Labor market needs: A qualitative view of the professional profile required in the Brunca Region of Costa Rica

Abstract

Introduction: Public universities in Costa Rica enjoy high social credibility and a positive assessment of their work. However, they face limitations in their academic offerings in peripheral regions, which threatens the democratization of access to higher education and calls into question their ability to respond to the current and future needs of the environment. Methodology: The study focused on identifying the skills and competencies required in the regional professional profile from the perspective of employers and institutional representatives. Using a mixed paradigm with a sequential exploratory multiphase design and a qualitative approach, this article reports the results of the final qualitative phase, based on 12 semi-structured interviews with officials and business representatives from the cantons of the Brunca Region. Results: The analysis identified seven priority university training topics: comprehensive professional training; job profiles, hiring processes, and non-professional positions; English proficiency; transferable skills; customer service; knowledge of public service; and training in gender issues. Conclusions: This fulfills the social responsibility of reducing qualification gaps and contributes to the credibility and competitiveness of public higher education.