Practical Experience and its Academic Status in Economic Studies

Abstract

Practical experience represents an essential element in the development of students’ professional competencies in the field of economics, ensuring the connection between theoretical knowledge and its application in real work contexts. The paper analyzes the academic status of the professional experience acquired by students during their employment, with a focus on European and national regulations that stipulate the conditions for its recognition as a non-auditory academic activity – “specialized practice.” The study examines the regulatory framework, documentation tools, and assessment methods of competencies, as well as the challenges related to standardization and formal recognition. The results highlight the discrepancies between educational policy intentions and their actual implementation in the university environment, while the conclusions emphasize the need for an integrated approach oriented towards digitalization and collaboration between universities and the business sector. JEL: I23, I20, M53