The Skill Set

In order to compete globally, today’s young people must acquire a specialized skill set.  This includes the following: (1) an international mindset, (2) a facility with languages, (3) cultural ability, (4) technical skills, and (5) creative opportunity creation and exploitation.

International mindset means that the young American must open his mind and perspective to the rest of the world.  Most Americans lack this.  This is a function of travel.  Folks who never travel believe mistakenly that the world revolves around them, and in small town Tyler, Texas, we are oversupplied with small-minded folks who never think beyond the Red River.  All of the trips I took with my oldest children, Alex and Katrina, outside the U.S. from age 10 were for the purpose of opening their minds to the rest of the world to extent my money would permit.  They have never been to Disney World but they have been to London, Paris, Mexico City and Belize.  They accordingly learned how to navigate subways, obtain food and hotels and directions without speaking the language, and think in terms of what the rest of the world is doing.

Languages are essential.  Languages are the passports to the world.  We are fortunate that English is the most important language in business.  A young person must read, write and speak English skillfully.  Spanish is an excellent second language.  It opens possibilities in 22 countries in Central and South America, as well as Spain.  It also makes it possible to communicate with millions of Hispanics living in the U.S. who do not speak English fluently.

An American who learns Mandarin is worth gold.  Of all the steps that a young person can take to protect himself from the vicissitudes of economic misfortune, I believe learning Mandarin is most vital.  And fortunately, to my surprise and gratitude, it is cheap to do so by attending school in China, as my son does.

Cultural ability is gained first by learning languages, particularly if one does so by living in another country.  By moving to another country, a student acquires, by necessity and design, cultural ability.  Immersion allows a student to learn to think and act as the citizens of the host country.  This is an added benefit when it is necessary to return for business meetings, contract negotiations, or contact marketing.  The young person will fluidly fit in with and connect to those with whom he seeks to work.  Every company knows this and pays a premium for young people with such cultural and linguistic ability.

Technical skills are where many students go off track.  Many students head to college to acquire technical skills, thinking mistakenly that they are the most important.  Not true.  The softer, less tangible social skills of language and cultural acuity take longer and are more vital, and they must be acquired when young.   After age 20, languages are not easily obtained.  But once the student is really ready for college or vocational training, then it is important to acquire technical skills in demand, and which match the young person's ability and interest.  It is vital that the young person connect these three concepts of demanded skills, ability and interest.  The young person must find skills that are in demand, and which he loves to do and is able to do well.

Technical skills require more than a bachelor's degree.  A bachelor's degree is the bare minimum of education required.  Every young American must plan for a master's degree, and for those seeking careers in engineering or sciences, a doctorate.

Transnational Education in Practice