The transition from academic life to the job market still poses major challenges in Brazil, according to Rodrigo Dib, Institutional Superintendent of Innovation at the Center for Business-School Integration (CIEE). In his view, the Brazilian education system has not yet kept pace with the rapid changes demanded by the professional world.

“The job market is calling for leaders. Companies set goals, and results must be delivered. We talk a lot about autonomy and self-management, but are we really preparing young people for that?” he asked during his appearance on the first episode of *Conexão Bett* in 2025.

The CIEE superintendent pointed out that the current educational model prioritizes traditional methods, which often neglect the soft skills that are essential for the job market. “Culturally, young people are taught to answer roll call at the beginning of class, study for tests, and be evaluated by exams. After 16 or 17 years in this system, they are expected, overnight, to take the lead, meet goals, and show initiative at work.”

Dib pointed out that technical skills can be replaced by machines, but human qualities—such as resilience, creativity, and commitment—remain indispensable. “The professions that exist today may not exist 20 or 30 years from now. That’s why young people need to be ready to adapt, whether to artificial intelligence or any new profession that may emerge.”

Watch the full episode:

The Role of CIEE in Integrating Young People into the Labor Market

With a strong track record of helping young people enter the workforce, CIEE has already helped more than 7 million people enter the job market. Currently, more than 300,000 young people are participating in internship and apprenticeship programs.

“The Young Apprentice program, for example, requires young people to stay in school in order to keep their jobs. This is very positive, as it combines education with vocational training,” explained Dib.

Despite this, the superintendent acknowledged that there is a “mismatch” between what companies are looking for and how young people are prepared. “This mismatch has been a major challenge for Brazilian companies. The productivity of Brazilian workers is still very low compared to other countries. This needs to be addressed.”

Education and the Labor Market: An Urgent Relationship

The CIEE superintendent also emphasized the need for greater integration between education and the job market. “Education must be rooted in the job market so that we can prepare young people to be well-rounded individuals who are also ready for the professional world.”

He cited examples from other countries, such as Japan, which prioritize “hands-on” practices and a philosophy of taking the initiative from an early age. However, he reflected on the cultural and socioeconomic differences that make the Brazilian context unique.

For Dib, collaboration between educational institutions, the government, and businesses is essential for improving youth employability. “If we work together to demystify the process, we can build important alliances. Young people need the right ‘nutritional boost’ from school to face an increasingly competitive and unpredictable world.”

Despite the challenges, he said the situation is improving. “The mere fact that we’re talking about this is already a step forward. I believe the situation in 2025 will be better than in 2024, but we need to step on the gas so that our young people are truly ready for the future.”

In addition to YouTube,Conexão Bettis also available on major audio platforms, such asSpotify,Deezer,Apple Podcasts,Amazon Music, andGoogle Podcasts, among others, as well as on theEducador21 website.

The talk show is yet another forum for dialogue at Bett Brasil, featuring various experts who offer a different perspective on the most relevant and current topics in the education sector. Turn on notifications on your favorite platform to be notified whenever a new episode is available.

Share on social media: