On April 30, 2025, Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design hosted the Career Fair 2025 as part of the activities of the KNUTD Center for Employment and Career Development. The event brought together employers, students, and labor market experts from a wide range of industries — from the fashion industry to IT, from design to business, from chemistry to the creative economy.
The event was officially opened by the Rector of KNUTD, Dr. Ivan Gryshchenko, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor, and Academician of the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine.
In his speech, Ivan Gryshchenko addressed the student youth with an inspiring call to boldly build their professional future for the sake of Ukraine’s victory and recovery.
In his welcome speech, Ivan Gryshchenko highlighted the importance of the University's cooperation with employers in creating new employment opportunities for graduates. The Career Fair 2025 was moderated by Alla Kasych, Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work.
Tetiana Izovit, President and Chair of the Board of the “UKRLEGPROM” Association, delivered her greetings to the participants of the Career Fair 2025. In her message, she emphasized the vital role of young people in the recovery and development of the Ukrainian economy, particularly in the light in dustry sector.
At the same time, Tetiana Izovit emphasized the high professional level of KNUTD students’ training and the relevance of their specializations to the labor market. She also noted the effective cooperation between the University and the “Ukrlegprom” Association in shaping the industry’s human resource potential.
Students were welcomed by representatives of KNUTD's partner companies, including: DTEK LLC, PUMB JSC, the Polihreen plant (Biosphere Corporation), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine, the interior and furniture design studio “Tsvit”, and Domashniy Tekstyl Trading Company LLC.
The key message conveyed in the speeches by the partner company representatives was their strong belief that KNUTD students represent a powerful professional potential, and they are genuinely pleased to consider them as their future colleagues. The speakers emphasized their readiness to support proactive, creative, and responsible young professionals who are open to collaboration and growth.
Andrii Bondar, Innovation Manager at the energy company DTEK LLC, introduced the students to the company’s industrial scale and its key development areas. DTEK LLC is the largest private investor in Ukraine’s energy sector, having invested over $12.5 billion since 2005. The company is actively developing renewable energy, and operates in electricity generation, distribution, natural gas production, and international energy trading.
The speaker also highlighted the company’s educational initiative — the DTEK LLC Graduate Program — which provides young people with opportunities to obtain paid internships, complete rotations in key company departments, gain experience working on real business cases, and potentially secure employment within the country's leading energy holding. The program targets final-year students and recent graduates who possess analytical thinking, English language proficiency, and a desire to grow in a dynamic business environment.
Volodymyr Kostin, Head of Branch Network for the Kyiv Regional Center at PUMB JSC (First Ukrainian International Bank) — one of the country’s leading financial institutions actively supporting the development of young specialists — emphasized that, as part of its cooperation with universities, the bank regularly offers:
- Internship and practical training programs for senior students;
- Entry-level job opportunities in areas such as customer service, analytics, finance, and digital marketing;
- Mentorship support and internal training programs;
- Flexible working hours, allowing students to combine studies with their first career steps.
Volodymyr Kostin also emphasized the bank’s openness to cooperating with KNUTD students, stating that he sees strong potential in the student community as future team members.
Oleh Lozovyi, Director of the Polihreen Plant (Biosphere Corporation), spoke about key labor market trends in the manufacturing sector, sustainable packaging, and the FMCG industry. He emphasized the growing demand for technologically literate, environmentally conscious, and creative young professionals who can think systemically, adapt quickly to challenges, and are eager to drive innovation.
Oleh Lozovyi emphasized that the company actively supports KNUTD students by offering opportunities for industrial internships, participation in project-based work, and most importantly — the chance for future employment. His participation in the Job Fair is a vivid example of real collaboration between business and the academic environment.
Anna Liubyma, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Directorate of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine, highlighted the Chamber's role as a key communication platform between business, government, and education. She noted that the Chamber actively collaborates with KNUTD, serving not only as a strategic partner but also as a base for student internships — enabling them to significantly enhance their professional skills in a real business setting.
Svitlana Ostapyk, a graduate of the KNUTD Faculty of Design, designer, and founder of the interior and furniture design studio "Tsvit", shared her personal story of professional development — an example of how the knowledge gained during her studies at KNUTD can serve as a foundation for success in the creative industry, transforming an idea into a recognizable brand and building her own business.
