Assessment of Students’ Benefits Resulting from their Participation in an Innovative Project: A Case Study

Purpose: The objective of this paper is to determine the benefits for students of practical training in a multi-sectoral environment, involving practitioners, outside the university. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research was conducted in the scope of an international project based on the following research methods, questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus group interviews with students from four different countries. Findings: Participation in the experimental practical training outside the university allowed the students to gain additional knowledge and contacts in various milieus. Their soft competences were developed better than their hard competences. The students have become more aware of the determinants of their choice of career path and their educational needs. Practical Implications: The implementation of selected elements of practical training outside the university can bring beneficial results for both students and academic staff. Originality/value: Incorporation of innovative training students by practitioners, outside the university, and in a multi-sector environment – into the academic education system.