Education as a Business Priority / Artak Aleksanyan, Guest of Beyond Podcast

How is the value of individuals and systems determined? Are soft skills essential for personal development? How do self-education and lifelong learning transform individuals? What are the consequences of increasing illiteracy rates? These questions and more are explored in the podcast.

The podcast also delves into the guests’ first professions and their influence on their careers. Arevik Anapiosyan shared how her childhood ambitions shaped her path:

“I have been involved in sports dancing since I was four years old. We often represented Armenia in various countries, and whenever I had the opportunity, I raised the Armenian flag with immense pride.

I always said I would become an ambassador for the Republic of Armenia, which is why I studied International Relations and later Political Science. Living in Armenia's reality led me to specialize in conflict studies. While teaching, I noticed that students often lacked critical thinking skills. This realization drove me to explore the causes, which eventually drew me toward the field of education.”

Artak Aleksanyan reflected on how his academic background as a historian enriched his career across multiple fields: “I chose history because I was passionate about the subject and admired my teacher. During my university years, I had the chance to work in television, which marked the beginning of my career in media.

This background also proved invaluable when I joined the American University of Armenia. Over the years, I transitioned from journalist to media manager, and what started as a magazine business has now evolved into a publishing house.

Publishing was an unexpected turn in my career, but my background as a historian continues to support me. Understanding the history of Rome, for example, enables me to better comprehend modern history. History and geography have profoundly influenced the stories I choose to share with people.”

The podcast also explored whether education and business should operate independently or in collaboration. According to Artak Aleksanyan, this partnership requires a strategic approach:

“Education in business is essential, but only if it creates significant value—not just for employees but for employers as well.”

Both guests emphasized the need to build a robust value system through high-quality professional education. Anapiosyan noted that informed decision-making is only possible through knowledge:

“Academic education often fails to keep pace with the modern world, whether at schools or universities. It continues to serve an outdated industrial model. While there’s value in applying case studies, such as those from General Motors or Toyota, these approaches are not universally applicable. Academic institutions frequently shy away from collaborating with the market, yet one of their key responsibilities is to help students understand that their education is ultimately meant to serve people.”

Aleksanyan highlighted an upcoming Newmag publication on the history of the Polytechnic University as an example of aligning education with national priorities.

“When you read about the history of the Polytechnic, you uncover the story of an entire nation—how an educational institution was established, grew, and adapted to meet the country’s needs. Faculties were created by government mandate, and students were recruited to drive economic development. All that’s required now is to revive those proven formulas.”

The discussion also addressed the practicality of integrating education as a business priority in Armenia. Anapiosyan stressed that beyond earning a salary, employees need to recognize their strengths to achieve success and financial independence.

Aleksanyan added that this concept goes beyond mere corporate responsibility or slogans:

“To make a profit, businesses must hire skilled, well-educated employees. If you want to earn more, invest in education. This principle applies equally to employees and employers.”

The guests expressed concern over the declining educational standards in Armenia. To address this, Newmag has launched an initiative to provide community libraries with contemporary literature, supported by benefactors. The project aims to expand significantly by 2025, offering wider access to modern, high-quality books and promoting a culture of literacy.