Graduate Profile: New Approaches to Workforce Training at MNU Discussed in the Capital

In Astana, more than 20 representatives of major enterprises and various companies provided recommendations on strengthening specialist training at Maqsut Narikbayev University. The 10th meeting of the Business Council of the university’s International School of Economics was held at the Sheraton Astana Hotel.

The discussion focused on the graduate profile of the educational program Business Administration in Management. Particular emphasis was placed on the Supply Chain Management track, labor market expectations, and the role of employers in shaping future specialists. The event attracted significant interest from employers, including representatives of domestic and international transport and logistics enterprises, as well as oil and gas and consulting companies.

Dean of the International School of Economics Saule Kemelbayeva gave a detailed presentation on the school’s activities, highlighting its prestigious international accreditations and high graduate employment rates. Various formats of cooperation between the university and employers were also proposed, including internship programs, case championships, and memorandum agreements. MNU Provost Anar Ibrayeva expressed gratitude to partners for their cooperation and emphasized the importance of dialogue between academia and industry.

“Every year, we prepare around one thousand graduates for the labor market. It is very important for us that the profile of our graduates meets employers’ expectations. All recommendations voiced by our partners throughout the ten years of the Business Council’s activities have been taken into account and incorporated into educational programs following discussions,” said Anar Ibrayeva.

The Provost also highlighted the successful integration of an artificial intelligence component into the university’s educational programs, which enhances graduates’ competitiveness in the labor market. Participants emphasized the importance of expanding AI-related skills, as well as ensuring a high level of proficiency in Power BI and Microsoft Excel among future specialists. In addition, the need for an integrated approach, new criteria for evaluating diploma projects, and the development of critical thinking skills was noted.

“We regularly face the need for employees involved in procurement, calculations, and analytics. Today, we see a shortage of specialists in the market. This format of dialogue with the university will allow us to receive more effectively trained specialists who meet the company’s needs. Therefore, this is undoubtedly a good initiative that should be continued. We are ready to cooperate with MNU,” said Elmira Nuredilova, EMEA Regional Supply Chain Leader at Wabtec Corporation.

During the Business Council meeting, the “Outstanding Business Partner” award was presented to companies closely cooperating with MNU in the field of Supply Chain Management. Special statuettes were awarded to representatives of Alstom, PTC Holding, and Sheraton Astana Hotel. Following the meeting, it was noted that the meaningful recommendations provided by employers would be taken into consideration by the university administration.

It should be noted that the Business Council is a permanent advisory and consultative body of the International School of Economics.