Program and methodological support for teachers' readiness to develop the competitiveness of IT students at universities

The research problem and the rationale for its relevance. The strategic significance of information technology and comprehensive digital transformation across society have increased demands for the competitiveness of future IT professionals. This research reveals a contradiction between these growing requirements and the insufficient methodological preparation of educators to effectively develop student competitiveness in IT disciplines within Russia's digital transformation context. The goal of research is to present the program and methodology of a scientific-methodological seminar serving as informal advanced training for university faculty, focusing on enhancing the competitiveness of IT students during Russia's digital transformation. Methodology. The research employed a modular approach to develop the seminar framework. This methodology enabled structuring academicpractical collaboration by examining both components of IT students' competitiveness and necessary organizational-pedagogical conditions for developing this graduate attribute, combining theoretical analysis with practical implementation. Results. The research produced a four-module seminar program addressing digital transformation's impact on IT education and strategies for developing students' strategic, tactical and operational competitiveness. Each module integrates theoretical foundations, analytical discussions, practical applications and reflective exercises, ensuring comprehensive competency development. Implementation featured discussion sessions and foresight activities using digital collaboration tools. The research confirms the program's effectiveness through participant feedback and successful university integration, demonstrating improved teaching practices for competitiveness development. The research establishes the value of such scientific- methodological seminars in preparing faculty to cultivate IT student competitiveness during digital transformation.