New survey highlights the need for an educational shift to equip students with essential soft skills as AI reshapes the workplace

• Canva, the all-in-one visual communication platform, has released its first Creativity in Education Report, highlighting the growing importance of creativity in the future of work and the need for educational systems to adapt.
• As AI continues to transform industries, 85% of hiring managers believe creative thinking will be crucial, making it a key differentiator in the job market.

1. Creativity's Role in Education and the Workforce

   • The report, based on a Harris Poll survey of 3,000 participants including recent graduates, educators, and hiring managers, reveals that more than half of recent graduates wish they had stronger creativity skills.
   • Creativity ranks among the top skills sought by employers, alongside problem-solving and communication, highlighting the need for educational institutions to prioritize creative skill development.

2. Creativity as a Critical Skill

   • Despite its importance, creativity often receives less emphasis compared to traditional STEM subjects in educational curricula.
   • The report underscores the need for education systems to evolve, focusing more on creativity to prepare students for success in an AI-driven world.

3. Survey Insights

   • Hiring Priorities: Over three-quarters of hiring managers prioritize creative thinkers, with creativity ranked among the top three skills along with problem-solving (58%) and communication (55%).
   • Graduate Feedback: 80% of recent graduates find creativity crucial in their roles, and many feel it is the most valuable skill they learned in college.
   • Preparedness Gap: Only 38% of educators and 56% of hiring managers believe graduates are adequately prepared for the workforce, highlighting a significant skills gap.
   • Barriers for Educators: Lack of time, curriculum support, and resources are major challenges, with 83% of educators acknowledging the growing importance of creativity in education.

4. Impact of AI on Creativity

   • As AI reshapes the job market, 85% of hiring managers and 84% of recent graduates believe creativity will become even more essential, reinforcing its value as a vital soft skill.
   • Amy Schultz, Canva's Global Head of Talent Acquisition, notes that successful candidates are those who approach problems with a creative mindset, emphasizing the need to nurture creativity from early education.

5. Canva's Commitment to Education

   • Canva offers Canva for Education free for K-12 teachers, students, and educational institutions, providing over 100,000 templates and more than 10 AI tools with safety features.
   • Canva for Campus extends this support to higher education, empowering campuses worldwide to collaborate and foster creativity in their work.

• The Creativity in Education Report by Canva underscores the critical need for educational systems to prioritize creativity as a fundamental skill for future careers.
• With the increasing influence of AI, fostering creativity from early education to higher education is essential to equip the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving job market.