SELF-ASSESSMENT OF ECONOMICS STUDENTS’ READINESS TO ENTER THE LABOUR MARKET IN BULGARIA

 

Penka Shishmanova¹, Aleksandrina Aleksandrova^2* and Elitsa Petkova³

¹Prof., PhD, D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, Bulgaria, p.shishmanova@uni-svishtov.bg ²Assist. prof., PhD, D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, Bulgaria,a.alexandrova@uni-svishtov.bg

³Assist. prof., PhD, D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, Bulgaria, e.petkova@uni-svishtov.bg

 

Abstract

The trend towards digitalization of processes in the modern economy through the use of information and communication technologies, modifies the models of carrying out business activities. Professions are changing as activities become more and more technology-intensive. This makes the use of digital technologies a key element of workforce training.

As a result, digital transformation radically changes the labour market. It affects the quantity of job positions and the quality characteristics of workforce. These changes pose the question of developing the digital skills and competences of working people, especially those of young people who are about to start their career. This problem is particularly relevant given the fact that youth unemployment is a serious challenge both at national and European level.

The analysis outlines the possible obstacles regarding the labour market inclusion of young people through a self-assessment of their digital competences. Emphasis is placed on the skills that economics students must develop or improve in order to meet the demands of the labour market in Bulgaria. This is an important condition for their professional realization.

The self-assessment of skills and the awareness of the shortage of digital skills with students will facilitate the process of developing a vision for improving their digital literacy. The ability to identify the necessary skills in perspective is the basis on which to build the education system in Bulgaria. The latter can ensure the readiness of young people to realize in the labour market. However, the pace of development of new technologies suggests that the skills required will continue to change for all job positions, making life-long learning a vital  necessity.

Keywords: Digital technologies, professional realization, entering labour market, students‘ self-assessment