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Practice-Oriented University Education for Tomorrow's Professionals
Increased practical orientation of university education, a stronger interdisciplinary and intercultural approach, hybrid educational formats, and much more: Recommendations from businesses for an innovative and efficient university system are outlined in a German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) position paper from late 2023.
The unsuccessful search for qualified personnel poses a significant economic risk for more and more companies. Although the segment of professionally qualified individuals is particularly affected, companies are increasingly finding it difficult to fill vacancies for university graduates.
It is therefore all the more important that universities prepare their students as best as possible for the transition to working life and the demands of an increasingly digitalized working world. How this can be achieved and what qualifications are needed in the business sector, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) summarized in its position paper "Practice-Oriented University Education for Tomorrow's Professionals" in November 2023, underpinned by a resolution from its presidium.
It explains specifically and clearly what the business sector expects from universities, focusing on aspects such as practice-oriented qualification, the potential of students unsure of their studies and international students, dual degree programs, digital skills development, or the European university strategy.
DIHK Recommendations
DIHK Recommendations:
Consider the demands and skilled workforce requirements of businesses more strongly when designing or redesigning study programmes; also take regional specifics and special requirements of small and medium-sized enterprises into account.
Institutionalise and systematically expand exchanges between universities and businesses to develop practice-oriented teaching formats.
Provide companies with the necessary room for manoeuvre through a flexible legal framework to offer internships tailored to their operational contexts without excessive bureaucratic or financial burdens.
Develop flexible study entry requirements, nationwide post-dual-training study opportunities, expanded part-time offerings.
Active counseling and support from universities to students in doubt or dropout status during their reorientation and qualification pathway, considering alternatives within vocational training.
Enhanced collaboration with regional stakeholders, referring the target group to competent advisors at German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) or employment agencies. Future skilled workers must be supported to integrate seamlessly into the labor market – including academic counseling personnel being informed on vocational training alternatives.
Development of study-related skills should be expanded comprehensively during the initial phase of studies. This prevents erroneous educational decisions and promptly provides urgently needed skilled personnel to businesses without unnecessary delays.
The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) proposes recommendations to ensure dual study programmes achieve high quality standards while preserving flexibility for companies.
The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) emphasizes the importance of innovative hybrid formats with vocational focus to ensure practical skills for graduates.
DIHK recommendations:
Ensure strong practical relevance in virtual learning formats to adequately develop labour-market-relevant skills for students. Regularly update academic curricula with a focus on digitalisation.
Consistently further develop the digital basic skills of today's generation of students and implement corresponding teaching-learning formats across all study programmes to prepare graduates for the requirements of an increasingly digitalised working world.
Utilise the opportunities of digitalisation through adaptive teaching, learning, and examination formats, especially for the group of non-traditional students, and thus prospectively exploit all skilled labour potential. Develop innovative teaching and learning concepts as well as novel methods of learning success assessment and replicate successful models broadly.
DIHK Recommendations:
Expand programs for academic preparation and tailor them better to heterogeneous target groups to ensure as many international students as possible achieve a degree.
Intensify support for international students during the early stages of their studies to enhance (subject-specific) language skills and assist in organizing their university routines. Expand integrative offers from student bodies or formats that promote integration to foster academic success.
Establish connections with regional businesses and chambers and promote practical experiences in the German economy among international students to facilitate their future career transitions. Provide close guidance from universities, for example, through support during application processes or mentoring programs.
DIHK Recommendations:
Consider workforce needs of the economy in EU member states when shaping European university networks. Consistently take corresponding criteria into account when selecting universities and regularly monitor their compliance.
Expand flexible opportunities for recognising academic achievements on national and international levels, following reliable criteria.
Embed optional stays abroad at partner universities in curricula; prepare future professionals for international activities.
