Abstract:

In a rapidly changing world shaped by 21st-century technological advances, Industry 5.0, and uncertainty, soft skills have become essential for both personal and professional success. Higher education institutions have an increasing responsibility to equip students not only with academic knowledge, but also with self-awareness, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. This study examines how coaching and mentoring can serve as transformative tools in universities to support the holistic development of students. During the research, we used an online survey as part of a quantitative primary research, with a pre-tested standardized questionnaire and a snowball sampling method. We processed 400 evaluable questionnaires and evaluated the data using descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate analyses. The results confirmed that the integration of the methods studied into the educational ecosystem gives students the opportunity for reflection, goal setting, and self-directed development, which strengthens their employability and lifelong learning skills. The study highlights tried and tested practices that promote sustainable personal development through structured mentoring and coaching services. The results suggest that there is a need for continuous education on the subject and that the subjects already implemented in the curriculum are well received by students. In the longer term, these subjects can contribute to students' well-being, motivation, and preparedness to cope with the challenges of an ever-changing professional environment.

Keywords:

Gen Z, conscious lifeplanning, coaching, mentoring, higher education.