Desenvolvendo habilidades e competências por meio da extensão curricular no curso de Ciências Contábeis com microempreendedores individuais: experiências, desafios e perspectivas

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the skills and competencies developed by students of Accounting at a Federal Public Institution in Alagoas during their participation in the extension project "MENTORIA MEI," which offers services to individual micro-entrepreneurs (MEIs) in Maceió, in accordance with the International Education Standards (IES) 2 and 3 of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). This is descriptive research with a mixed approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data through an online questionnaire via Google Forms, with voluntary participation from 146 students enrolled in the extension curricular activity course (ACE II). The data analysis revealed that participation in the project significantly contributed to the development of skills and competencies, as well as highlighting the importance of university extension in academic training. The respondents also pointed out areas for improvement, such as the need for more equipment, greater project visibility, and better infrastructure. Additionally, they reported personal challenges faced during the execution of activities, emphasizing the importance of receiving more training to boost their confidence in performing tasks, despite the active support from teachers at every stage of the process. In conclusion, the results indicate that the "MENTORIA MEI" project not only promoted practical learning but also underscored the relevance of university extension as a vital component in the training of future accountants. The students' suggestions for improvements are crucial for enhancing the upcoming editions of the project, ensuring an even more enriching experience.