If we were to define Atlantis University Business School, the famous extra mile would be dotting that description, and when we talk about our MBA programs, we not only meet the standards but exceed them to facilitate Exceptional Career Opportunities.
These days, one of the 6 to 8 Program Advisory Committees, PACs, that we hold each year, per school, at Atlantis University, was held, but what exactly is a PAC?
There are 9 types of standards that a university must meet to receive its accreditation, in the United States, one of them is the academic area. “The university must demonstrate that its programs are evaluated by academic peers, and to demonstrate this, we must hold at least 2 meetings a year in which at least 3 members of the employer community participate, graduates who are placed in strategic positions and leaders of the industry that represent the most recognized brands according to the school that is evaluated. This is what is known as a Program Advisory Committee (PAC)”, explained the Executive Director of Atlantis University.
Why is it essential to study at a university that holds Advisory Committees?
In the first place, it is a legal matter. The Education code, in its Title 5 55601 says, “The governing board of each community college district participating in a vocational education program shall appoint a vocational education advisory committee to develop recommendations on the program and to provide liaison between the district and potential employers.”
Studying in a university with Advisory Committees for their programs is fundamental because these spaces provide helpful intake and guidance to guarantee that the content in the program is up-to-date regarding the market needs. Besides, the participants on these committees can confirm that the programs and their classes are relevant to the current industry standards and requirements.
According to the American Council on Education (ACE), advisory committees play a critical role in program improvement by providing feedback on program content and ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce. Additionally, the National Council for Workforce Education (NCWE) emphasizes that advisory committees can also help identify emerging trends in the industry and provide insight into potential workforce needs.
By studying at a university with advisory committees, students can benefit from a more dynamic and relevant curriculum and increased opportunities for internships, networking, and post-graduation employment, which is the case for our MBA programs.
PACs and their impact on job placement
PACs are conducted by schools or program groups. “We have a PAC for Health, one for Business, one for IT and one for Education.” During the PAC sessions, aspects such as Curriculum and content, Equipment and facilities, Trends in the industry, Placement and employment and Distance education are evaluated.
The suggestions of the members of the PACs result in modifications to the pensum, duration of the programs and academic meetings in which decisions are made aimed at strengthening the process of integral formation of the student. The purpose of all this is to guarantee that students, upon finishing their studies, have all the tools that allow them to access the job offers of their choice, because they meet market standards.
Program advisory committees positively impact job placement and MBA career opportunities because they provide guidance and input to adapt educational programs to develop the skills and knowledge that are most valuable to employers.
These committees typically consist of industry professionals, graduates working in the industry, instructors, and business trade company representatives.
This group of people, with vast experience and up-to-date knowledge, offers valuable insights into current industry trends, skill requirements, and emerging technologies that can enhance the curriculum and ensure that graduates are equipped with the competencies and skills in high demand.
By working closely with program faculty and administrators, program advisory committees can help to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to enter the job market and excel in their chosen fields. This can result in higher job placement rates, as employers are more likely to hire candidates with the specific skills and knowledge they seek. Additionally, program advisory committees can help to establish partnerships between educational institutions and industry, leading to more internship and job opportunities for graduates.
Always in search of academic excellence
That is why our academic programs may vary. A student may enter one of our MBA programs, for example. It could happen that throughout the educational journey, the XYZ class is replaced by ABC due to a recommendation of the PAC. Our academic programs are evolving at the same pace as the labor market, so we can count on the MBA endorsements by industry leaders, to benefit our graduates and their future employers.
“For example, after the Coronavirus, the needs have changed in almost all areas. Now people with much higher technical skills are needed, and with soft skills. Seeing the changing needs, and frequently reviewing our curricula, we can guarantee that the program we are offering is up to date in terms of technological tools, skills development, problems that students learn to solve, and leadership styles that lead teams to achievement. of objectives individually and collectively.
In conclusion, it is essential for master programs, and Business schools, to prioritize the continuous actualization of curricula in their search for excellence. The world is changing rapidly, and so are the skills and knowledge required to succeed in different fields. By keeping our programs up-to-date, our Master’s can ensure our students receive the most relevant and valuable education possible. This not only benefits the students by equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their careers, but it also benefits the industry by producing a workforce that is well-prepared for the challenges of the future. That is why we always go the extra mile to ensure our graduates are among the best prepared to succeed in their chosen careers.
