Thursday 23 July 15:40 - 17:10

Hall: 02 - Teatrino

Chair: Ingusci Emanuela

Division: Division 1: Work and Organizational Psychology

The growing attention to the crucial role of soft skills in students' academic and personal success, combined with the need to enhance the quality and employability of graduates, highlights the urgency for educational institutions to rethink orientation strategies and promote sustainable resources among university students. This is particularly relevant in an increasingly dynamic job market, where career choices demand high levels of autonomy, adaptability, and risk management. The current labor market, marked by unpredictable challenges and rapid transformations, underscores the need to strengthen the factors that improve individuals' ability to engage with professional contexts, while also prioritizing the promotion of well-being. Recent literature on orientation and education has focused on key constructs that predict well-being and success, not only in educational and training pathways but also in the career choices made. Among these, the construct of employability stands out, encompassing essential skills to navigate professional scenarios in constant flux. A specific aspect of this ability relates to the development of entrepreneurial skills, which are increasingly vital for thriving in an evolving occupational landscape.
This discussion aligns closely with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The emphasis on fostering skills that enhance employability and entrepreneurship directly contributes to providing inclusive, equitable, and quality education while promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Simultaneously, by equipping students with the tools to navigate uncertain labor markets, educational institutions play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable economic growth and creating opportunities for decent work, especially for young people. This broader framework underscores the importance of systemic change in higher education, encouraging practices that not only meet immediate labor market demands but also address global challenges such as inequality, unemployment, and the need for innovation.