Work Performance Evaluation As A Motivational Approach For Early-Career Self-Management

This article presents the main characteristics of an academic experience based on the concept of "work performance evaluation", whose objective is to facilitate a smooth transition to the technological labor market. Its aim is to motivate STEM graduates to acquire relevant early professional skills and a self-management attitude in their careers. The results of a satisfaction survey after a pilot course experience with 30 bachelor engineering students at UPC, within the framework of the Engine4STEMers project [Torres, 2022], are also presented. This experience starts with the concept of “direction of service” and the rapid change in attitude and work methodology that a STEM graduate must undertake to evolve from a user culture (student) to a service provider culture (employee or entrepreneur). Then, based on open class discussions and as an exercise in self-reflection and motivation, students develop a list of expected differences in "job performance evaluation" between academia and the job market. This help students visualize the need to readapt their work methodology and attitude when they enrol in their first jobs.