innovative ways to deal with the challenges this will bring.
Having seen what these students can achieve, as part of this contest and during our ongoing collaboration with Enactus – I’m not worried. Our future is in very safe hands and I’m excited to see where this generation will take it.