The compatibility of academic and professional preparation of educational media graduates at  Egyptian universities with labor market requirements from the perspective of secondary school principals and vice principals "A field study"

Document Type : Original Article

Author

  Educational Media Lecturer - Faculty of Specific Education - Mansoura University

Abstract

This study aims to assess the relevance of the academic and professional preparation of educational media graduates from Egyptian universities to the labor market requirements, in light of the Intellectual Capital Theory. The study's significance stems from the crucial role of educational media in enhancing social awareness and developing students' communication and critical thinking skills. However, graduates in this field face multiple challenges, particularly the mismatch between academic curricula, practical training, and the actual demands of the labor market.
The study adopts a descriptive analytical approach, utilizing field surveys targeting a sample of secondary school principals and vice principals to evaluate their perspectives on the graduates' competencies and their alignment with professional expectations. Preliminary findings indicate a clear gap between university preparation and labor market needs, highlighting the necessity to reform curricula, strengthen practical training, and establish more effective partnerships between universities and industry stakeholders.
The study concludes with several recommendations, including the need to update academic programs to incorporate advanced digital and media skills, improve the quality of field training, and involve media and educational institutions in preparing graduates for the workforce. These suggestions aim to bridge the gap between higher education and market demands, ensuring a more effective integration between academic and professional domains.

Keywords