The Future of University-Business Internships Discussed at UFAZ

On February 25, a large-scale event dedicated to internship programs was held at the French-Azerbaijani University (UFAZ), co-organized by the Azerbaijan-France Chamber of Commerce (AFchamber) and UFAZ. The meeting brought together academic leaders, HR professionals, business representatives, students, and alumni to discuss modern job market demands and cooperation prospects.

During the official opening, UFAZ Executive Director Associated Professor Vazeh Asgarov and Secretary General Dr. Martin Godon emphasized the importance of applying academic knowledge in the workplace. They noted that internship programs are not only vital for the professional development of students but are also the most effective way to bridge the gap between academia and the business world.

Moderated by Zakir Soltanov, Managing Director of AFchamber, the event provided a platform for open dialogue between all parties. A panel discussion titled Internships as a Strategic Link Between Academia and Business featured Samra Shiriyeva, Head of the Education Department at UFAZ; Sabina Taghiyeva, HR Manager at SLB; Izzet Misirkhanova, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at ADY; and Davud Gambarzade, HR Business Partner at Holcim. The panelists exchanged views on key issues such as designing internship programs, employer expectations, and strengthening mentorship practices. They emphasized that a successful internship must meet the company's needs while creating real value for the student in a professional environment.

In the "Success Stories" segment, UFAZ alumni – Laman Jalilova, currently a Business Analyst at McKinsey, and Ramiz Huseynzada, a PhD student at the Polytechnic University of Milan – shared their personal experiences. They spoke about the decisive role internships played in their international careers and academic paths, offering practical advice to current students. Additionally, UFAZ final-year Chemical Engineering students Nazrin Alihumbatova and Novruz Juvarlinski shared their personal experiences, concerns, and expectations.

The event continued with interactive roundtables focused on designing effective internship programs, aligning academic and business expectations, and best practices in mentorship. At the conclusion of the event, the results of these discussions were presented as practical recommendations. These suggestions are expected to be implemented by both higher education institutions and the private sector in the future.