What changes are university students seeking? Bringing employers to classrooms to facilitate post-graduation opportunities

Abstract

ABSTRACT University graduates not in employment and training in Azerbaijan lack relevant skills and knowledge that would make them eligible for post-graduation opportunities. The SABAH project aimed to address this problem. This article explores the perceived benefits of this advanced education program for students’ eligibility for post-graduation opportunities, such as employment. 25 undergraduate students majoring in the fields of human resource management, teaching English as a foreign language, business administration, law, economic science and earth sciences were interviewed for this research paper. Two key dimensions of perceptions were highlighted: the search for novelties in university training and the future-oriented advantages of education programs. Data analysis is based on the concept that the SABAH program emerges as a ‘change maker’ in educational practice due to its novelty of bringing business partners to classrooms and arranging job placements tailored to students’ personal and professional profiles. The study also concluded that integrating the international and intercultural dimensions of education in higher education delivery and engaging potential employers in teaching processes can help students develop the competencies needed for employment and facilitate graduates’ access to post-graduation opportunities.