This paper explores the gap between students’ academic preparation in design systems and industry needs, discussing the perceived gaps from an industry perspective and exploring potential solutions for bridging these divides. The research methodology includes participant sampling through non-probabilistic methods and semi-structured interviews with five industry partners to discuss the perceived gaps from an industry perspective and explore potential solutions for bridging these gaps. These interviews with industry practitioners identified key areas where academic curricula fall short. The findings reveal that while the industry values systemic thinking, curiosity, proactivity, and technical competency, among others, academic programs often lack the ability to provide sufficient complexity, collaboration opportunities, and technical depth that align with real-world demands. The study highlights the importance of incorporating more practical, collaborative, and technically oriented tasks within the academic curriculum to better prepare students for industry challenges, mitigate the training gaps, and facilitate a smoother transition for students from academia to the industry. Academic institutions are encouraged to adapt their pedagogical strategies by investing in key areas like creating unpredictable moments, emphasizing technical fundamentals, and simplifying complex systems. The research might help provide insights for developing more effective educational models and strategies to align academic preparation with industry expectations, preparing graduates for professional roles within design systems.