Panel Discussion “Degree, Knowledge or Personality? What Do Employers Look for in Candidates” Held at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Split

On Monday, 12 October 2026, a panel discussion entitled “Degree, Knowledge or Personality? What Do Employers Look for in Candidates” was held at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Split, marking the opening of this year’s Career Days, organised by the Centre for Career Planning and Development of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Split, in cooperation with the Faculty’s teaching practice partners.

The panel participants included Jolanda Pisac, a former student of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and an employee of the Archaeological Museum in Split, Lana Vučić, a pedagogue at HNK Hajduk Split, Ela Jurić Duvnjak, a pedagogue at the Mali Cvijetak Montessori Kindergarten, Maja Mimica, a sociologist and Research & Development Manager at NetHub (E.C.H.R. d.o.o.), and Prof. Dr. Antonela Marić, Coordinator for International Teaching Practice Partners.

The panel focused on the question of what, beyond formal education and an academic degree, employers recognise and value in job candidates. The discussion centred on competencies that are often not directly related to the completed field of study but can play an important role in employment and professional development, such as communication and interpersonal skills, responsibility, initiative, adaptability, independence, and willingness to engage in continuous learning.

The participation of representatives from various professional fields – ranging from culture and education to sport, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation – provided an opportunity to examine the employability of humanities and social sciences graduates from different perspectives. Particular emphasis was placed on connecting competencies acquired during university studies with the actual demands of the working environment, as well as on the importance of recognising and developing one's own potential during education.

The panel discussion also provided an opportunity to reflect on the extent to which personal characteristics, motivation, and willingness to gain new experiences, alongside professional knowledge, are important for a successful start to a career. This further highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Faculty, employers, and teaching practice partners in preparing students for the professional challenges awaiting them after graduation.

Career Days will continue until 16 October, with presentations by teaching practice partners of individual departments, during which students will have the opportunity to meet potential employers, learn about professional practice opportunities, and explore different career paths available to them after graduation.