Quote of the Week: "I think it's a huge mistake to go with targeted recruitment"

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• Context

The First Vice-Rector of ITMO University and the Director of Education at Yandex play a key role in the development of educational programs in the field of information technology. These positions combine academic and practical aspects, which allows us to offer students relevant knowledge and skills that meet modern industry requirements. The collaboration between the university and Yandex promotes the implementation of innovative teaching methods, making education more accessible and effective for future IT professionals.

The #VDELE conference will provide a unique platform for discussing current topics and exchanging experiences. Participants will be able to immerse themselves in the world of new ideas, technologies, and trends shaping the modern industry. The event will bring together professionals from various fields, creating opportunities for networking and collaboration. Join the #VDELE conference to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and trends, as well as expand your knowledge and connections in the professional community. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this significant event.

Relying on targeted recruitment in higher education can be a serious mistake. Leading universities should avoid this approach, as the main value of an academic education lies in the freedom of choice and the opportunity for students to shape their educational trajectory. It is important that students can develop independently of financial support from third-party organizations. It is essential to preserve space for self-determination and change the direction of their studies. Otherwise, we risk creating a system where industry completely dictates the terms of education, which could negatively impact the quality and diversity of the academic experience.

The First Vice Rector of ITMO University and the Director of Education at Yandex play a key role in shaping educational standards in information technology. Their experience and knowledge facilitate the integration of modern technologies into the educational process, which is essential for training highly qualified specialists. The collaboration between ITMO University and Yandex opens new opportunities for students, creating conditions for practical training and scientific research. This collaboration not only strengthens the university's position in the educational environment but also contributes to the development of the IT industry in Russia.

The #VDELE conference is a unique platform for exchanging experience and knowledge in technology and innovation. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss current trends, share successful practices, and establish new business contacts. The event brings together experts, entrepreneurs, and specialists striving to develop and implement cutting-edge solutions in their industries. Join the discussion and discover new opportunities for your business at the #VDELE conference. Don't miss the chance to be part of this significant event.

Targeted admissions is a serious mistake, especially in higher education. Leading universities should not follow this path, as the core value of a university education is academic freedom. Students should be able to shape their own educational trajectory regardless of the source of funding for their studies. It is important that we do not leave this room with the feeling that industry is infiltrating education, creating predetermined routes for everyone to follow. It is necessary to preserve the opportunity for self-determination and change of one's educational trajectory, which is a key aspect of true higher education.

Context

On May 15, Daria Kozlova took part in the #INDEED conference, which was organized by the Skolkovo Moscow School of Management, the Skolka Innovation School, and the RSPP Committee on Secondary Vocational Education, Vocational Training, and Career Guidance. A recording of some of the panels is available for viewing. The event discussed important issues of vocational education and training, highlighting the importance of such conferences for the development of the educational environment in Russia.

During the public talk "How Does Business Respond to Labor Market Challenges?", in which Daria spoke alongside entrepreneur and social investor Andrey Komarov, the speakers expressed different opinions regarding early career guidance. Andrey emphasized that by the time they graduate from school, teenagers should be knowledgeable about promising industries, have experience participating in project work in various fields, and be able to consciously choose their educational and career trajectory for the next 10-15 years.

Daria, First Vice Rector of ITMO University, believes that recent schoolchildren shouldn't be required to make a definitive choice about their future profession. She advocates for higher education institutions to become a "sandbox" where students can experiment, explore their interests, develop their abilities, and change their career paths. She believes it's important to foster an understanding of the many possibilities in children, teach them to make decisions, and recognize that mistakes are part of the journey, even at the school level. Higher education should focus not only on preparing specialists for specific employers but also on developing flexible skills that allow them to adapt to the ever-changing labor market.

The idea of ​​universities as spaces where students can flexibly change their educational trajectories contradicts the views of those in industries with acute labor shortages. To address this issue, companies are launching career guidance programs in schools and supplementary education institutions, actively collaborating with universities to develop educational programs, and becoming clients for targeted training. In the context of state educational policy, higher education is seen as a tool for training specialists for key sectors of the economy. This policy is implemented through mechanisms for distributing budget places and target quotas aimed at meeting the needs of industry.

Daria Speaking at the conference as part of the discussion "Synchronizing National Labor Markets and Education Systems: How to Achieve and Evaluate Effects?" Kozlova noted that current interactions between industry and universities are often "ad hoc" and primarily serve PR purposes. Examples of companies actively participating in the development of educational programs tailored to their needs are rare. This demonstrates the need for deeper collaboration between educational institutions and businesses to improve the effectiveness of training specialists in line with labor market demands.

Daria noted that when training young specialists, it's important to go beyond just teaching professional skills, which is typically emphasized by industrial partners. In her opinion, university education should be fundamental, focusing primarily on developing students' thinking and only then on developing practical skills. This position is also supported by the Minister of Education and Science.

The question of the primary goal of higher education remains relevant. Students entering universities pursue various goals: some seek career advancement, others are focused on scientific research, and still others see university as an opportunity for self-discovery. Given the diversity of these goals, higher education should offer freedom of choice and flexibility, rather than being a rigid system leading to a predetermined profession. It is important to create an educational environment that will facilitate the development of personal and professional skills, meeting the needs of all students.

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Please note the additional materials:

• Are corporations trying to tailor children's careers to their own needs?
• Individual educational pathways at universities: how they work and what are the prospects?
• An unexpected perspective: close partnerships between universities and businesses can lead to disaster.
• "All these designers are just a skill": what is needed now and what no longer needs to be taught?