How does the University of Lodz attract young people and how does it invest in the talents it already has under its wing? What should you pay attention to and what should you consider when choosing your studies? – these are the questions that are answered as part of the "Youth in Lodz" campaign by Dr hab. Agnieszka Kurczewska – the University of Lodz Vice-Rector for External Cooperation. The recording of the speech is available at the following link.
First of all, we begin to provide this support to "young talented" people much earlier, even at the high school stage, i.e. before they officially become members of our academic community.
Dr hab. Agnieszka Kurczewska – the University of Lodz Vice-Rector for External Cooperation:
We are increasingly trying to attract high school students. We run, among other things, the "Talented at School, Brilliant at the University" programme, under which we work with young people on topics that interest them and go beyond high school curricula. Thanks to the cooperation with our academic staff, students can develop and create projects. We also run an "Innovation Laboratory" where students can experiment, prototype and gain knowledge about designing innovative solutions.
Choosing a university and a study programme is one of the most important decisions in the lives of young people. High school graduates usually make decisions based on their own interests, but also on the opinions of other people. What should you take into account when making these decisions?
Dr hab. Agnieszka Kurczewska – the University of Lodz Vice-Rector for External Cooperation:
You should come and see the university. A mistake that people often make when choosing a university is to follow the opinions of their own parents. You have to admit that over the last 20 or 30 years these universities have changed a lot. They are no longer the same universities; they have different study programmes and different study formulas. It is worth seeing for yourself, coming to see what the lecture halls look like, talking to lecturers and other students.
And what awaits those who join the UniLodz community?
Those studying at the University of Lodz can choose from a number of programmes that allow them to grow both academically and mentally. We focus on developing creativity, innovation and business skills. We want students to work unconventionally and generate new ideas and solutions. We focus not only on individual work, but also on working in teams. It brings the synergy effect and builds a completely new quality.
Mentorship project
We organise e.g., a mentorship programme for the very talented students. As part of it students can develop their skills and careers under the guidance of experienced graduates of our university. Students are matched with outstanding graduates of the University of Lodz who have achieved success in their professional fields. Mentors offer their mentees individual support, sharing their experience and career guidance. The mentorship project is to support the personal and professional development of the participating students by developing their skills, knowledge and network of contacts.
Entrepreneurship is the key
"Academy of Entrepreneurship" is another proposal. It is a programme addressed to those who want to explore the secrets of entrepreneurship and prepare to run their own businesses. Thanks to the programme, you can participate in a variety of courses and training sessions conducted by both business practitioners and theoreticians of economic sciences. Students have the opportunity to develop their own business ideas and receive support and advice from entrepreneurship and business experts, which helps them implement their ideas and goals.
"EkSoc Start Up" competition is another available option. It enables students to develop their own business ideas and gain practical entrepreneurial experience, with the support of mentors and business experts. Students are encouraged to develop innovative ideas, concepts and business development strategies. The best projects receive financial prizes and support to further develop their startups. Winners have the chance to gain business contacts and investors, which can accelerate the growth of their businesses.
Innovation – can it be learned?
"Ideathon" programme is an interesting proposition. This is an initiative aimed at developing creativity, innovation, business problem-solving skills and working in teams. Students take part in workshops and creative thinking sessions, during which they generate innovative ideas for solving specific business or social problems. They then form teams in which they jointly design and develop new solutions. They also receive support and guidance from experienced mentors and experts in various fields who help them develop and refine their ideas. The best teams have the opportunity to present their projects in front of a jury during a final presentation, and the winning teams receive financial prizes and support to further develop their projects.
Go abroad – see more!
Dr hab. Agnieszka Kurczewska – the University of Lodz Vice-Rector for External Cooperation:
We want young, talented, innovative thinkers to stay in Lodz, but it is also worth using the study period to broaden your horizons. And this is where universities come to the rescue. The offer of travel and scholarship programmes abroad is really wide and now much more financially accessible than it was 20 or 30 years ago.
We offer our students a wide range of travel opportunities and scholarship programmes abroad. They can go to one of 26 EU countries, as well as Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, the Republic of North Macedonia or Turkey. Of course, those going away are covered by a scholarship – EU funding – and they can also apply for a grant for travel costs. This is a truly unique opportunity to get to know a new culture, language and way of life, to develop personally, to become more attractive on the labour market, to develop your language, but also to make international contacts and broaden your academic horizons. We know that the experience of living in a multicultural environment cannot be compared to anything else.
And maybe on-line?
For those who, for various reasons, cannot go abroad, the University of Lodz, offers e.g. "Opened courses" as part of UNIC – an alliance of 10 European universities located in cities in post-industrial transition. These are not only distance learning classes, but also the opportunity to attend lectures, seminars or workshops organised at various partner universities. This is conducive to increasing language competences, establishing international contacts and exchanging academic ideas.
How can you join the UniLodz community?
- You can find more information about the offer of various degree studies in the UniLodz Candidate Zone..
- Admission at the University of Lodz starts on 7 May 2024.
- Go to the recruitment portal.
Source: Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz, Youth in Lodz
Edit: Katarzyna Liberska-Kindermann, Agata Dawidowicz, Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz
Photo: Bartosz Kałużny, Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz
