‘Helping Students Discover Themselves and Find Their Calling’: A Career Fair in the Construction Industry Was Held at HSE University
On October 12, 2024, the HSE Сampus on Pokrovka hosted the annual career fair STROY.FEST, organised by DOM.RF in cooperation with HSE's Career Development Centre. The event focused on careers in the construction industry in eco-friendly cities. Students had the chance to meet representatives from various companies, participate in workshops, learn about internship opportunities, and receive gifts and career advice from potential employers.
The goal of STROY.FEST is to help university students develop professionally and assist young people in finding employment. A large exhibition session took place in HSE’s atrium on Pokrovsky Bulvar, featuring representatives from businesses and industries, including VTB Bank, T-Bank, Samolet, DOM.RF, and others. By completing tasks—such as submitting an internship application—students could win branded merchandise and tasty treats like chocolate and ice cream.
In addition, the fair featured lectures and workshops led by top executives from major companies. These experts shared their insights on building a successful career and provided advice on what to consider when choosing a career path.
‘It’s important to enjoy what you do—that is the true key to success,’ said Marina Slutskaya, Director of the Sustainable Development and International Cooperation Unit at DOM.RF, while addressing the audience. ‘You also need to choose a role doing work that allows you to contribute as much good to the world as possible.’
Elena Senkevich, head of the HR Centre at the Russian Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities, agreed with this statement and emphasised that everybody should do what they love and love what they do. ‘There are no useless professions or positions. If you want to find a job you love, if results matter to you, and if you appreciate even small achievements, then you have already won half the battle,’ she said. Senkevich also encouraged young people to stay curious and involved, pursue self-education, and never be lazy—then all doors will open for them.
Olimpiada Okuneva, Head of the Career Development and Employer Branding Centre at DOM.RF, believes that young talents need guidance. ‘Helping students discover themselves and find their calling so that they can be successful within a company, work effectively in business, and see their tangible contributions—that is the synergy we aim for when organising such career events,’ she explained.
However, being ambitious and loving your work is not enough when it comes to hiring. Ekaterina Popova, Head of the Financial Markets Training Department at the Bank of Russia University, pays close attention to the roles candidates have held in the past. ‘What are their achievements, and how do they assess their previous experience? How productive was it for their professional and personal growth? During interviews, I always ask targeted questions such as: “What did you gain from that project?”, “What was the most developmental experience?”, and “How would you approach similar situations now?” It is important to me that the candidate is a thinker,’ she emphasised.
HSE students shared their experiences at the STROY.FEST with the HSE News Service.
Sabrina Kholikova, first-year student of the Master’s Programme in International Business
— I participated in all events where prizes were given away. For example, I received a Jenga game from OTP Bank, a thermos from Hals company, a notebook from Samolet, and a tote bag from DOM.RF. But that’s not all—I am still hoping to win more prizes! At many booths, you can apply for internships, which is really cool since so many different companies are present in one place.
Elizaveta Shkrobova, second-year student of the Bachelor’s Programme in Strategy and Production in Communications
— We are participating in various contests, winning merchandise, and learning a lot of new things. We were invited to play Alias, and won stickers and notebooks. The atmosphere here is very lively, and now my friend and I are about to play Jenga.
Anastasia Kovaleva, second-year student of the Bachelor’s Programme in Strategy and Production in Communications
— I had a chance to hear about internships at PIK company, play Crocodile at their booth, and won stickers. The mood is great—I love when these kinds of events are held at our university, it is always interesting to participate and learn something new.
Olga Gaevskaya, Head of the HSE Office for Alumni Relations and Career Development
‘For the second year in a row, STROY.FEST has been held at HSE University, showcasing young students and future graduates all of the opportunities available in the construction industry for their professional development. The event presents the industry as a multifaceted field, helping students connect the knowledge they gain at university with practical applications. It also demonstrates how the industry is evolving and its prospects, including high technology, innovation, creative solutions, sustainability, and improving the quality of life for city residents.’
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