Generic skills of university graduates prioritized by employers in Central America and the Caribbean

Abstract

Generic skills are essential in a world where the boundaries between professions are blurred and AI displaces human beings in a multitude of functions. The article aims to share information about the preferences of employers in the Central American and Caribbean area in relation to this aspect, and its correspondence with the government's mandate to universities.

Methods: An open semi-structured interview was carried out with 44 professionals from seven countries in the region, hired in the last five years, and a documentary review of the university evaluation and accreditation standards of these nations. Due to the characteristics of the personnel involved, various application methods were used. These were: recorded oral in-person interview, written with a digital form, written with a printed form and through zoom and teams platforms.

Results: The main results indicate a marked preference for technical-professional competencies to the detriment of generic ones; However, interpersonal ones are the favorites in the group of the latter.

Main conclusions: It was concluded that the inventory of generic competencies recommended for universities in the region, by the Tuning Project 2004-2007, does not include all those required to perform successfully in a profession and in the evaluation and accreditation processes. university in the nations studied there are no clear regulations that regulate their training by the universities.