While master’s studies are about expanding and deepening one’s knowledge in the chosen field, higher education, especially on the graduate level, is also about the so-called “soft skills”. Research reveal that around 80% of fresh graduates applying for job have poor written and verbal communication, have low team-working skills and lack punctuality. Also, according to researchers, more than 90% of employers think that the greatest challenge of today’s job market is the lack of soft, not technical skills. This conclusion was made after data analysis of more than 40 thousand employers all over the world.
Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) new, unique in Lithuania master’s studies model MA+ is directly answering the market needs. The focus of MA+ is broader studies, which help building competitive competences creating added value in the global job market.
MA+ master’s studies model allows the students to design their studies themselves by choosing additional competencies’ packages next to their major studies. At the moment, the most popular among students are leadership, project management and languages competence packages. However, the students also tend to choose data analysis, control technologies and other fundamental sciences’ packages. All the 22 competence packages offered by KTU are being developed in collaboration with business companies.
“You have to take initiative, to start talking first to people. Also, it is good to take part in different activities, to try to become a member of student organisations, different clubs. In this way you would gain more experience”, says Tamar.
KTU offers 24 Master’s and 18 PhD programmes in English in a variety of fields.
