Procedures to improve undergraduate students know how - a successful story

This paper describes a holistic learning approach used to improve student´s preparation. Some experiences have resulted in students well prepared in fields of high acceptance in the employment market and with maturity to be integrated into multi-disciplinary working teams. Aspects related to the gradual insertion of students in professional environments like industry and commerce are reported. These insertions are based on strategic alliances with external entities, which function as controlled testing environments. The success of this story is supported by the employment rate of our students, the student´s satisfaction, as well as the easy adaptation of students to their first job experience. The main focus of this paper relates to the pedagogical insight acquired with the experiences that is shaping our courses