Sponsored by the University of Navarra
The university experience is set to change. The Building Universities’ Reputation conference took place last month, at the University of Navarra’s Madrid campus. The role of university alumni as reputation ambassadors was the focus of this year’s conference, which brought together education speakers from more than 17 countries around the world to discuss how economic, social and technological changes will affect universities and students in the future.
These challenges may sound daunting but speakers at the third edition of the conference offered an exciting vision of the future for universities, and how they can adapt to create better opportunities not just for themselves, but also for students.
Here’s a look at four ways universities are likely to change in the future in order to improve the student experience.
An increased focus on lifelong learning
Image: Small class sizes and different methods of teaching by ‘Service Learning’ or ‘Learning By Doing’ could be part of the future student experience
Lifelong learning begins in the classroom, and, in an attempt to reinvent themselves, universities are developing customized programs with collaborative learning methods, both in the classroom and online.
So, whether you decide to study an online degree program, or prefer classroom-based learning, the key to a successful university experience is the quality of teaching, according to speakers at the Building Universities’ Reputation conference.
However, not only does attending university (in the form of a degree certificate) help guide you into the world of work, they also offer support and advice through their career facilities and services. Attending a university where guidance is provided on internships, placements and graduate schemes can help make you better prepared for life after graduation.
The University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain is ranked 61st in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019, and continues to be the highest-ranked of Spain’s 14 representatives in the graduate employability rankings. The Careers Services at the University of Navarra offers its students and alumni various professional networking opportunities and events.
You won’t have to settle for a university which isn’t a perfect fit
Finding a university which is right for you can seem like a real challenge. As well as contemplating which degree you want to study, you’ll have to bear in mind the various extra-curricular activities on offer, the accessibility of facilities and services, the geographic location of the university, and – of course – the reputation of the institution. It’s a lot to think about.
It’s important to do your research and think about what you want out of your university experience. Industry experience and networking opportunities? A flexible or more structured degree program? An array of extra-curricular activities to choose from? A well-established careers service which offers support, guidance and advice?
As we’ve just said – it’s a lot to think about. But, one thing is for certain: your university experience can be whatever you want it to be. Choose what’s right for you, and the experience will take care of itself.
You’ll become an ambassador for your institution
Image: A group of University of Navarra alumni during a conference
Prospective students value highly what alumni have to say and universities are increasingly aware of the need to have alumni take an ambassadorial role.
Alumni like to give back to the university which has offered them a lot, and not just during their studies but also afterwards. For example, alumni ambassadors at the University of Navarra receive customized training and mentoring, as well as information about continuing educational activities, studies and professional development.
As an ambassador, you’ll already have the experience of attending your university and you’ll have the chance to help share the vision, values and beliefs of the university. From participating in extracurricular activities, to sharing personal experiences and offering advice to future students, there are plenty of ways to stay involved in university life after graduation.
Think smart, act kindly
The world of fake news is fast becoming a part of everyday life, and so universities are increasingly teaching students how to identify and analyze the truth in an attempt to counteract the rising phenomenon.
At the University of Navarra, students can expect to work and learn alongside other dynamic and diverse students from other various disciplines, where the days of examining and configuring data and knowledge are long-gone. Instead, wisdom, creativity, entrepreneurship, cooperation and empathy are now considered to be the fundamental disciplines necessary for overcoming challenges and solving problems.
