The Role of Human Resource Consultants in Digital Transformation: A Report on the Conference Co-Organized by the ELTE PPK Institute for Adult Education Research and Knowledge Management and EPALE

Nóra Hegyi-Halmos; Tünde Tóth-Téglás; Anna Orsolya Pongor-Juhász

doi:10.3311/ope.40448

Authors

Nóra Hegyi-Halmos

Affiliation

Nóra Hegyi-Halmos is an assistant professor at the Institute of Research on Adult Education and Knowledge Management, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Budapest. She holds degrees in Education and Human Resource Management from ELTE and Janus Pannonius University. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the role and practice of school-based career orientation in Hungarian secondary schools. Over the course of her two-decade academic career, she has primarily taught and developed curriculum in the fields of human resource development and competence development. In addition to her university work, she has participated as an expert and researcher in numerous educational research and development projects, and provides consultancy in competence assessment and development processes. She is a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences’ public body and serves as the institutional representative of ELTE in the Mellearn Association.
Tünde Tóth-Téglás

Affiliation

Tünde Tóth-Téglás is an assistant professor at the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, Adult Education Research and Knowledge Management, ELTE. She received her undergraduate degree in economics from Corvinus University of Budapest. She completed her doctoral studies at the economic psychology program of the Doctoral School of Economics of the University of Szeged. In her dissertation, she examined the competency expectations of graduates starting their careers and the competency management practices of organizations. At the beginning of her career, she worked as a human resources manager in the corporate sector, and has been working in higher education for 15 years. She is responsible for human resource development, competency management, communication and management courses and related curriculum development. She is a member of the Lockdown Generation research group conducted within the framework of FHERC.
Anna Orsolya Pongor-Juhász

Affiliation

After two decades working as an organisational development consultant, Anna Orsolya Pongor-Juhász started working at the Institute of Research on ELTE, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Adult Education and Knowledge Management in 2022 to share her business experience with students. As a lecturer, he teaches courses related to human resource management and competence development. After obtaining a Master's degree in Economics in Management and Leadership from Szent István University, she completed a Master's degree in Teacher of Economics at Corvinus University of Budapest, followed by a Master's degree in Educational Sciences at ELTE, and is currently a PhD candidate at ELTE's Doctoral School of Education. Her doctoral research focuses on the institutionalisation processes of micro-private schools.

Abstract

The labor market is undergoing profound changes driven by technological innovation, globalization, and socio-economic transformation. This study explores how competency expectations have evolved over the past decade, with a particular focus on the growing relevance of transferable skills. Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis of large-scale international labor market reports, the paper identifies key trends shaping future employment. It highlights the increasing demand for analytical thinking, adaptability, problem-solving, and lifelong learning as central competencies. Digital literacy, including AI and Big Data skills, is also becoming a fundamental requirement across all industries, not just within ICT-related fields.

The research shows that employers now value a broader skill set that includes both specialized knowledge and human-centric capabilities such as collaboration, leadership, and emotional intelligence. The study also discusses the emergence of "multiskilling" and "upskilling" in response to skill-intensive job growth and the decline of low-skilled roles. Personal and social competencies, such as self-regulation, resilience, and intercultural communication, are increasingly seen as critical to navigating the volatile and complex modern workplace. Finally, the study underscores the role of educational systems and employers in preparing individuals to meet evolving competency demands. As technological and environmental disruptions continue, a dynamic and inclusive approach to skills development will be essential for future workforce success.