Bridging the Gap: Skills Moroccan Tertiary Students Need for Career Success

Abstract

In a constantly changing labor market, Moroccan university students face the challenge of acquiring comprehensive skills that combine technical proficiency with essential interpersonal capabilities. This study explores the gap between hard and soft skills among Moroccan university students, focusing on their preparedness for the professional world. Using a quantitative and qualitative approach, data was collected from 299 students across various disciplines and academic levels at multiple Moroccan universities through structured surveys. The study highlights the critical need for competencies such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and technical literacy to bridge the gap between academic training and market demands. Preliminary findings suggest significant gaps in both soft and technical skills. To address these issues, estimated solutions include integrating practical training within curricula, adjusting academic content with real-world applications, and promoting collaborations between universities and industries to provide experiential learning opportunities