The use of behavioral data in education is no longer a trend; it is a reality that directly impacts student employability. During PDA University’s global webinar, “Learning with Data: The New DNA of Education,” leading universities shared how they are integrating tools such as the PDA Assessment to guide students in career orientation, leadership, and professional development.
Moderated by Admin Ramírez (Territory Manager at PDA) and Ana Valera Rubio (Head of People Analytics at PDA), the event opened with a powerful message: “Education is transformed when we integrate data and purpose. Today, we will see this through real-world experiences from universities that are already making an impact on students and communities,” said Admin Ramírez.
The speakers’ testimonials agreed that students’ behavioral profiles offer universities and companies a strategic advantage: they make it possible to anticipate behaviors, personalize support, and improve the transition into the job market.
Below, you can watch the full webinar, featuring all the testimonials and real-world cases shared by the speakers.
Universities Applying Behavioral Data
The use of behavioral data in education is already making a tangible impact at institutions worldwide. In Spain, for example, CEU San Pablo decided to include the PDA Assessment in its welcome pack from the very first day of classes, ensuring that every student begins their journey with a behavioral assessment to guide them.
As Ángel Bartolomé, Vice-Rector for Students, explains, “It is a tool that supports each student throughout their degree and provides tutors and faculty with guidance to help prepare them for employment.”
In Argentina, these cases also reveal very different approaches. Torcuato Di Tella University uses the PDA Assessment within its Leadership Lab, where MBA and postgraduate students develop leadership and soft skills. Andrea Nieves, an executive coach, summarizes it as follows: “We use the PDA Assessment as a roadmap to help students identify their gaps and improve group collaboration.”
Meanwhile, the National University of Córdoba takes a regional approach, analyzing behavioral profiles across municipalities to design academic pathways aligned with local production needs. Marcelo Conrero, Vice-Rector for Regional Development, describes it as “education for real employability, grounded in time and place.”
In Mexico, the range of applications is equally broad. Aliat Universidades, with more than 50,000 students, developed the Empléate y Emprende program, which connects behavioral profiles with job opportunities and entrepreneurship projects. As Yuriria Mijares explains, “Every employability and entrepreneurship pathway is supported by the PDA Assessment, enabling students to take confident steps toward their professional development.”
Meanwhile, Tecnológico de Monterrey brings the tool into the corporate world by integrating it into consulting services and executive programs. As Cristóbal Gaitán explains, “Beyond identifying gaps, we aim to help organizations unlock their potential through objective data.”
In Colombia, CES University uses the PDA Assessment during the final semesters of degree programs to prepare students for the transition into professional internships. In the words of Wilmer Sánchez, “It helps us predict behaviors and better prepare students to enter the job market.”
The cases shared confirm that behavioral analysis provides a competitive advantage for universities and organizations seeking to improve employability, leadership, and retention. At PDA, we offer scientifically validated and proven tools that are already making an impact in more than 50 countries. If you would like to bring these benefits to your institution, get in touch with our team.
