In today’s highly competitive world, possessing only an academic degree is often insufficient for entering the job market. Khon Kaen University (KKU) recognises that modern graduates require more than just academic knowledge; they need essential life skills, practical experience, and opportunities to prove themselves before graduation.

Based on this awareness, the Vice Presidency for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialisation has developed two crucial, complementary platforms designed to comprehensively prepare students: the “KKU Soft Skills Academy,” a skill development platform, and “KKU CareerX,” a connecting platform leading to the professional world.

Associate Professor Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialisation, stated, “We do not want our students to focus solely on their professional majors. They must learn about the wider world and acquire additional skills through the courses and activities we provide, equipping them with the necessary life skills, or Soft Skills, for functioning within society.”

The core framework for KKU student development is defined by four identity characteristics, known as the EGGS Identity, which the university instils to create distinct graduate attributes:

• E stands for Entrepreneurial: Possessing an entrepreneurial mindset, demonstrating thoughtfulness, and identifying opportunities and their impacts.
• The first G stands for Global-Minded: Understanding the global context, being well-rounded, and capable of international communication.
• The second G stands for Growth-Oriented: Committing to continuous self-development, personal and intellectual growth, and viewing challenges as opportunities.
• S stands for Sustainable Focused: Prioritising sustainability, adhering to ethics and morals, and caring for the environment and society.

“The EGGS Identity serves as the compass steering our student development. We aim for KKU graduates to possess a unique identity, excel academically, professionally, and interpersonally, and be ready to face the real world,” explained Associate Professor Pensri.

To fulfil every aspect of the EGGS Identity, the Vice Presidency for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialisation developed “KKU Soft Skills Academy.” This platform records activities and skills acquired by students outside the curricula and presents the learning outcomes in an additional, special document called the Soft Skills Transcript (separate from the standard academic transcript). This transcript showcases the life and social capabilities accumulated through activities, providing Khon Kaen University graduates with a distinctive edge, proving their readiness to contribute value to employers.

At the same time, amidst job market challenges, many students lack professional experience and opportunities for practical skills training prior to graduation. This challenge led to the creation of the “KKU CareerX” platform, which operates parallel to the KKU Soft Skills Academy, serving as a vital bridge connecting students with the professional ecosystem.

Associate Professor Pensri elaborated on the platform’s objectives: “We want students to have opportunities for career practice while studying—whether to earn extra income, build skills through real-world work, or undertake internships necessary for course credits. Crucially, the goal is that they secure good employment immediately upon graduation.”

KKU CareerX functions by linking three main parties: First, the Vice Presidency for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialisation, which oversees and develops the platform; Second, the organisations seeking to recruit personnel for part-time, full-time, or internship positions; and Third, the students seeking work opportunities.

This comprehensive platform supports students throughout the job application process, from writing applications and preparing for interviews to career counselling. Furthermore, it employs smart algorithms to match applicant qualifications with employer needs, effectively cultivating students before they step into the real working world.

The platform also allows students to explore diverse career paths, discover their genuine interests, and plan their futures with greater clarity. Some might find that their preconceived notion of a career is not fulfilling, while others may uncover unexpected new opportunities.

“We hope to attract tens of thousands of organisations to join KKU CareerX, as we charge no fees whatsoever. We aim to increase job opportunities for our students and create effective matching between companies seeking employees and KKU students seeking work. Therefore, KKU CareerX is not merely a job search platform; it is a critical tool for shaping the future of the new generation—a bridge connecting the dreams of KKU students with life-changing opportunities,” Associate Professor Pensri concluded.

She also called upon entrepreneurs and faculty members with commercial networks to help disseminate this information and invite companies to join this crucial platform ecosystem.

The synergistic operation of both platforms ensures that students, having undergone rigorous skill development, are highly prepared for the competitive job market. Possessing a Soft Skills Transcript alongside a strong GPA, coupled with real-world working experience gained from KKU CareerX, they will emerge as perfectly rounded graduates. They will not only possess knowledge but also skills, experience, and the readiness to begin working immediately. This distinctive identity represents Khon Kaen University graduates poised to propel society forward consistently and sustainably.