What competencies are employers looking for and what do students expect? A debate at Bialystok University of Technology 18 June 2025

Teamwork skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to actively participate in change are among the competencies valued by the labour market. Students, in turn, expect Bialystok University of Technology to offer as many opportunities as possible to engage with employers. Both students and employers point out that active involvement in student r scientific associations is a great opportunity to make a good impression.

– I’m an active member of the student scientific association SKN Konstruktor – said Krzysztof Słoma, a Master’s student in Civil Engineering at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences at Bialystok University of Technology. – Being part of this group is an opportunity to collaborate with local businesses, for example by carrying out joint projects. When our group was preparing for a steel bridge competition, we needed to produce prefabricated elements. We managed to do that thanks to an agreement with a company operating in our region. At the same time, we established contact with professionals who shared their experience and expertise with us.

Bialystok University of Technology organises events such as Job Fairs and Internship Fairs, as well as guest lectures delivered by specialists from various industries. The curriculum also includes compulsory internships in companies. Students of Bialystok University of Technology are well aware that having additional skills helps them stand out in the job market.

– For employers, involvement in research groups or other forms of activity during studies can be a valuable asset – said Gabriela Tarasiuk, a student of Logistics at the Faculty of Engineering Management. – It’s all about showing that over the course of three or five years of study, we did more than just attend classes.

At Mark-Bud Investments Sp. z o.o., students from Bialystok University of Technology can start working as early as their second year of study.

– We make this possible thanks to flexible working hours – they can come to the office whenever they have time – said Krzysztof Falkowski, PhD, Eng., President of the Management Board at Mark-Bud Investments. – In my opinion, they are very well-prepared theoretically. They also have advanced digital skills, which are crucial nowadays when every investment and construction process needs to have its digital equivalent. Graduates of Bialystok University of Technology also possess solid technical skills – they understand technical drawings, perform static calculations, dimension structural components, and prepare cost estimates. In our company, they also acquire analytical competencies, which require practice. After all, to assess whether a software-generated result is correct, you need experience.

Employers stress that there will be time to gain experience. What they value in job candidates is openness, communication skills, proactive attitude toward change, and advanced digital competencies.

– TOBO hires graduates of Bialystok University of Technology from different faculties – said Bożena Datczuk, President of TOBO. – We have long-standing cooperation with the Faculty of Architecture, and we jointly carry out various projects, including student competitions. We also employ graduates from the Faculty of Engineering Management. We rate these young professionals very highly. Of course, they lack practical experience, but they gain that in our company. Thanks to their enthusiasm and commitment, they quickly get up to speed and integrate into our organisational culture.

When it comes to key competencies of job candidates, Wojciech Winogrodzki, PhD, Eng., President of T-Matic Grupa Computer Plus, lists teamwork skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to actively participate in change.

– These are the foundations of competitiveness in the European market – emphasised Wojciech Winogrodzki, PhD, Eng. – Entrepreneurs’ main concern is to sell their products. We compete in many markets, and we do it as a team. That’s why it is so important for new team members to be reliable and solid, respond flexibly to change, and be able to draw on the latest scientific research and analyse it with the aim of improving the company’s performance.

Employers highlight the importance of so-called soft skills. They also expect young people to be bold, innovative in their thinking, and able to identify areas in the functioning of a company that can be improved.

– I expect higher education graduates to offer fresh perspectives, creativity, and innovative views on workplace processes – said Krzysztof Garkowski, Warehouse Manager at Kompania Piwowarska.

According to Grzegorz Sasinowski, a representative of APS SA, communication and adaptability are the key qualities of a good job candidate.

– Make the most of your studies to understand the physics behind phenomena. You won’t have time for that once you’re standing in front of a production line – advised Grzegorz Sasinowski. – I can teach any of you how to use the software we rely on at our company. The only requirement is being communicative and open to new knowledge.

SMP Poland was represented by Technical Director Tomasz Michalik.

– There are currently 83 engineers in my department, and all of them are graduates of Bialystok University of Technology – noted Tomasz Michalik. – That alone proves the University provides excellent foundations, and engineers don’t need to leave Bialystok to find a good job.

The debate between employers and students showed that both sides value similar things. However, they differ in their interpretation. Students feel that they don’t have enough opportunities during their studies to put their theoretical knowledge into practice. Employers, on the other hand, believe that involvement in student research groups, organising various types of events, or achievements in competitions are often enough to demonstrate experience.

– Both students and employers agree that engagement and communication skills are key – summed up Assoc. Prof. Katarzyna Halicka, DSc, PhD, Eng., Vice-Rector for Education at Bialystok University of Technology, who moderated the debate.

Participants agreed that a great way to get to know a company and integrate into its operations is to create various types of projects that offer specific proposals for innovation.

– Bialystok University of Technology is a space where the needs of employers and the expectations of students meet. We are open to communication between the two groups – emphasised Vice-Rector Assoc. Prof. Katarzyna Halicka, DSc, PhD, Eng. – The University must serve as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience, and most importantly, for connecting students – who may still feel a bit lost – with employers looking for talent. And there’s no shortage of talented young people at Bialystok University of Technology.

The event What comes after the diploma? What competencies are employers looking for? took place on 17 June 2025. It was one of many activities carried out by Bialystok University of Technology as part of the European University ACROSS project.

– Similar meetings between students and employers will be organised by all partner universities of the European University ACROSS. Their aim is to identify the requirements set by employers for candidates, as well as students’ expectations regarding the educational offer – said Assoc. Prof. Dorota Anna Krawczyk, DSc, PhD, Eng., Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at Bialystok University of Technology and ACROSS coordinator at the University. – For many years, our university has strived to meet the expectations of businesses while offering students engaging classes. This is essential to prepare our graduates for careers in the international labour market.

by mr