COMPARISON OF EXPECTATIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION APPLICANTS AND STAKEHOLDERS REGARDING THE TRAINING OF SPECIALISTS IN FINANCE, BANKING AND INSURANCE

Abstract

The market of educational services requires alignment of stakeholder expectations with the level of preparation of specialists by higher education institutions. Applicants and students expect that the knowledge and skills obtained during their studies are sufficient to get the first job in their specialty. Potential employers expect competences sufficient for the performance of job duties. The purpose of the research is to compare the expectations of higher education applicants and employers regarding the learning outcomes and competences obtained by graduates of the specialty «Finance, Banking and Insurance». The objectives of the study are: to investigate the opinion of higher education applicants of the specialty «Finance, Banking and Insurance» of Poltava State Agrarian University regarding their professional intentions and satisfaction with the formation of professional competencies; to study the opinion of stakeholders on the need for training specialists and implementation of the educational and professional program «Finance, Banking and Insurance» in the Poltava region; to compare expectations of higher education applicants. Additionally, knowledge of banking and related products is required in the banking sector, knowledge of financial management is mandatory in the real sector, etc. Students' and employers' expectations regarding graduates' ability to work with modern financial and accounting computer programs and databases are the same. English language requirements differ – students consider it as mandatory and employers consider it as desirable. At the same time, «soft skills» of communicative competences and additional social skills (in particular, the ability to work in a team, communicate with clients) are mandatory requirements.