This edition featured a special guest speaker: Dr. oec. Irina Sennikova, Vice-President of CEEMAN and Acting Rector at RISEBA. Dr. Sennikova has been a key figure at RISEBA since its inception and brings a wealth of experience in both academia and institutional leadership. Holding a Master’s degree in English Philology, an MBA, and a PhD in Management with a focus on Intellectual Entrepreneurship, she lectures in management, leadership, and organizational management.
In this session, Dr. Sennikova led an engaging discussion on how institutions and individuals can differentiate themselves in a crowded educational landscape. Drawing from her extensive international experience, she shared practical strategies and personal insights into building a distinctive academic profile and leading with impact.
The conversation also delved into a number of timely and thought-provoking topics raised by participants. These included the latest trends in double and joint degree programs and how institutions can strategically position themselves through such offerings. One participant, leading a new master’s program, sought guidance on the initial steps toward aligning with CEEMAN’s accreditation standards and values. There was also interest in strengthening collaboration with CEEMAN, as members looked to deepen partnerships and leverage the network for institutional development.
Another key area of discussion focused on the shifting dynamics of global higher education, particularly the growing trend of students from Western countries pursuing education in Southeast Asian economies such as India. The implications of this shift for European institutions sparked a lively exchange on competitiveness, adaptation, and opportunity. The session concluded with reflections on how the expectations of new graduates are changing, especially as AI begins to take over many entry-level roles, prompting a broader conversation on the evolving skill sets needed for the future of work.
Participants were encouraged to reflect on their own institutional strengths and challenges, contributing to a rich and interactive dialogue. As always, the Conversations Over Coffee format allowed for authentic peer-to-peer exchange, fostering community and collaboration among CEEMAN members.
We thank everyone who joined us and contributed to the success of this session.