Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Novosibirsk State University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
During the last week of October, Novosibirsk State University hosted a series of events dedicated to student career advancement. For over seven years, the NSU Career Development Center has been organizing the traditional "Career Forum," but this year the format was significantly updated and given a new name—"Career Fest." This change was the result of analyzing attendance and the needs of both students and employers.
Victoria Maltseva, Partner Relations Manager at the NSU Career Development Center, explains that "Career Fest" isn't just a name change, but also a fundamentally new format. It includes open discussions and presentations, as well as game mechanics and practical activities implemented by employers and organizers to make communication and networking more lively and effective. It's important for students to interact with each other, gain skills, and actively work as a team.
Tatyana Ershova, a participant in the Beeline game-test and a master's student in Journalism at the NSU Humanities Institute, noted the practical value of the format:
"Today, we not only met colleagues who helped us navigate career situations, but also gained insight into our potential for many job openings. It was a unique experience to see employers' reactions to our requests and understand how to address issues within the company and in our own careers. Masterclasses like these truly open new horizons."
A key part of the program was a quiz day featuring career-related questions from the company "SHIFT." It tested participants' interview skills and their overall knowledge of the labor market. These team-based games develop communication skills—a key competency for any job seeker, the organizers emphasize.
Mikhail Savin, a student at the Faculty of Economics and a member of the winning team, admitted:
"The first round was the most challenging, but the team made it through. In the second, I learned a lot about student traditions, and in the third, how to build a successful career. It's a useful way to combine knowledge and gameplay."
According to Ekaterina Gonchar, a mentor at SHIFT, the main recommendation for students dreaming of a career in IT is to not stop at theory.
"IT is evolving so rapidly today that it's difficult to be successful without ongoing training and participation in conferences and internships. Practical experience is the main criterion for employers, not just a diploma."
Also, as part of the Career Fest, the ChemQuiz competition from Renewal was held for the first time, with over 50 students from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technology at NSU taking part.
Svetlana Dovgal, Director of the NSU Career Development Center, emphasized that Career Fest combines individual and public events within a single week with the goal of significantly increasing student engagement. A new feature was the holding of the events in NSU's new building with spacious auditoriums, which was warmly welcomed by both participants and employers.
This year, students from the Humanities Institute actively helped organize the Career Fest. Grigory Feoktistov, Maxim Budko, Alina Motina, Alexandra Kuzmenko, students of the Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Information Technology –Egor Vlasov And Lev Anisimov, as well as interns from the Career Development Center – Alexandra Mokina and Sofia Petukhova .
Students were involved in every stage of the organization: they developed the concept, conducted brainstorming sessions, were responsible for communications with companies, and even developed Career Agent branded merchandise. This is how a community is formed where young people acquire a crucial skill—confident interview skills, regardless of their field of study.
Svetlana Dovgal also emphasized that the Career Fest has become a true bridge between students and employers:
Companies see these games and sessions not only as a way to connect, but also as a chance to strengthen their brand, deepen connections with young people through interactivity, and engage them in internship programs.
The NSU Career Development Center intends to make "Career Fest" an annual event and continue to develop the format to meet the needs of students and businesses. Student volunteers are already showing enthusiasm and enthusiasm for new projects, and the Center's team is uniting to implement ambitious ideas.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.