Nataliia Aminova, Head of the HR Department at Domashniy Tekstyl Trading Company LLC — one of the largest domestic producers of home textiles and clothing — emphasized that the company is not only actively engaged in the textile manufacturing sector but also serves as a long-standing partner of KNUTD in the area of practical student training. The company offers young people the opportunity to complete industrial internships using modern equipment, participate in the development of new product models, and contribute to the implementation of innovations in the textile industry. Through such collaboration, students can apply their knowledge in practice and confidently enter the labor market with real-world experience.
Nataliia Aminova also stressed that “Domashniy Tekstyl LLC“ is open to cooperation with talented students and graduates, offering them opportunities for professional growth and the chance to become part of an efficient and friendly team.
Following the official part of the event, participants of the 2025 Job Fair had the opportunity to join various thematic platforms, where interactive panel discussions, company presentations, career talks, and direct communication between students and employers took place.
The platforms were divided according to fields of study, allowing each student to engage with the most relevant area in line with their specialization and interests.
The “Design and Fashion Industry” platform featured a dynamic dialogue between representatives of fashion brands, design studios, textile, and animation companies.
Students learned about practical cases of launching their own brands, current design trends, as well as internship and employment opportunities. The platform was moderated by Kalyna Pashkevych, Dean of the Faculty of Design, and Nataliia Ostapenko, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Fashion.
Maryna Kozhushko, HR Manager at “Advertising Textile,” emphasized that employers value internship experience, initiative, and responsibility. On behalf of the company's management, she presented employment opportunities and current vacancies available for KNUTD students.
Representatives of textile and apparel manufacturing companies, as well as stakeholders from design firms, outlined the current state of the labor market in the sector, emphasizing the dynamic growth in demand for specialists who combine creativity with hands-on skills. In addition, the speakers shared their vision for the industry’s future, outlined expectations for modern professionals, and stressed the importance of early career development.
Sofiia Rozumenko, Executive Director of the animation studio Red Dog LLC and a KNUTD alumna, spoke about how creativity can be organically integrated with a business approach. She shared her personal career journey in the field of multimedia design.
Bohdan Kass, Director and Designer of the “KASS” brand and also a KNUTD graduate, emphasized the importance of uniqueness in fashion branding. He also highlighted the need for future industry professionals to obtain a solid higher education and possess essential knowledge and skills in areas such as design, pattern making, technology, and materials science.
Mykhailo Kucherenko, Director of Surikat UA LLC, presented the company’s operations and product range, emphasizing the importance of teamwork as a key factor in enhancing business process efficiency. He also gave positive feedback on the training quality of KNUTD students and graduates currently employed at the company and confirmed the company’s interest in further cooperation with the university to engage young professionals.
Oleh Ryzhkov, owner and head of sole proprietorship Ryzhkov O.I., introduced platform participants to the operations of his enterprise, which manufactures specialized equipment for medical services—specifically, bags and organizers for storing medical supplies and tools in emergency vehicles. During his presentation, product samples were demonstrated, showcasing their role in optimizing healthcare workflows and ensuring effective evacuation of casualties.
All stakeholders involved in the platform unanimously emphasized that KNUTD graduates are in high demand and have strong potential in the fashion industry, expressing readiness for continued collaboration through internships, practical training, and employment opportunities.
The “Chemical Technologies” platform brought together leading industry experts who presented students with the current labor market landscape, actual staffing needs of companies, and the specific nature of work in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. The discussion addressed the implementation of modern production technologies, career paths for young professionals, and formats of cooperation between business and education.
Employers emphasized that today’s industry seeks not only professionals with specialized education, but also young individuals who are eager to learn in a dynamic environment, demonstrate initiative, think critically, and take responsibility. The speakers outlined current job vacancies and invited students to participate in internships, hands-on training, and active production processes. Kateryna Kleshchova, Head of the HR Department at Kyivguma LLC, highlighted the key competencies that define a competitive young professional.
Tetiana Yausheva, HR Manager at Unmitred Ukraine LLC, shared the company’s experience in engaging students in its internal HR programs. Anastasia Otsaliuk, Sales Support Manager at Unmitred Ukraine LLC, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary training — including knowledge of chemistry, logistics, and customer service.
Mykola Fedko, Director of FARMKHIM LLC, emphasized that the company actively collaborates with universities and sees great potential in young professionals. It was truly encouraging to see that Ukrainian employers are not merely offering jobs but are actively building a community of growth, support, and opportunity.
