INNOVATING CAREER SUPPORT IN HIGHER EDUCATION FOR PERSONALIZED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMNET

This article examines the current challenges and possibilities in preparing future professionals within higher education, paying particular attention to the changing educational environment of Kazakhstan. It argues that universities must align their curricula with the fast-shifting demands of the global labor market, where not only technical knowledge but also career planning and personal competencies are increasingly valued. The discussion highlights the growing significance of soft skillssuch as adaptability, problem-solving, and communicationas key elements of employability, on par with academic training. Drawing on both national and international perspectives and informed by concepts of globalization and interconnected labor markets, the study compares how different systems approach career support. The analysis shows that while technical expertise remains necessary, modern employers often prioritize creativity, flexibility, and interpersonal strengths. By bringing together findings from pedagogical research and policy reports, the article stresses the need to embed career education and soft-skills development into university programs. It concludes that the professional success of graduates depends not only on specialized training but also on the systematic cultivation of transferable competencies, which together will help them stay resilient and competitive in an unpredictable global economy.