Canva has released its first Creativity in Education Report, revealing that creativity is becoming a critical skill for future job success amid rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). The report, based on a survey conducted by Harris Poll, underscores a significant gap between the skills current graduates possess and what employers are seeking. With creativity emerging as a key differentiator in the job market, the findings highlight the urgent need for educational systems to adapt and emphasize creative skill development.
- Report Overview and Key Findings:
- Survey Insights: Based on a Harris Poll survey of 3,066 recent graduates, educators, and hiring managers.
- Importance of Creativity: 85% of hiring managers believe creative thinking will be even more essential due to AI advancements.
- Current Skills Gap: More than half of recent graduates wish they had developed stronger creativity skills during their education.
- Creativity in the Job Market:
- Hiring Managers’ Priorities: Creativity ranks among the top three sought-after skills, alongside problem-solving and communication.
- Graduate Perspectives: 80% of recent graduates see creativity as crucial for their current roles and consider it the most useful skill learned in college.
- Education vs. Workforce Preparation: Only 38% of educators and 56% of hiring managers believe graduates are adequately prepared for the workforce.
- Challenges in Education:
- Barriers to Creativity Integration: Major obstacles include lack of time (36%), insufficient curriculum support (34%), and inadequate resources (32%).
- Educators’ Views: 83% agree that creativity will become increasingly important in education, but face challenges in implementation.
- Impact of AI on Creativity:
- Future Needs: 85% of hiring managers anticipate a greater need for creative thinking as AI reshapes the job market.
- Enduring Value: Both graduates and hiring managers believe creativity will remain a valuable soft skill.
- Canva’s Commitment to Education:
- Canva for Education: Provides free access to K-12 teachers and students, including over 100,000 education and lesson templates and 10 AI tools.
- Canva for Campus: Supports higher education institutions globally with collaborative tools and resources.
- Survey Methodology:
- Conducted by The Harris Poll: June 2024 survey of 3,066 participants from the US, UK, and Australia, including recent graduates, educators, and hiring managers.
Canva’s Creativity in Education Report highlights the critical need for educational reforms to better prepare students for a future where creativity is increasingly essential. By emphasizing creative skills, educational institutions can help bridge the gap between graduates’ capabilities and employers’ expectations, ensuring that students are equipped for success in an AI-driven job market.
