Join the Alumni Discussion: “Liberal Arts – Navigating Careers, Personal Growth, and the AI Era”
As part of Vytautas Magnus University’s traditional Alumni Day within the VMU Connections Event, we are excited to host a hybrid discussion titled “Liberal Arts: Navigating Careers, Personal Growth, and the AI Era” on November 8th.
This event will unite international alumni and current students to explore the value of a liberal arts education in today’s fast-changing job market. Participants will discuss how a liberal arts background enhances employability, fosters personal growth, and addresses the challenges and opportunities posed by the rise of AI. It promises to be an enriching exchange of insights and experiences for all attendees.
The hybrid discussion will take place on Friday, November 8, from 16:00 to 17:30, both online via Microsoft Teams and onsite at VMU Senate Hall, S. Daukanto g. 28, Kaunas. The event will be conducted in English. Registration is required.
VMU international alumni from various graduating years will share how their liberal arts education helped them overcome career challenges or pivot in their professional journeys. We will also discuss the influence of AI on today’s job market.
For international graduates, this is an opportunity not only to return to the university but also to be heard and stay connected with the community.
For current students, this is a fantastic chance to meet alumni working in various fields in Lithuania and around the world, network, ask questions, and engage in discussions to gain insights about today’s job market and navigating their careers.
The preliminary lineup of speakers for the hybrid discussion “Liberal Arts: Navigating Careers, Personal Growth, and the AI Era” is as follows:
Subtopic: “The Relevance of a Liberal Arts Education and Employability”
VMU alumni Nigar Yahyazada and Orkhan Abdullayev from Azerbaijan, both graduates of the Sociolinguistics and Multilingualism Joint Master’s program, are currently working together at Karabakh University, Azerbaijan.
VMU alumna Meiqi Zhang from China completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s studies in the Performing Arts Solo Piano program at the VMU Music Academy (2018–2024). She has just begun her PhD at the VMU Education Academy, focusing on the philosophy and social competence of musical aesthetics education in higher education.
Subtopic: “Liberal Arts and Personal Growth”
Maka Berulava from Sakartvelo, an alumna of the International Politics and Development BA program (2023), graduated from University College London with a Master’s in Russian and Post-Soviet Politics. She is now pursuing her second master’s at VMU in the Future Media and Journalism program. Currently, she is assisting at the Sakharov Center and working with her classmate on their own NGO project.
Dmytro Zlenko is a third-year MEM/MBA student at the Nicholas School of the Environment and UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. Originally from Ukraine, Dmytro holds a B.A. in Environmental Science and Ecology from Vytautas Magnus University. His academic focus is guiding corporate and academic institutions through their low-carbon transitions, addressing the broader implications, including energy interdependence.
Ukrainians Tetiana Abramtsova, Kateryna Strutynska, and Valeriia Burlachenko, former VMU students with degrees in Political Science, share a passion for raising political awareness. They believe that science and art are the perfect combination for spreading ideas, knowledge, and activism. In March 2024, Tetiana launched the Utopia Club Podcast, and shortly after, Kateryna and Valeriia joined to promote political awareness and civic engagement.
Az-Zahra Helmi – IISMA Awardee at Vytautas Magnus University 2023. As an IISMA alumna from Vytautas Magnus University, she has developed a profound interest in building networks across borders and disciplines. Az-Zahra is committed to advancing public health and fostering global collaboration through research, advocacy, and empowerment.
Subtopic: “AI vs. Liberal Arts: Navigating Today’s Job Market”
Lakshya Dave from India, an alumnus of the Applied English Linguistics MA program (2022), specializes in the Fintech and Web3 sectors. He is a strong advocate for leveraging AI to drive innovation while considering its potential risks. In his talk, he will share actionable insights on collaborating with AI effectively and provide a perspective on how executives are responding to its rapid advancements.
Ravinthiran Partheepan from India, an alumnus of the Applied Informatics MA program (2022), worked as a full-stack blockchain developer in Malta after graduating from VMU. Later, he left his blockchain position to join a former colleague in building an EdTech startup at SFIE (Netherlands). He is now the CTO of Arkhamm AI and a Senior Machine Learning Engineer at SFIE (part-time).
The discussion is part of the VMU Connections event. Check out the full program here.
The event will be photographed and/or filmed; therefore, please note that you might be featured in photos or videos which can be published in various media outlets.
