Yesterday I read a born-new book which includes stories of alumnis of Pärnu college. Some of them have achieved a lot after their graduation and have much to say...

As I think that some of their ideas would be important to know by our members then I will post two of them here.

Tauri Sumberg who is working in the Legendijuhitmise AS and has established hotels like Georg Ots Spa, Kolm Õde (Three Sisters) and in Riga hotel called albert, answered to the question "What was the difference between theory you learned in college and reality when you went to work?" the following: "... What concerns general theory of economics then I would like to calm you down - your studies are more like training of communication and broadening your mind than learning a real job. In future competition will win those who have better leadership skills and characteristics, are better communicators and are more ambitious than those who have better results in macro- and micro-economics..."

And later on: "...If I recruit people to my company then usually I dont care about their results in the university. The knowledge of people is useful if they cannot communicate. Besides your studies I suggest you to listen to wise people, read good books and travel-work around the world..."

Lehar Kütt who is leading PEAK (in Englist Pärnu Entrepreneurship Development Center) answers the same questions the following: "...In management one of the most critical dimensions is the ability to communicate in extreme situations. This is the thing which you cannot learn in the university. Communication skills and the knowledge how to act in different situations can be learned only by practical experience."

A part of the answer of Kristi Pihelpuu, Marhaba Tours, to the questions "What were the first impressions in the college?" comes here: "...At the very beginning, in the 1st course, I realized that in 3 years 20 young and good people will graduate from Tourism and Hotel Management who will start competing with each other in the labor market. That is why I decided to actively coordinate student life besides my studies (Kristi was in Student Council and also organized Student Winter Days etc). I wanted to differentiate from my course mates and at the same time to test my organizing skills..."

With this posting I dont want to tell you that you dont have to learn in the college or university - of course you have to because this gives you the ability to think and use your brain for learning and growing in all kind of situations. I just want to say that people who are already in the real work and labor market really evaluate the same things we are doing here right now - AIESEC and its members are on the right track. Keep on moving!