“I’m graduating from college – what’s next?” Event overview
On Wednesday, March 25, a career continuity event “I’m graduating from college – what’s next?” took place at Vilnius Business College, aimed at students considering further study opportunities in higher education institutions.
Academic journey as an intellectual investment in oneself
The event was opened by the director of Vilnius Business College, Gabija Skučaitė, who presented a talk on what it truly means to continue studies in higher education.
According to the director, the academic journey should not be perceived merely as a stage before work – it is a continuous form of personal growth, exploration, and investment in oneself. The director noted that today studies are often evaluated based on external returns: whether they quickly lead to a profession, provide visible recognition, or pay off immediately. However, studies also build internal capital – the ability to think more deeply, discipline, reflection, and a more mature relationship with oneself and the world. The director presented levels of education as steps of growth: bachelor’s studies provide the foundations of knowledge and the beginning of independence, master’s studies encourage deeper analysis and a stronger academic self-awareness, while doctoral studies, the highest level, are associated with the creation of new knowledge and intellectual responsibility. An important idea of the presentation is that a diploma is a visible result, but long-term value manifests through a culture of thinking, argumentation skills, internal discipline, and personal maturity. The presentation concluded with an inspiring quote from the President of Harvard University, Alan M. Garber: “Seeking truth is a journey without end” – investing in an academic journey means investing in one’s maturity, freedom of thought, and the ability to shape oneself.
Higher education system in Lithuania
Regina Kilinskaitė and Samson Toye Abiodun introduced students to the higher education system in Lithuania – from bachelor’s to doctoral studies. The speakers подробно presented three main study levels: bachelor’s studies provide first-level higher education, master’s studies allow specialization in a chosen field, and doctoral studies are intended for those pursuing an academic career and wishing to contribute to the creation of new knowledge. Admission requirements, study funding opportunities, and transfer procedures from colleges to universities were also discussed, allowing college graduates to continue their studies at a university with certain credit recognition.
Master’s study opportunities at Kazimieras Simonavičius University
The event continued with guests from Kazimieras Simonavičius University – Prof. Dr. Lidija Kraujalienė and Sandra Aksenavičiūtė, who presented master’s study opportunities at this university.
The speakers introduced the university’s master’s study programs, their content, and career prospects after graduation. Kazimieras Simonavičius University currently offers four study programs in English: Aviation Management, Organizational Innovation and Management, Fashion Management and Strategic Communication Studies. The duration of full-time master’s studies is 1.5 years and studies can also be chosen in a remote format. More information about their study programs can be found on the website ksu.lt. Graduates of Vilnius Business College will be granted special tuition fee discounts.
The event provided students with a valuable opportunity not only to learn about further study paths but also to personally speak with study consultants, ask relevant questions, and make a well-considered decision about their academic future.
