The National Conference of Academic Career Offices at the Silesian University of Technology is underway
On December 7th, 2023, the National Conference of Academic Career Offices began at the Silesian University of Technology. Representatives of universities from all over the country take part in it. The main topics of lectures and discussions are matters related to the need to adapt the services offered by career offices to the dynamically changing needs of students, doctoral students and employers.
The National Conference of Academic Career Offices organized by the Silesian University of Technology is held under the patronage of the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland (CRASP) and the Foundation for the Development of the Education System.
Prof. Arkadiusz Mężyk, the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology and chairman of CRASP, welcomed all conference guests, paying particular attention to representatives of academic career offices.
- The role of employees of these units is often underestimated, although they play an important role in shaping the careers of students and doctoral students. Today, Academic Career Offices are a bridge between students and industry. On the one hand, we know that graduates today must be flexible and should be prepared to adapt to changes, and we give them opportunities to develop in various directions. On the other hand, we need to know what specific needs entrepreneurs have. In order to teach this practical side, not only theoretical knowledge, we must build cooperation with the socio-economic environment already at the stage of secondary schools and then studies, and career offices are responsible for this - said Rector Arkadiusz Mężyk.
To confirm these words, he recalled the most important initiatives and events, such as job fairs, which take place regularly - twice a year and attract both employers interested in employing graduates, as well as students themselves or university candidates who learn while studying, what competencies future employers care about.
- Today we want to pay special attention to developing the competences of the future. This is not only about educating students, but also doctoral students who have so far been educated for their future academic work. The reality, however, is that not everyone will find a job at the university, therefore they must also have other competences that will allow them to find their place in the labour market and in business - added dr Iryna Degtyarova, from the Polish Rectors Foundation.
During the conference, discussions will be held about the needs of students and researchers, including people who, due to their unfavourable social situation, require special support, including refugees from Ukraine and other foreign students, as well as people with disabilities and their guardians. The conference will also be accompanied by a discussion on the situation of women in the world of science and on the labour market, including salaries and positions held.
The conference is attended by people who work in career offices, but also by those who already use or intend to use their services.
- Thanks to the fact that I came to the Student Careers Office at the Silesian University of Technology, I made my dreams come true. Immediately after arriving in Poland, it was here that I received help in taking language courses in both Polish and English, and then I got another great opportunity. I took a management course and I combine it with IT studies, so I know that I will gain qualifications here that will be very useful in my future career - said Mariia Hrytsenko, a student of the Silesian University of Technology from Ukraine.
The conference will last until Friday, December 8, 2023.