Maryna Herasymenko, Training and Development Manager at Arterium Corporation, presented not only career opportunities but also educational initiatives. She emphasized that the company aims for long-term leadership and sustainable development through business expansion, continuous product quality improvement, and building consumer trust. Ihor Kliuchka, Head of the Distance Learning Group, noted that the company’s Corporate University offers training sessions and workshops for everyone committed to professional growth.
Olena Semenets, HR Director at PROCARE — a manufacturer and distributor of cosmetic products — spoke about the company’s product portfolio, developed by a team of qualified chemists and technologists working closely with clients.
Olha Tsymbalist, Head of the Quality Control Department at Lekkhim-Obukhiv LLC, emphasized in her speech that the company's main mission is to provide consumers with effective, high-quality, and affordable medicines, and that its greatest asset is the people who work there.
The “Business Education and Technologies” platform brought together experts from the banking sector, marketing, communications, entrepreneurship, and trade companies, who presented students with the current landscape of the economic sector. The discussion focused on digital transformation, the adaptation of young professionals to corporate culture, the demand for both soft and hard skills, and business development trends in a globally competitive environment.
The platform was moderated by Mariiana Shkoda, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Business Design.
Serhii Kopa, Director of Diskorb LLC, shared his experience of launching a business and his expectations for candidates in the fields of finance and distribution.
Participants of the platform emphasized that today's employers are looking for active, creative, and analytically minded young professionals who are eager to learn, take initiative, and accept responsibility for outcomes. The speakers also shared successful employment cases involving students and invited them to participate in internships and open programs designed to support young specialists.
Olena Medynska, Lead Specialist in Strategic Marketing at UKRSIBBANK JSC, spoke about new analytical tools and creative approaches to brand building.
Iryna Holoborodko, First Deputy Director of the Kyiv City State Administration’s Center for Communication (a municipal non-commercial enterprise), highlighted the role of public communication and media literacy in management professions.
Ivan Skorokhodov, Marketing Director at Softorg (Ukraine), outlined key trends in digital communications and stressed the importance of a deep understanding of customer needs.
Tetiana Dmytruk, Managing Partner and Co-owner of the logistics company Fialan, shared the story of launching her own business and discussed the challenges facing the logistics sector in the context of globalization.
Amet Lumanov, Director of OKSHYNA LLC, highlighted the importance of teamwork, knowledge of logistics processes, and adaptability to change.
Kateryna Mohyla, Manager of the Pechersk Branch at PUMB, and Yevheniia Lepekha, Project Manager in the Development Department at PUMB, emphasized practical skills and communication as the foundation of a successful banking career.
Roman Topolnytskyi, Chairman of the Management Board at Deutsche Bank DBU JSC, spoke about employment opportunities for young people in the banking sector.
Roksolana Zobko, Head of Recruitment and Onboarding, and Daryna Bevziuk, HR Manager at THRASH Fozzy Group, introduced students to internship programs that offer official employment starting from the first day. They also emphasized the opportunity to combine work with studies and the prospects for career growth within an energetic and ambitious team.
The “Career Space for Humanities Professions” platform was held in the format of a panel discussion dedicated to the transformation of creative ideas into real business projects. Lesia Yatsuta — writer and co-owner of the publishing house “BukBanda” — led an open discussion with students.
Participants had a glimpse into the creative workshop of the publishing industry, learning how hobbies, ideas, and cultural initiatives can be transformed into full-fledged business projects. Lesia Yatsuta shared her personal success story, spoke about the challenges of building a personal brand and a publishing platform, and outlined the key soft and hard skills necessary for successful cultural entrepreneurship.
The “SMART START” platform became a space for experience-sharing among professionals from various fields, showcasing the wide range of career opportunities available to young people at the intersection of the humanities and applied sciences.
Speakers shared their personal stories of professional growth, discussed key competencies sought by modern employers, and emphasized the importance of purposefulness, discipline, and personal responsibility.
The platform's moderator, Tetiana Vlasiuk, Director of the Institute of Law and Modern Technologies at KNUTD, emphasized that an interdisciplinary approach to education and career building is a current trend that aligns with the demands of today’s labor market and employer expectations.
Nataliia Huba, Honored Master of Sports of Ukraine, European Champion, and Olympian, now a coach at the “Burevisnyk” Youth Sports School, shared how athletic endurance and systematic discipline became the foundation for her professional development after completing her sports career.
