WIP: Aligning Computing Students' Expectations, Training, and Industry Needs

This WIP research-to-practice paper describes a funded project currently underway at a Computing School in a bilingual country within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Launched in September 2024 and set to conclude in December 2026, the project seeks to bridge the gap between students' initial expectations about computing, the education they receive, and the skills employers demand. By doing so, it aims to enhance graduates' professionalism while enriching their academic experience, fostering a stronger sense of belonging, motivation, and engagement. The proposed strategy consists of conducting an exploratory qualitative study with first-year students, recent graduates, and employers through interviews and focus groups. First results are also presented.