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ARGUMENT: The following appeared in the editorial section of a local newspaper: Nearly 70% of employers blamed inadequate training for the shortfall in skilled workers, yet 70% of education-providers believe they suitably prepare graduates for the jobs market. Similarly, employers complain that less than half of the young whom they hire have adequate problem-solving skills, yet nearly two-thirds of the young believe that they do have such skills. Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion. MY ESSAY: The argument provides two instances when two different parties claim and support contradictory statements. The author also provides figures which, at first glance, make the argument plausible. However, on close inspection, it is seen that their are many questions and alternatives not addressed. While the education-providers believe they suitably prepare graduates for the jobs, one possibility of why the employers still find their training inadequate is because of the pace of the job market. The markets progress and expand at a high pace and new jobs might be coming up requiring a whole new set of skills. It is possible that the education-providers are not yet aware of these advancements. If the author specifies that the employers are up to date with this information, then his argument would be strengthened. Another question that arises is that are the employers giving the newly hired youngsters adequate time to settle in before concluding that they lack problem-solving skills? As a fresher, it takes time to get used to the job and sometimes even guidance is necessary. It would be futile for the employers to expect a hundred percent performance from them on their first day. In continuation of the point above, an alternative explanation to the apparent contradictory figures and claims could be that the employers are not hiring workers with the relevant skills for the job role. For example, a well trained software engineer might not necessarily know how to work in the job role of a bank clerk. She would need some kind of training. Unless this unstated assumption is addressed, the argument falls apart. Last, even though two-thirds of the young believe that they do have problem-solving skills, their performance depends on their determination and sincerity to their current job role. Their ability of practically applying what they have been taught might also affect their performance. Hence, unless a specific mention of the source of the numbers mentioned in the argument, and a clarification of the points stated above are given, it can be concluded that the author fails to make a cogent and reasonable case. PS: I will be very grateful to whosoever takes out the time to review my essay. I have heard a lot about this forum, hoping it will help me out! Cheers!

Hi All, I am currently in first year of econ phd at a decent ranked US program. Considering the 5-6 years that lie ahead, I have decided to drop out of my program and join the industry. Skipping over the ethical arguments around this decision (I am firm about it), I want to ask you all a question and your advice on the same: when I apply for jobs, should I show in my resume that I am enrolled in a phd program ? I was hoping to state the facts and disclose this to my employers at the time of interview. Do not get me wrong, I do not intend to hide this fact but my only concern is, will employers shun my resume just by seeing a job application from a guy in his first year of PhD (which clearly means he is dropping out). So that is my confusion. I just need to get to the interview round somehow and obviously I want to avoid doing things that will disqualify me right off the bat. In addition to this phd, I have a master's in econ from a top 15 US school. I am international student. Thanks a lot!