Why Do We Have to Learn This?: Preparing Students for the Future Workforce

Help students see the real-world relevance of their studies and develop skills for future careers in this practical session led by Suzanne Gut, an experienced educator in English, TESOL, and Communications. Join us on August 14, 2025, at 20:00 Moscow time to explore ways to connect academic content to workforce expectations, soft skills, and interdisciplinary knowledge. In this presentation, we’ll be discussing how to help students answer the question, “Why do we have to learn this anyway?“ It is a valid question that students often cannot answer on their own, as their work experience is limited at young ages (18-23). Participants will explore ways to help students see the relevance of academic subject matter and expectations for their future workforce development. We will discuss interdisciplinary connections, workforce expectations, soft skills, and a growth mindset to prepare students for their future careers. Who is it for? This session is open to all teachers but is especially relevant for undergraduate instructors, as their students will soon be entering the workforce. Speaker: Suzanne Gut has been working with international students and colleagues throughout her 30 year academic career in English, TESOL, Communications, and Linguistics. She has served as department chair, professor, adjunct, mentor, advisor, study abroad director, tutor, presenter, and co-author. She holds a BA in English with a minor in writing, an MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and is currently ABD in Rhetoric and Composition studies with a concentration in Linguistics and New Media. Her research focuses on computer-mediated communication, interpersonal communication, and discourse analysis. Currently, she is a full-time grant writer and proposal manager. “My goal has always been to give people the tools and sharpen the skills they need to be successful and communicate effectively and efficiently.”