The Role of the Higher Education Institutions in the Career Development of Albanian Students

The higher education is an investment in human capital. However, in Albania, the cost of this investment per individual is relatively high compared to the expected income. Students are influenced by a variety of factors when selecting a university, and often after graduation they encounter a job market gap. Career orientation, during and after the studies would serve as a way of positioning Polytechnic University for Tirana's students specifically, but also help them in the job market. Because of many years in transition, Albania and its education reforms have not been successful enough to create a structure for graduate professionals. Technology development has facilitated bureaucratic procedures and made it easier to obtain information. This study aims to analyze the importance of the university in the orientation towards the labor market and career development, students' expectations after completing their studies and their ability to adapt to market demands. The underlying target for this research is to build an online platform where students get an academic and professional profile, thereby creating a bridge to all businesses offering vacancies.