USS Brings Together Students, Graduates, and HR Leaders for International Seminar

Universidad San Sebastián hosted “USS Employability with a Purpose,” an event that brought together students, graduates, faculty members, and representatives from leading international companies at the Bellavista Campus Auditorium.

Organized by the General Directorate of Entrepreneurship, Employability, and Alumni, was led by the psychologist, writer, and Spanish international lecturer Víctor Küppers.

The seminar also included a panel of experts in people management: Iván Spollansky, People Director at Samsung Electronics Chile and Bolivia; Martín Palacio Vidaurreta, People & Culture Manager at Golden Arches McDonald’s Chile; and Francisca Corral Leal, a USS graduate.

“At USS, we understand employability as a bridge between two inseparable stages: entry into the workforce and long-term professional development. We care deeply about helping our graduates secure their first job, but what truly defines us is their professional trajectory. We want our graduates, 10 or 20 years after completing their studies, to be able to say with confidence that they chose the right career path and that their work has purpose,” said USS Rector Carlos Williamson.

Keys to Standing Out in Employability

During his keynote address, Küppers emphasized that what truly differentiates people in the workplace is not their knowledge or experience alone, but three essential factors: attitude, joy, and integrity.

“What truly increases a person’s value is the way they approach life and interact with others,” said Küppers, encouraging attendees to cultivate qualities such as empathy, motivation, and optimism.

“Strive to be extraordinary in everything you do, bring joy to those around you, and always try to do the right thing. These are three of the most important attitudes we can develop, and they depend entirely on us,” he added.

From Purpose to Practice

Following the keynote, Claudio Orellana, General Director of Entrepreneurship and Employability at USS, moderated a panel discussion in which experts shared their perspectives on what organizations look for when hiring talent.

The conversation addressed topics such as adapting to organizational culture, expectations surrounding first jobs, interview preparation, and the growing importance of soft skills in recruitment and selection processes.

“We need to constantly reflect on ourselves, understand our strengths and how to enhance them, while also identifying areas where we can continue to grow,” said Francisca Corral.

“Developing employability is not only about finding a job. It is also about contributing positively to our own lives and to the lives of others every day. That is the vision we seek to promote among both our students and graduates,” highlighted Orellana.

The seminar concluded with a call to strengthen the relationship between universities, students, and employers under a shared principle: employability should not only transform professional opportunities, but also contribute to the development of people and communities.