Do degrees still matter? Are skills becoming more important? Or is the real answer somewhere in between?
Join us for an open conversation with experts, professionals, and lifelong learners about how education is changing.
The conference is hosted by LIGS University in cooperation with ICAN & EDU Effective.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
15:30–17:30 CEST
60 minutes moderated discussion + 30 minutes live audience Q&A
What we will talk about?
The way people learn and work is changing. Some professionals choose full degree programs. Others prefer shorter courses, certificates, or microlearning. Many are trying to figure out which path makes the most sense for them.
This event is not about saying that one option is better than the other.
It is about having an honest discussion on what degrees and skills can actually bring to your professional life — and how to choose the right learning path for your goals.
We will look at questions such as:
- Do employers still value academic degrees?
- When are practical skills more important than formal education?
- How can doctoral studies support experienced professionals?
- Where does microlearning fit into lifelong learning?
Who is this for?
This discussion is for people who want to keep learning, but also want to be practical about their time, money, and energy.
You may find it useful if you are:
- thinking about a DBA, Ph.D., or MBA
- considering whether a full degree is the right next step
- interested in shorter learning formats or microlearning
- leading a team and thinking about professional development
- curious about how the value of education is changing
No matter where you are in your learning journey, you are welcome to join the conversation.
Meet the speakers
Vanessa Sesi, FLPI, EMBA, BA (Career guide)
"I am Vanessa Sesi, a career strategist at the Vision International Education Service. My mission is to make sure professionals don’t get left behind in the shifting job market. I’ll be sharing practical strategies on how to build a 'skills-first' career that stands the test of time." (LinkedIn profile)
Shawn McCastle, Ph.D. (HR specialist)
"I am Shawn Anthony McCastle, Ph.D., and I bring a Career Guide perspective shaped by management scholarship, industrial-organizational psychology, organizational strategy, and executive-level consulting. In this roundtable, I will speak about why the future of work is not simply a choice between degrees and skills. It is about whether professionals can turn learning, judgment, adaptability, and real-world value into outcomes that employers can trust." (LinkedIn profile)
Dr. Daniels Okun (Leadership coach)
"I am Daniels Aide Okun, a Career Strategist, Self-Leadership Coach and Founder of The International Centre for Leadership and Innovation. My enthusiastic contribution to the global workplace is to identify, develop and empower soft skills for self leadership in career advancement. I will be contributing on the round table my leadership tip pragmatic-clues, and creative strategies on how skills define and builds legacy through career." (LinkedIn profile)
Dr. James Mbakpuo (Education consulant)
"I am Dr. James O. Mbakpuo, a lecturer, entrepreneur, and strategy consultant based in Warsaw, Poland.
My work brings together higher education, entrepreneurship, project management, and career-focused learning. In this discussion, I will share insights from my experience in professional development and workforce readiness, with a focus on how people can prepare for the changing expectations of the workplace." (LinkedIn profile)
Dr. Ladislav Tobiasz (Lifelong learner)
"My name is Ladislav Tobiasz, PhD, DBA, MSc, MBA, ALog. I am an alumnus of LIGS University,
Oxford Business Education Institute, Nottingham Trent University, Mendel University in Brno,
Logistics Academy /Programs Economy, Management, International business, Logistics
Audits. I’ve spent my career proving that education never stops. I’ll be talking about how to bridge the
gap between academic theory and real-world success and why staying curious is the ultimate career
hack." (LinkedIn profile)
Event details
- DateWednesday, June 17, 2026
- Time15:30–17:30 CEST
- FormatOnline through the online meeting application ZOOM
- LanguageEnglish
- Duration90 minutes
- Program60 minutes moderated discussion + 30 minutes live Q&A
You will also have the opportunity to ask your own questions during the live Q&A.
Good technical equipment is necessary for the conference (functional camera, microphone, strong internet connection).
Registration
Price: 250 Kč | 10 EUR | 12 USD
Includes: event recording, presentation materials, access to a closed networking group, certificate of attendance.
Join us for a genuine conversation about degrees, skills, and the future of learning.
Registration closes on June 10, 2026.
Have questions? We’re here to help. Feel free to contact us at conference@ligsuniversity.com