Yuliya Zaichenko, translator at the translation bureau of PJSC “Impuls,” emphasized the need for continuous self-improvement in the language profession and the importance of possessing complementary skills — legal, technical, and business-related.
Anzhela Berzina, Associate Professor at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Medical Law of O.O. Bohomolets National Medical University, outlined the professional opportunities in the field of medical law and the growing demand for specialists.
Olha Luchna, Director of First Pension Fund Administrator LLC, emphasized the importance of a deep understanding of financial processes and institutional trust as a foundation for sustainable career growth in pension fund management. Representatives of partner companies presented current vacancies, invited students to take part in internship programs, and offered prospects for employment within their organizations.
Yevhenii Savchuk, Head of the public organization “Football Stars” and partner of KNUTD, spoke about the organization’s activities aimed at youth development through sports. He emphasized the need to develop key competencies required for careers in physical education and sports. Yevhenii Savchuk invited students to join the “Football Stars” team, highlighting the organization's openness to collaboration and the opportunities it offers for young people’s professional growth.
The “Engineering and Information Technologies” platform brought together representatives of leading companies in the fields of IT, energy, mechanical engineering, and software development. Participants discussed the specifics of the modern technical labor market, the demand for highly qualified personnel, and the key directions in the development of engineering and technology-related professions.
The meeting was attended by the team from PJSC “National Power Company Ukrenergo,” including: Kateryna Kotliar – Specialist in the Human Resources Management Directorate; Iryna Yartseva – Employer Brand Development Manager; Svitlana Rudnyk – Specialist in the Recruitment and Employer Branding Department; and Valeriia Ovdiienko – Specialist in the Recruitment and Employer Branding Department.
Oleksandra Rotar – Specialist in the Recruitment and Onboarding Department at Ventilation Systems LLC (VENTS).
Viktoriia Shevliuk – Junior Employer Brand Specialist at SoftServe.
Vladyslav Meteleshko – Senior Full-Stack Developer at Creatio.
Andrii Bondar – Innovation Manager at DTEK LLC.
In their presentations, employer representatives outlined the requirements for young engineers and IT professionals, emphasizing the importance of continuous development and self-education. They informed students about current job openings and invited them to collaborate through internships, project-based work, and full-time employment opportunities.
The meeting confirmed that strong technical knowledge, combined with flexible thinking, communication, and responsibility, opens broad horizons for career growth in engineering and digital fields.
The training session “Career Guidance Navigator: The Path to a Successful Career,” conducted by specialists from the Kyiv City Employment Center, served as a practical workshop aimed at building key skills necessary for a confident career start for students in the following specializations: D2 “Finance, Banking, Insurance, and Stock Market,” D5 “Marketing,” B4 “Fine Arts and Restoration,” B12 “Cultural Studies and Museology,” J2 “Hotel and Catering Business,” J3 “Tourism and Recreation,” A7 “Physical Education and Sports,” Philology (by specializations) / B11 “Philology (by specializations)” / B11.041 “Philology: Germanic Languages and Literatures (including Translation), first – English,” C1 “Economics and International Economic Relations (by specialization),” C2 “Political Science,” D8 “Law,” E6 “Applied Physics and Nanomaterials,” F7 “Computer Engineering,” G3 “Electrical Engineering,” G1 “Chemical Technologies and Engineering,” G2 “Environmental Protection Technologies,” and G21 “Biotechnology and Bioengineering.”
Lyudmila Sosnowska, Lead Career Guidance Specialist, and Iryna Safonova, Psychologist at the “Career Center” of the Kyiv City Employment Center, helped participants identify their strengths, define professional interests, and learn how to effectively plan their individual career development trajectory.
The training combined a theoretical component with active exercises, giving students the opportunity to immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge in practice. As a result, participants gained not only practical tools for building their career paths but also confidence in their own potential as future professionals.
The 2025 KNUTD Job Fair proved its effectiveness as a powerful communication platform between education and business. Throughout the event, students had the opportunity to connect with leading employers, gain a deeper understanding of current labor market demands, assess their own capabilities, and shape a clearer vision of their professional future.
Sincere thanks to all partners, stakeholders, speakers, organizers, and participants for the meaningful dialogue, support of young people, and joint efforts in the high-quality training of skilled professionals for various sectors of Ukraine’s economy! See you again at the next KNUTD Job Fair!
06.05.2025
