On Friday, February 17, Ernst & Young (EY) took part in a session on "Skills for the future" at the Pedagogical University in Maputo. The conference, which took place over three days, was organized by AIESEC - International Association of Students of Economics and Commercial Sciences.

Paulo Reis, Managing Partner of the EY office in Maputo and leader of the Audit Department, was one of the guest speakers who addressed an audience of around 150 young university students.

The initiative took place as part of EY's recent partnership with AIESEC - International Association of Students of Economics and Commercial Sciences, whose main objective is to develop and implement a series of programs linked to EY Ripples, a corporate responsibility project.

Friday's session brought together leaders from various companies with the aim of sharing skills and experiences that will serve as a basis for better positioning in the job market. It also aimed to present the various opportunities that students will have by participating in programs such as AIESEC and to talk about the challenges of the professional world.

Among the many challenges in the labor market, emphasis was placed on the topic of diversity and gender equality.

"As this is obviously a fundamental issue, not only for EY but for the whole world, throughout the recruitment process we try to ensure a balance between male and female candidates," said Paulo Reis, stressing that this is a permanent commitment and concern for EY.

During the session, the Managing Partner of the EY Mozambique Office also highlighted the fundamental role that AIESEC played in various aspects of his academic career.

"Throughout our academic process, the association allows us to exchange experiences and become part of a network of international contacts that broaden our horizons," he said, also highlighting the fact that the association plays an important role in bridging the gap between academia and business.

"In terms of strategy, our recruitment is increasingly close to academia, with the typical EY professional being someone who has left university, joins us and goes on to make a career, promoting organic growth," said the Managing Partner of EY in Mozambique.

Paulo Reis considered that, "for this reason, it is in the firm's best interest to be close to universities, as they are its main source of recruitment", since "around 80% of the people at EY Mozambique were recruited right out of university", he said, making it clear how much Ernst & Young values its partnership with AIESEC.

According to Izidino Matlava, President of AIESEC in Mozambique, "through the session facilitated by EY, the young people were not only able to learn about Dr. Paulo Reis's academic career, but also had the opportunity to find out about the skills needed for the future and how they can develop these skills at AIESEC",

AIESEC is a global, non-governmental and non-profit organization led by young people. It has been present in Mozambique since 2000 and aims to contribute to personal and professional development through leadership programs, internships and global exchange experiences.

EY is socially responsible and aims to build a better world for young people, committing itself to the sustainable development of Mozambique.