Contrary to general demographic trends in Latvia, the dynamics of higher education has seen a positive increase in recent years. Official Latvian statistics show that out of approximately 75 thousand students, 23% begin their studies at the master's level, while the number of doctoral students has increased by 58.1% in five years (interestingly, in 2023 Latvia stood out with the highest proportion of women in doctoral studies in the European Union – 61%).* Perhaps these figures indicate the maturity of society and the desire for intellectual and professional growth. However, studies at these levels are not just a statistical unit – they are time-consuming, require self-discipline, determination and time resources, but the return is significant in both personal and professional development. As Zane Driņķe, rector of Turība University, emphasizes: “Master's and doctoral studies force students to step out of their comfort zone. They teach them to think critically, solve complex problems, and make well-considered decisions based on facts and evidence”.

Overcoming the comfort zone – a start for leadership

Doctoral and master's studies are no longer just an academic path - they have become an environment where science and entrepreneurship meet. Turība Vice-Rector for Scientific and Academic Work Daina Vasiļevska points out that modern doctoral studies are interdisciplinary - they solve industry problems, offer solutions to companies, and are often created in collaboration with industry representatives. As D. Vasiļevska mentions, in the practice of the Turība University, there are cases when doctoral students study a specific company problem in an academic environment in order to address the needs of this company. In such cases, companies often also pay for their employees’ studies. The situation is similar at the master's level. As Zane Driņķe admits: “Master's studies transform a person's way of thinking - from simple accumulation of knowledge to analytical and purposeful thinking. It is a place where students are given a tool to manage complex processes”.

Practice as a verification of knowledge

It is important that the study process is not detached from reality, only in this case can the academic environment create synergy with real life and create new opportunities and discoveries. When asked about her experience at Turība Univeristy, Rector Zane Driņķe emphasizes that teaching methods, like the academic environment itself, develop and keep up with the demands of the times: “We teach through collaboration in dialogue. Theory is immediately tested in practice and this applies to every level of study - at the college and bachelor's level, as well as at the master's and doctoral levels. At Turība University, all study programs are created in close cooperation with industry professionals - the academic world is integrated into practice”. For doctoral students, this means the opportunity to integrate their research into companies, to develop innovative solutions, models and tools. Ideas created during studies often turn into real business forms. This, in turn, increases the competitiveness of students in the international market - especially important if the goal is to work in international projects or companies.

Higher-level studies as an instrument of prestige

Both Latvian and global statistics show that higher-level studies are becoming increasingly popular. D. Vasiļevska explains the trend: “The forecasts show that in both the medium and long term, demand will grow mainly for specialists in highly qualified professions. By 2040, labor demand will continue to shift in favor of demand for specialists with higher education. Particularly rapid growth is expected for specialists in the fields of natural sciences, information and communication technologies (ICT), as well as engineering, which, according to both Latvian and European labor market forecasts, will be strategically important in the long term. Moreover, the demand for these specialists will grow not only due to the creation of new jobs, but also due to replacement – ​​the departure of current employees from the labor market”.* Z. Driņķe points out how to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly demanding labor market: “Master’s and doctoral studies are a tool with which a student builds his or her own reputation in the labor market. This is a signal to the employer – this person can be entrusted with complex tasks”. Moreover, employers appreciate this approach - Turība has been among the three highest-rated universities in Latvia by employers for years.* Students who create their own companies, develop products or solutions during their studies often become cooperation partners in industry before graduating. Trends show: the driving force of growth is where academic knowledge and practical experience meet. Master's and doctoral studies are the epicenter of this process.

*References:

1. Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, 2023.

2. Harvard Business Review: “Why a Doctorate in Business Administration is Becoming More Valuable”, 2022.

3. Edgewood College: "Why a Doctorate in Business Administration is Worth Your Time", 2022.

4. Opinion article: "Stepping out of your comfort zone – what we get from studying for a doctorate", https://www.turiba.lv/lv/augstskola/viedoklraksti/izkapjot-no-komforta-zonas-ko-iegustam-studejot-doktorantura

5. SKDS Employer Survey Results, 2023.