Introduction

In a recent LinkedIn post that has sparked widespread debate, a Bengaluru CEO shared his surprising experience of interviewing over 50 fresh graduates from leading colleges. His simple yet revealing experiment highlighted a concerning trend: while Gen Z excels in social media and digital trends, many struggle with basic math skills. This has raised important questions about the focus of modern education and the readiness of these graduates for the workforce.

The Class 5 Math Challenge

During the interview process, the CEO posed a straightforward Class 5 math problem: "If a car travels the first 60 km at 30 km/h and the next 60 km at 60 km/h, what is its average speed?" To his surprise, only two candidates managed to solve it correctly. This stark contrast with their proficiency in social media—where they had numerous ideas for marketing products using Instagram Reels and viral content—has highlighted a significant gap in essential skills like problem-solving and financial literacy.

Why This Matters

The inability to solve basic math problems points to broader issues in the education system:

• Prioritization of Social Media Skills: Gen Z is highly adept at navigating social media platforms and leveraging them for marketing and engagement. However, this expertise often overshadows fundamental skills like numeracy and problem-solving.
• Lack of Practical Application: Many argue that the education system focuses too heavily on theoretical knowledge rather than practical application. This leaves graduates unprepared for real-world challenges that require critical thinking and analytical skills.

Impact on Career Readiness

The implications of this trend are significant:

• Struggling with Personal Finance: Graduates lacking financial literacy may struggle with personal finance, decision-making, and long-term planning.
• Workforce Challenges: Employers may face difficulties in integrating these graduates into roles requiring basic math and analytical skills.

Debate and Reactions

The CEO's post has ignited a lively online discussion, with reactions ranging from support for his concerns to arguments against generalizing an entire generation based on a single question.

Concerns and Criticisms

Some users questioned the relevance of such a question in job interviews, suggesting it was not pertinent to all roles. Others criticized the generalization of Gen Z's abilities based on a single test. However, many agreed that fundamental math skills are essential for critical thinking and problem-solving.

Blaming AI or Education

A few commentators suggested that the rise of AI tools may contribute to a decline in basic math skills, while others pointed to flaws in the education system for prioritizing rote learning over practical application.

Finding Solutions

To address this gap, educators, employers, and mentors must work together to ensure that students develop both digital skills and fundamental problem-solving abilities. Here are some strategies that could help bridge this gap:

• Incorporate Real-World Applications: Educational curricula should include more real-world examples to make math and problem-solving relevant and engaging.
• Emphasize Critical Thinking: Courses should focus on developing analytical skills rather than just memorizing formulas.
• Balance Digital Skills with Fundamentals: Encourage students to excel in both digital marketing and basic math to ensure they are well-rounded and versatile.

Conclusion

The experience shared by the Bengaluru CEO highlights a critical issue that needs immediate attention: ensuring that future generations have a balanced set of skills that include both digital proficiency and basic math literacy. By recognizing and addressing these gaps, educators and employers can better prepare Gen Z for the challenges of the modern workforce.