We are in the midst of an extraordinary technological revolution. Every day, advances in artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and other emerging technologies reshape how we live, work and learn.

Naturally, the job market is evolving just as fast.

Employers are looking for candidates who vault beyond the basics of a job description. They want tech-savvy individuals who are quick learners, critical and creative thinkers, leaders and doers.

As universities, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our students graduate with those skills and to prepare them for successful careers. This means a focus not just on what we teach, but how we teach it.

At the University of Maryland, we’ve embraced this shift and seen remarkable results. After graduating, 91 percent of our students report going on to the workforce, pursuing advanced degrees, starting businesses, serving in the military or volunteering for public service. This is true across academic areas, from humanities and social sciences to STEM fields. Impressively, over 47 percent of our graduates land job offers through their internships and even more through a variety of hands-on learning opportunities.

We have adopted three key strategies to support students for success after graduation.

First, we recognize that learning shouldn’t be constrained by traditional classroom settings. Students are often more engaged in work on real-world projects where they bring about change and impact.

Our undergraduates team up with faculty experts to help cities and towns across Maryland tackle sustainability-related challenges. Students become consultants for businesses and organizations, offering solutions to their pressing issues. And those who learn the essentials of financial literacy also train to help educate peers on budgeting, investing and taxes. Students gain confidence when they pitch their business ideas in a “Shark Tank”-like campus competition for investment capital or when they teach a class themselves.

Through these experiences, they’re honing their skills in teamwork, communication, problem solving and leadership — all critical skills sought by employers in today’s workplace.

Second, universities have to provide opportunities for students to learn by exploring the latest technologies. At UMD, students in our Immersive Media Design program, which blends artistic talent with computer science, recently collaborated with NASA scientists on an interactive exhibit at the Kennedy Center.

Innovating how we teach and learn through new approaches, embracing technology and broadening student communities are the most effective ways to prepare students for their next steps after college. By adapting our teaching methods, we’re providing students with more than just job training. We are educating the next generation. We’re equipping them with the skills, confidence and real-world experience to lead the way.

When it comes to transformation in the job market, there is no looking back. We must seize this opportunity to reimagine teaching and learning in higher education. We must prepare our students to go fearlessly forward.