Preparing students’ entry into the business world. The case of European University Cyprus

The aim of the project is to investigate the requirements of the business sector in light of the skills and competencies students should have in order to be recruited. In addition, the project aims to identify methods and/or techniques that European University Cyprus can utilize in order to ensure the even more effective and efficient introduction of these skills and competencies to students. Finally, the project proposes ways to offer, practical experience prior to students’ graduation and boost their chances of employment. More specifically, the “Problem” investigated involves the review of the various business sectors in Cyprus in addition to the business programs offered at EUC. In this fashion, the study intends to measure the importance of the skills and competencies sought by the business world, revealing ways through which students can develop such skills. Furthermore, the study aims to identify and recommend specific, practical, non-academic but effective methods so that students obtain the best possible applied knowledge, more practically prepared for entering the workplace. In general the objectives of the study are: Explore and define skills, competencies and practical experience, as seen through the international literature. - Evaluate the importance of the above skills and competencies. - Identify the most important skills and competencies for a successful career in the business world. - Measure the degree of students’ possession of the above skills and competencies - Identify and validate the gap that exists between what the business world is looking for and what students perceive they posses in terms of skills and competencies. - Identify and recommend specific methods that Universities can utilize to minimize that gap.