On May 2, 2024, the Ukrainian Students League (USL) completed the fourth and final session of a career guidance program supported by the USAID Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA). The training was organized for students of higher education and vocational institutions in Lviv to develop their job search capabilities, improve communication skills, and assist them in securing employment.
Started in July 2023, the project enabled 246 students to acquire leadership, teamwork, time management, and negotiation skills through training courses, mentorship opportunities and internships. Students gained firsthand experience by visiting and participating in internships with companies in the hospitality, IT, media, and marketing sectors.
Sixty students completed their training, with another 60 soon to finish, and 24 graduates of the program are now gainfully employed.
Kirsten Pfeiffer, USAID ERA’s Deputy Chief of Party, congratulated the participants of the program on completing the course completion.
“When I was at a similar stage in my education and career, a professor told me, ‘Stop worrying about the next choice you’re making. Sit back and give it a try – if you do not try, you will never find out what it’s like to work in this field or for this company,’ she said. “I wish you to continue moving forward, finding solutions to new challenges, and investing in your future. As you start your internship, seize every opportunity to learn, grow, and make your contribution to the economy of Ukraine in a responsible and effective manner.”
According to Andriy Kolodiy, a student at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv,
“The course showed me not to be afraid to try my hand at different things and to not give up. I am so motivated now and would like to thank the organizers of this course for granting students the opportunity to attend such events and motivate them to develop in right direction.”
Anastasia Trots, a graduate of the 3rd session of the career guidance program and student at Lviv Professional College of the Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design and Lviv Polytechnic National University, said,
“It was very important for me to participate in this project. I learned valuable information regarding job search and career development, and expanded my knowledge and skills. After taking part in the project, I interned with USL team, which allowed me to apply the knowledge and skills I acquired.”