The Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European Atlantic University, UNEATLANTICO) has held a new day of the «What now?» , an initiative designed to guide students and equip them with the strategic tools needed for a successful transition to the labour market.
The programme «And now?» is carried out in cooperation with several entities: the Fundación Innovación y Desarrollo (FIDBAN), the Sociedad para el Desarrollo Regional de Cantabria (SODERCAN), the Centro Empresa Universitario (CEMU) and the CEO-CEPYME Cantabria, Reaffirming the commitment of the European Atlantic University to the integral training of its students, providing meeting spaces that allow direct contact between students and professionals.
Under the coordination of Francisco Zunzunegui, director of SITE UNEATLANTICO, the conference cycle «And now what?» was attended by Alberto Martínez Lebeña, general manager of Mutua Montañesa. During his presentation, Martínez Lebeña offered a pragmatic view on the demands of the current market, highlighting that, although the curriculum is the key to access, soft skills are the differential factor. «We seek commitment and initiative. Management skills and leadership are the drivers that determine the course of action to achieve real results», he stressed.
During his speech, the director of Mutua Montañesa broke down the critical aspects for a recent graduate to stand out in a competitive environment at the end of university, highlighting that posture, attitude and dynamism are vital to generate a good first impression. It’s not just about what is said, but how the attitude aligns with the technical profile presented. It is also essential to study the company in depth before the interview. «We need to be proactive and demonstrate that activities have been carried out beyond the strictly academic level», he recommended. Language proficiency combined with impeccable writing, are positioned as indispensable assets.
In this line, Alberto stressed that the career path requires renunciations and a balance between reason and impulse. In the face of mistakes, he urged students to keep a «cool head», analysing each situation pragmatically to find the best way out. He also encouraged students to leave the comfort zone: Going out into other environments and business models is always more than comfort. Continuing training and apprenticeship are the real way forward».
As a finishing touch to the day, it was announced the opening of a process to carry out practices in Mutua Montañesa. The company will select profiles that demonstrate commitment, effort and relational capacity to be integrated into its projects. This selection process will be carried out through the Centro Empresa Universidad (CEMU).
«Do not waste time while you are at university; time passes very quickly», said the rapporteur to underline the importance of taking advantage of every resource, contact and project that UNEATLANTICO puts at your fingertips before making the ultimate leap into the professional world.