ADOPTION OF INNOVATIONS IN THE TRAINING OF UNIVERSITY GRADUATES: EXPLORING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS
L. Ramírez-Portilla1, A. Ramírez-Portilla2, M.C. González-Cortés3
As in many other cities around the world, Mexico City has both public and private higher education institutions. This topic becomes relevant when a company hires people to train them in the subjects they must know to develop, promote, buy, or sell their products. This work explores some particularities identified in graduating professionals who must take training courses.
Among the traits of graduates from private universities, proactivity usually stands out, as well as leadership ability; they are also self-taught and autonomous, which allows them to acquire knowledge quickly and efficiently. However, this same autonomy can lead to a certain arrogance and lack of humility, causing them to underestimate the importance of experience and guidance from others. Despite their ability to research and learn independently, they often need more practical experience to navigate the working world successfully. This combination of qualities can be both a strength and a weakness, depending on the context and demands of the job.
In contrast, graduates from public universities stand out for having a solid technical background and valuable practical experience acquired throughout their studies. Their willingness to learn continuously is an essential asset in a constantly changing working world. However, they are often attributed to a lower research initiative and difficulties applying their theoretical knowledge in real situations. Lack of motivation to seek opportunities and adapt to changes in the labor market is another aspect that can limit their professional development. Although they have a solid foundation, these graduates could benefit from a greater emphasis on developing soft skills, such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving, to enhance their performance in increasingly competitive work environments.
To maximize both groups' potential, a training course based on andragogy is proposed. This educational approach, which is key for adults, will allow for personalizing learning, promoting active participation, and developing key skills while also achieving a more meaningful and relevant process. This approach recognizes adults' prior experience and involves them in their own learning, increasing their motivation and retention. In short, andragogy empowers adults to achieve their professional goals.
Keywords: Educational innovation, Job training, Public and private universities.