Abstract
Due to the rapid technological development of the 21st century, the emergence of Industry 5.0 and the constantly changing environment, soft skills – such as collaboration, self-awareness and adaptability – have become increasingly important for personal and professional success. The role of higher education institutions is now not only to transfer professional knowledge, but also to support the personal development, emotional intelligence and self-reflection of students.
The research examines the extent to which coaching and mentoring contribute to the comprehensive, holistic development of university students. During the study, we used a quantitative research method: a pre-tested, standardized questionnaire was filled out by the participants online, using snowball sampling. A total of 597 evaluable responses were received, which were processed using descriptive statistics, as well as bivariate and multivariate analyses.
The results show that integrating coaching and mentoring into university education helps students to reflect more consciously on their own development, set goals and independently manage their learning process. All this contributes to better employability and strengthening the skills needed for lifelong learning. The study also presents well-functioning practices that support long-term, sustainable personal development through structured coaching and mentoring programs. Based on the results, it can be said that there is a demand for education on the topic and that the subjects already introduced are highly valued by students. In the long term, these courses can contribute to students’ well-being, motivation and to them facing the challenges of the constantly changing labor market with greater confidence.
Download article
References
- Ankrah, D., Bristow, J., Hires, D., & Henriksson, J. A. (2023). Inner development goals: From inner growth to outer change. Field Actions Science Reports, (Special Issue 25).
- Cox, E., Bachkirova, T., & Clutterbuck, D. (2014). The complete handbook of coaching. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781036233556
- Deiorio, N. M., Carney, P. A., Kahl, L. E., Bonura, E. M., & Juve, A. M. (2016). Coaching: A new model for academic and career achievement. Medical Education Online, 21, 33480. https://doi.org/10.3402/meo.v21.33480
- European University Association. (n.d.). Digital transition. Retrieved January 7, 2026, from https://www.eua.eu/our-work/topics/digital-transition.html
- Garai-Fodor, M., & Huszák, N. (2025). The potential of integrating conscious living into education for Generation Z in the light of primary data. Frontiers in Education, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1477879
- Hunaiti, Z., & Hunaiti, Z. (2024). Introducing coaching to higher education. In IGI Global. Retrieved December 29, 2024, from https://www.igi-global.com/gateway/chapter/285034
- Huszák, N., Kruja, D., & Garai-Fodor, M. (2025). The role of coaching in social responsibility and consciousness development based on primary research findings. Acta Polytechnica Hungarica, 22(9), 325–340. https://doi.org/10.12700/APH.22.9.2025.9.16
- Kim, J. (2023). “Generations” and tomorrow’s Gen Z academic workforce. Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved January 7, 2026, from https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/columns/learning-innovation/2023/06/20/generations-and-tomorrows-gen-z-academic-workforce
- Magyar Minőség 2025. évi 12. szám
- Hungarian Quality 2025, issue 12
- 14
- Malhotra, N., & Simon, J. (2017). Marketingkutatás. https://doi.org/10.1556/9789630598675
- OECD. (2025). Trends shaping education 2025. https://doi.org/10.1787/ee6587fd-en
- Parker, K. (2023). How Pew Research Center will report on generations moving forward. Pew Research Center. Retrieved January 7, 2026, from https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/05/22/how-pew-research-center-will-report-on-generations-moving-forward/
- Pályázati Iroda. (n.d.). 2025 EKÖP-Általános. Retrieved January 7, 2026, from https://palyazat.uni-obuda.hu/2025-ekop-altalanos/
- Seemiller, C., & Grace, M. (2017). Generation Z: Educating and engaging the next generation of students. Campus, 22(3), 21–26. https://doi.org/10.1002/abc.21293
- Seraj, S., & Leggett, R. (2023). The challenges of personal tutoring in higher education: Applying a coaching approach at a UK higher education institution (14 pages). https://doi.org/10.24384/GYZ9-FK22
- Spencer, D. (2021). Understanding the coaching experiences of non-traditional students in higher education in the UK. International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring, (S15), 84–95. https://doi.org/10.24384/00v3-nm61
- Wikipédia. (2023. november 19). Coaching. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://hu.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Coaching&oldid=26612926
English (UK) 
Magyar