Publication date: 19.05.2024
Lawyer
USAID Project Grants for Students: Career Guidance School in Lviv
On May 2 in Lviv, the USAID Grants Project “Economic Support for Ukraine” celebrated the successful completion of the fourth wave of the Career Guidance School for students. This initiative, implemented by the charitable organization Ukrainian Student League (USL) as part of the Resource project, aims to give students the necessary job search skills, improve communication skills and facilitate employment opportunities in partner companies.
## Empowering students through career guidance
Since its establishment in July 2023, the School of Career Guidance has trained 246 students from higher and vocational institutions in Lviv. The program is aimed at developing leadership skills, teamwork, time management and negotiation skills. In addition, students receive mentoring support and internship opportunities with local companies, with many securing permanent positions after the internship.
### Comprehensive training program
Each wave of Career School consists of a series of structured sessions, including:
- **Introductory session and career testing**: assessment of students’ career interests and abilities.
- **Skill Development Workshops**: Focuses on leadership, teamwork, time management, negotiation techniques, personal branding, public speaking, resume writing and interview behavior.
- **Searching for Jobs Online**: Teaching students how to effectively search for jobs online.
- **Company Trips**: Providing information on various industries such as hotel and restaurant business, information technology, media and marketing.
- **Final Session**: Concludes the program with a comprehensive review and planning for future career steps.
### Real experience and employment
The effect of the program is tangible: USL has entered into memorandums of cooperation with Lviv companies offering internships. At the moment, 60 students have completed internships, and another 60 are planned to receive similar experience. It is noteworthy that 24 students have already found work in the companies where they completed their internship.
## Inspiring future leaders
Kirsten Pfeiffer, Deputy Director of the USAID Grants Project, addressed the graduates, encouraging them to take advantage of every opportunity for growth:
“When I was at a similar point in my education and career, a professor told me, “Stop worrying about what your next choice will be. Sit down at the table, try something – until you sit down at the table, you’ll win.” I don’t know what it’s like to work in this industry or this company—even if it’s not a long-term job for you, it will give you insight into your next steps and your next choice.” I wish you to continue to move forward, find solutions to new challenges and invest in your future. When you begin your internship, take advantage of the opportunity to learn, develop and contribute to the Ukrainian economy in a responsible and effective way.”
### Feedback from participants
Andriy Kolodiy, a student at Ivan Franko Lviv National University, expressed gratitude:
“For me it was a call not to be afraid to try myself in different areas, in different positions and just don’t stop. I got pretty good motivation. Thanks to the organizers of this course for giving us students the opportunity to attend such events and move in the right direction.”
Anastasia Trots, a graduate of the 3rd wave of the School of Career Guidance, a student at the Lviv Vocational College of the Fashion Industry and the National University “Lviv Polytechnic”, shared her experience:
“Participation in the Resource project was of great importance to me: I received important information about areas of job search and career development, expanded my knowledge and skills. After participating in the Resource project, I completed an internship at the USL Team. This was a valuable experience for me, as I was able to put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired during the project.”
## About the USAID Grant Project
The USAID Economic Support for Ukraine grant project has played an important role in promoting economic growth and sustainability in Ukraine since 2018. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the project refocused its efforts to address the immediate needs of the entire country, emphasizing improvements in export logistics and infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships with the government and active engagement with the private sector, the USAID Grant Project continues to support Ukraine's path to becoming a sovereign, independent, democratic and prosperous nation.
