ROMÂNĂ 
ENGLISH VERSION 
How do theory and practice come together? What skills are truly essential for future professionals, and how well does university education prepare students for the challenges they will encounter in their professional careers? These were some of the key questions addressed at the meeting held today, November 13, in the Senate Hall of Danubius International University.
The event brought together academic staff, first-, second- and third-year students, internship coordinators, specialists from partner institutions and employer representatives for an open dialogue about professional realities, practical experience and expectations on the labour market.
Representing the academic community and hosting the event were Assoc. Prof. Nicu Ionel Sava, Dean of the School of Human Advancement & Life Sciences; Assist. Prof. Diana Filimon, Director of the Department of Psychology and Social Work; Assoc. Prof. Cornelia Elena Tureac, lecturer in the Social Work programme; as well as Assist. Prof. Iulian Negulescu and Assist. Prof. Neaga Susanu, internship coordinators.
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the exchange of experience between academia and professionals working directly with beneficiaries. Discussions focused on real-life situations encountered in daily professional practice, the actual needs of the field, as well as the difficulties and challenges for which theoretical knowledge must be complemented by practical experience, adaptability and the ability to intervene effectively.
In this context, the experiences and perspectives of the university's institutional partners were brought into focus: Galați County Centre for Educational Resources and Assistance (CJRAE Galați), Brăila County Centre for Educational Resources and Assistance (CJRAE Brăila), "Constantin Pufan" Special School, "Emil Gârleanu" Special Technological High School, the Educational, Sensory and Autism Therapies Centre Association, Mozak Clinic, "Saint John" Emergency Children's Hospital in Galați, Galați Border Police, "Inimă de Copil" Foundation, Galați Maximum Security Penitentiary, Brăila Detention Centre – Tichilești, and the Galați General Directorate for Social Assistance and Child Protection (DGASPC).
The diversity of these institutions reflects the complexity of the professional fields in which future graduates may pursue their careers, while also highlighting the importance of an educational approach that takes different professional contexts into account. Whether in special education, child protection, healthcare, social intervention, counselling or institutional services, each experience brings specific skills and responsibilities into focus.
Another important topic was the relationship between the university and employers. Their feedback, including the experiences of those who have employed university graduates, provides valuable insights into assessing the skills acquired during their studies and identifying areas for improvement in the educational process.
For students, meetings of this kind offer an opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of what awaits them in their future professions, learn from the experiences of those already working in the field and discover that professional practice requires not only knowledge but also empathy, responsibility, emotional balance and the ability to find solutions in complex situations.
Today's meeting is part of a semester-based initiative promoting dialogue and collaboration, through which Danubius International University seeks to maintain active relationships with its internship partners and employers, identify the actual needs of the professional field and continuously adapt student training to the requirements of the working environment.
Because becoming a skilled professional does not end with acquiring theoretical knowledge. It continues through experience, collaboration and direct engagement with the realities of professional practice.
Mioara Lepădatu
