The Pandemic vs. Development of Professional Competences – A Perspective of Female and Male Students

Abstract

The aim of the article was to determine the impact of the pandemic on the possibility of developing professional competences by young women and men in the context of their plans to set up a business. The pandemic period resulted, among other things, in new requirements for employees, which concerned their digital competences. Finding oneself on the job market is conditioned by possessing appropriate competences. It was noted that the educational profile differentiates between women and men, acting to the detriment of women’s employment prospects, including self-employed women. Remote learning, which is characterised by reconciliation of various types of life roles, seems to facilitate the acquisition of competences 4.0. Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that remote learning is conducive to setting up and running one’s own business regardless of gender. It is also a potential facilitator for the acquisition of competences by women who took on family responsibilities.