The Purple Zone: The Pivotal Role of Transferable Skills in Future Higher Education

Abstract

This paper explores the readiness of hospitality management students for the workplace in the context of graduates' ability to adapt to fast-paced changes and quickly acquire new skills, abandoning obsolete ones, by applying for example the learn, unlearn, and relearn concept. Focus is placed on the importance of developing transferable skills during college studies in hospitality management, highlighting the importance of adaptability and creativity as modern management capabilities. The authors introduce “The Purple Zone” to identify where and how students’ skills could be further developed. The paper recommends areas in The Purple Zone where transferable, and job specific skills are complementary and not viewed as separate entities. Discussions with talent management professionals on student readiness for entering the workforce highlighted that most graduating students lack sufficient transferable skills for effective management roles. Suggestions for how extracurricular activities contribute to developing skills are explored. The Purple Zone representation emerges as a compelling intersection where different skills interconnect in the student learning experience.

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