Finding a first job after graduation is often a real challenge. A lack of practical experience, limited confidence, and uncertainty about available opportunities can all become obstacles to launching a successful career. To help overcome these barriers, Employment Service specialists provide personalized career counseling through the multi-donor project "Women's Participation in the Labor Market: Personalized and Gender-Responsive Employment Services," implemented by the NGO Association of Women Ambassadors of Ukraine.
One of the project's participants was 21-year-old Veronika Kosiak. After graduating from the Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture with a degree in Physical Education and Sports, she earned the qualification of a coach and instructor. However, at the beginning of her professional journey, she faced a common challenge—many employers were hesitant because she lacked practical work experience.
Thanks to the new personalized career counseling approaches introduced by the Employment Service, Veronika received not only assistance in finding suitable job opportunities but also support in identifying her strengths and planning her professional development.
During one-on-one consultations, she was helped to assess her skills, broaden her understanding of potential career paths, build confidence, and prepare for interviews with employers. An important part of the support process was an internship at a workplace, which enabled her to gain practical experience and demonstrate her abilities.
As a result, Veronika successfully secured her first job as a sales consultant with entrepreneur Viktoriia Pitetska, working in a store specializing in professional hair care products.
For Veronika, this is not only her first job but also a confident first step toward building a successful career and expanding her future opportunities.
If you have questions about employment opportunities, contact the Donetsk Regional Employment Center Call Center at: 0 800 219 713.