Between May 27-31, as part of the UPGRADE project – “Enhancing Graduates’ Employability Tracking in Moldova” (ref. No. 101129166), a study visit was held at the “1 Decembrie 1918” University (Alba Iulia, Romania).
Comrat State University was represented by the project coordinator Tatiana Racovchena and project team members Natalia Nachoglo, Maria Ianioglo, Svetlana Kuraxina, Nadejda Ianioglo and Raisa Covricova.
The Director of the Information, Counseling, and Career Orientation Center (CICOC) at “1 Decembrie 1918” University, Mrs. Larisa Dragolea, presented the history, mission, and goals of the Center to the meeting participants. The meeting also included a discussion with the center's beneficiaries, where practical examples of student support were discussed.
The psychologist of the Information, Counseling, and Career Orientation Center, Mrs. Iulia Nicoleta Muntean, presented a range of psychological counseling and career orientation services provided to students within CICOC at the “1 Decembrie 1918” University. She detailed the methods and techniques used in counseling and how these services can help students cope with stress, develop personal and professional skills, and achieve career goals.
Mrs. Maria Viorela Muntean presented research on graduate employability monitoring conducted by the “1 Decembrie 1918” University through the Department of Labor Market Demand Analysis and Forecasting. Participants were presented with data on current labor market trends in Romania, in-demand competencies and skills, as well as employment statistics for graduates of the “1 Decembrie 1918” University in various sectors. Mrs. Maria Viorela Muntean emphasized the importance of such research for adjusting educational programs to better meet employer requirements. Additionally, tools and methods used for data collection and analysis, as well as forms of cooperation with employers, were discussed.
For partner universities, a meeting with representatives of the Alba Iulia Employment Agency was also organized. During the meeting, agency representatives provided a detailed overview of the current labor market situation in the region, including employment and unemployment statistics, as well as future forecasts. Key factors affecting the labor market, such as demographic changes, economic conditions, and population migration, were discussed.
Special attention was given to issues of the social economy and its role in ensuring employment for vulnerable groups. Agency representatives discussed various initiatives and support programs aimed at facilitating the employment of young specialists.
The Comrat State University team thanks the organizers for fruitful cooperation and the opportunity to exchange experiences!
