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Does Twitter still exist?

Dirk Hopfl
by Dirk Hopfl
14 January 2025

Edu wonders why universities teaching digital transformation and training future-resilient leaders lack behind their curricula.


Eduardo sat in front of his computer, incredulous. Amidst the fields requesting his email and phone number, some queries appeared to have time-traveled from a bygone era: his fax number and Twitter handle.

Eduardo couldn't help but chuckle. Here were some of the world's top business schools known for grooming future leaders in the digital age, yet their application forms seemed stuck in the past regarding modern communication trends.

The fax machine, once a star of the 1980s, has mostly vanished from today's offices. Meanwhile, Twitter (now X) has evolved quite a bit in its role for professional networking, leading Eduardo to explore other platforms.

This disconnect raises essential questions about institutional inertia in higher education. While these schools offer cutting-edge courses in digital transformation and agile methodology, their administrative processes sometimes tell a different story. The presence of outdated fields in application forms isn't merely a cosmetic issue – it sends subtle signals about an institution's attention to detail and ability to adapt to changing times.

Academic institutions should conduct regular digital reviews of all materials students interact with to prevent such outdated practices. Reviewing application forms, communication channels, and contact methods twice a year would help ensure they align with current professional standards.

Universities might also consider establishing student advisory panels to offer insights into the application process, closing the gap between institutional procedures and applicants' expectations. This will also help ensure to reach their enrollment targets. Ultimately, if these institutions aspire to train forward-looking business leaders, shouldn't their initial engagement with prospective students at least mirror current times?

Dirk Hopfl
Post by Dirk Hopfl
Dirk is Founder & Managing Director of eduALTO and co-founder of Speechsquare.

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