Among the many challenges faced by institutions of higher education in expanding access for new students, one stands out: aligning the processes for creating and updating college programs with the pace of change in the labor market’s demands.

The rapid pace of change today outstrips the ability to update and modernize the courses currently available. Furthermore, the time between a student’s enrollment at an institution and graduation creates an insurmountable gap for a recent graduate entering the job market.

According to FIAP’s vice president for academic affairs, Wagner Sanchez, the challenge lies in how Brazilian universities can align their education with the real demands of the job market.

“Adapting to digital skills is essential, from basic competencies to advanced technologies such as AI and blockchain. In addition, social-emotional skills, such as communication and teamwork, are crucial for shaping the professionals of the future. Integrating these competencies into the curriculum prepares students for the challenges of the job market and transforms them into leaders who are ready for the future,” says Sanchez.

One of the suggested approaches is for institutions of higher education to continually review their educational programs. Alexandre Marino, a full professor at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), says it is necessary to update the educational competencies to prepare students both for the use of technology and for the development of social-emotional skills.

He also suggests that the allocation of college admissions spots be aligned with the Federal Development Plan, in partnership with states and municipalities. “Coordinated public policies—from basic education through higher education—can establish an educational pathway that extends the time devoted to education and prepares professionals for the job market,” Marino notes.

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Following the same line of reasoning, Romero Tori, an associate professor at the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo (Poli-USP), notes that “good college programs are constantly adapting, focusing increasingly on the development of skills rather than content. Among these, digital and social-emotional skills stand out.”

Growth of Distance Learning

Distance learning has been widely integrated into the educational ecosystem, expanding the availability of higher education courses for people living outside major educational hubs. Distance learning has also offered students and institutions greater flexibility and more opportunities to customize courses, but it has raised a new question:

“Distance learning can help increase the enrollment rate of young people in higher education. However, there are critical issues to address, such as training teachers in digital skills, integrating technology into high school education, and ensuring that educational institutions have the necessary infrastructure. We cannot continue to use traditional classrooms for teaching activities in the digital age,” Marino notes.

Sanchez emphasizes that distance learning is essential for the future of higher education in Brazil, but it requires attention. “It is crucial to ensure that the content is engaging and up-to-date, as well as to invest in methodologies that promote engagement and interaction between students and teachers. Another key point is infrastructure: not only must the technology be accessible to everyone, but support services must also be prepared to assist those who face difficulties. When well-planned, distance learning can offer an experience just as rich as that of in-person instruction,” concludes FIAP’s vice president for academic affairs.

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