On November 25-29, 2024, the third study visit to the Technische Hochschule Deggendorf, Germany took place within the UPGRADE project - Enhancing Graduates' Employability Tracking in Moldova (Project number: 101129166), co-financed by the European Union within the Erasmus+ programme.
The study visit was attended by the teams of partner institutions, and namely: Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM), State University of Moldova (USM), the "Ion Creangă" State Pedagogical University (UPSC), State University "Alecu Russo" from Balti (USARB), State University "Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu" from Cahul (USC), State University from Comrat (KDU), Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova (MECRM), European Institute for Reform Initiatives and Education "Aspire" (ASPIRE) and University "1 Decembrie 1918" from Alba Iulia, Romania (UAB).
The study visit was dedicated to the development of national and institutional capacities on employability of graduates, analysing state-of the art on development of tools for monitoring the employability of students and graduates, development of activities and career guidance programs on information, counselling and orientation of students and graduates within institutional structures.
The study visit was opened up with a welcome speech of Vice-President, prof. dr. Marcus HERNTREI, followed by the short presentation of the UPGRADE project itself and program overview realised by dr. Viachaslau NIKITSIN, institutional coordinator on behalf of hosts. The day continued with the brief introduction of THD international activities, detailed overview of the THD Alumni Relations and Event Coordination and presentation of THD Centre for Continuing Education realised by Corina WELSCH. The working day was concluded with discussion session chaired by Vice-President, prof. dr. Marcus HERNTREI and Vice-President prof. dr. Martina HEIGL-MURAUER, where partners discussed possibilities for the future cooperation between Moldovan HEIs and the hosts.
The highlights of the study visit in upcoming days include presentation of the Study Service Centre, presentation of career services offered within THD, including overview of dual study programmes in place, career support and counselling services offered to local and international students, presentation of student advisory services and demonstration of digital teaching methods and tools.
The UPGRADE project consortium had a chance to participate within the hands-on workshop and learn about collaboration between faculties and administration units in process of digitalisation of administrative and study related processes. Moreover, UPGRADE partners learned about the Faculty “European Campus Rottal-Inn” and had an introduction to the Interreg Bavaria-Austria project “WORK FORce HEALTH & TOURISM”, presented by Corinna PIPPIRS.
The final block of the study visit was built around the presentation of third mission concept and goals presented by the Vice-President, prof. dr. Veronika FETZER and later on supported by start-up activities addressed to THD students and graduates offered by Startup Campus, an institutional unit that UPGRADE partner had a change to visit and explore. Special attention was paid to the visit realised to the Bavarian Innovation Transformation Centre (BITZ) Oberschneiding, where partners learned about its main activities, ongoing projects, were introduced to the “Silicone Valley” Programme and explored Transformation Lab, newly inaugurated.
During the five working days, the work teams of partner institutions from Moldova learned about psychological, career counselling and guidance services for students within THD, valuable experience of THD Study Service centre focused on strengthening employability of students, moreover received an important impute on activities cantered on alumni. One of the most valuable lessons learned was introduction of the third mission concept, which is not at the time very common at the Moldovan HEIs, also UPGRADE partners were demonstrated the importance of start-up and opportunities offered by the THD in order to increase regional development by supporting research project and establishment of transformation labs.
For more details, please consult the PROGRAM and MINUTES of the event.
The copyright on the photos belongs to the Technische Hochschule Deggendorf / THD.