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The traditional boundaries between education and employment are blurring rapidly. Now, more than ever, universities play a pivotal role in preparing students with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for success in their chosen careers. This explains why, according to the QS Global International Student Survey 2022, information on work placements and links to industry are the most valued topic by candidates from India, and to more than half of students in the Middle East, a high graduate employability rate is the most important consideration when thinking of what they want out of a university degree.
Established in 1579, Vilnius University — Lithuania’s first and largest institution — has long been a place of Nobel Prize-nominated discoveries and education that adapts to the needs and trends of the rapidly changing world. Here, students of all disciplines become career-ready graduates by taking part in internships, co-op programmes, and project-based learning. They apply theory to real-world settings, and in the process, gain invaluable hands-on experience.
During his time as a Master’s in Global Business and Economics student, Ilker Teker from Turkey seized opportunities to intern with global companies like Transcom and Western Union. “It taught us exactly what current employees task their workforce with on a daily basis,” he shares. Classroom sessions bridged the gap between theory and practice, too. Case studies equipped him with a mindset primed for problem-solving and the confidence to solve any challenge that came his way — no matter how complex. “These opportunities proved to me that I can add value to big organisations,” shares Teker.
Upon graduating, that’s just what he did. Thanks to the Career Centre’s support and a good reference from his thesis professor, Teker landed the role of Associate Market Data Specialist at Danske Bank Lithuania, where he worked closely with stakeholders and vendors to keep operations smooth. Today, he’s a Market Data Analyst for Nasdaq.
Teker may have decided to remain in Lithuania, but VU’s Master’s in Global Business and Economics programme was designed to ensure graduates succeed wherever they go. It provides a comprehensive curriculum, with specialised courses covering Global Business Strategy, Economic Globalisation, Total Quality Management, Corporate Finance, International Trade and Foreign Direct Investments, Research Methods, International Business Law, Comparative Economics, and Cross-Cultural Management.
Perhaps what makes this programme stand out is that graduates earn double degrees from top Italian universities like the University of Naples Parthenope or the University of Parma. Many international students are drawn to this aspect — hence why the programme’s cohort comes from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, 10% of VU’s current cohort are from abroad.
Vilnius University has modern facilities, including state-of-the-art libraries, laboratories, and research centres. Source: Vilnius University
The Medicine (Integrated studies) programme is just as popular. Recognised by the World Federation for Medical Education, it offers a thorough curriculum that helps students gain a deep understanding of the human body and its functions through engaging lectures and hands-on activities. Students also benefit from language support and develop crucial communication skills for successful medical practice. Career readiness is further instilled by early clinical exposure and practical training in major Lithuanian hospitals.
This emphasis on experiential learning fuelled Jessica Krosny’s journey from the corridors of VU to her current position at The Freudenstadt Clinic in the Black Forest. Hailing from Germany, her passion for helping people was sparked when she was just 11 years old, when she and her sister witnessed a car accident and acted as first responders. “When the helicopter arrived, and I saw the paramedics and the emergency doctor working, I was fascinated,” she says. “I promised myself that I would work in a field where I am able to help more, and not watch and wait. I kept my promise and am a doctor now!”
Krosny credits VU’s curriculum for giving her the skills for practical medical work. For example, examining patients in the clinical ward enhanced her clinical thinking. Analysing cases, reviewing laboratory work, and engaging in presentations and discussions with professors who were practising doctors provided key insights into the causes and treatments of disease. During the COVID-19 pandemic, VU provided access to medical programmes like InSimu, enabling Krosny and her peers to simulate real patient cases and order various medical examinations, sharpening their clinical know-how and decision-making skills without disruption. Having access to Amboss, a digital medical resource that supports physicians in the hospital and students in the classroom, further expanded her medical knowledge.
However, nothing broadened Krosny’s horizons like her internship experience in Freudenstadt, which exposed her to various medical departments. This was what ultimately inspired her to pursue a career as a paediatrician/neonatologist. “When they offered me a job, I couldn’t say no!” she enthuses.
Indeed, VU has a track record of linking students with their dream careers. Apart from experiential learning opportunities aside, the university provides career guidance, workshops, webinars, and mentorship as well. An annual career fair connects students to many companies seeking to recruit talented graduates, such as EY, Deloitte, Phoenix Business Services, Accenture, Citco, QS Lasers, and more.
Everyone is welcome to participate, regardless of their aspirations. Despite already offering a broad range of academic subjects at all levels of study, VU is always looking for ways to improve and expand its programmes and facilities. In 2024, the university will offer a nursing bachelor’s study programme in English at the Faculty of Medicine. Plus, the newly opened VU Tech Hub Space provides a conducive environment for aspiring entrepreneurs, boosting innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration to realise startup dreams.
The best part? For all that students receive from VU, they need only pay an affordable tuition rate. Lower tuition fees and living expenses are great for international students seeking value for their investment. By coming here, they not only receive a world-class education, but access to all the wonders of Lithuania. Ranked eighth globally for remote work, the country attracts scores to its shores in search of beautiful landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and a welcoming community.
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