Abstract:

Student placement, a required component for students across various public administration programs at the University of Ljubljana's Faculty of Administration, provides an opportunity for students to tackle real-world issues within public administration with guidance from both organizational mentors and faculty advisors. This hands-on experience aims to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, fostering the development of students' general and subject-specific competencies. Offered in both the 1st cycle (Bachelor's) and 3rd year of the University Study Programme in Public Sector Governance and the Higher Education Professional Study Programme in Administration, the Student Placement course at the Faculty of Public Administration plays a pivotal role in students' academic journey.

In this analysis spanning the academic years 2017-2020, we delve into students' perspectives on their placement experiences at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Public Administration, with a particular focus on the integration of theory and practice, particularly regarding ICT. Understanding this gap is crucial for addressing challenges and advancing efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

The analysis, based on 320 questionnaires from students at the Faculty of Public Administration, University of Ljubljana, reveals that students possess high ICT skills and familiarity with various software, aligning with the significant demand for these skills in practical training settings. While few respondents indicated limited necessity for ICT knowledge during their Student Placement, most recognized its importance. Furthermore, the survey highlights discrepancies between software learned at the faculty and those commonly used in workplaces, emphasizing the need for alignment. Additionally, findings indicate that students exhibit proficiency in foreign language communication and possess analytical and integrative thinking skills, which are highly sought after in the job market. These insights underscore the importance of enhancing ICT-related pedagogy and ensuring alignment with industry demands to better prepare students for their future careers.

In light of these findings, we propose recommendations for integrating ICT more effectively into the pedagogical process, addressing relevant educational content and software, and enhancing the digital literacy of faculty members. These measures aim to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ultimately better equipping students for the challenges of the modern workforce.

Keywords:

Student evaluation, ICT gap, Sustainable Development Goals, digital investments.