NOVA Helps Influence Career Services Practices for CTE Colleges in Ukraine

NOVA was invited to participate in a special program through the U.S. Department of State, hosted by the American Councils for International Education and Education USA.  For several years the Ministry of Education in Ukraine sought the assistance and guidance of U.S. community colleges to help them develop and implement career planning and development for students in two-year career, professional and technical schools nationally. After delays from COVID and the ongoing war, 30 participants bravely traveled  to Warsaw, Poland for the weeklong workshop from July 1 through 5.  All members of the Ukrainian delegation had to travel by car, bus or train; some waiting up to 10 hours at the border crossing to attend the program.

Dana Fallon, director of business engagement and career services was one of three U.S. presenters to share NOVA’s experience with developing and launching a comprehensive career services office, as well as expanding outreach to businesses and employers in the region. Specific topics she presented included Career Services Function and Organization, Internships, Business and Employer Engagement and Design and Planning: Case Study and Working Session. The highlight of the program was an interactive international Zoom call with the NOVA team. Dr. Brent Via, Kimberly Blue, Sterling Smith and Andrea Johns shared their knowledge and experience working directly with students and employers and answered questions from the Ukrainian group. Noting their key takeaways, several participants quoted from and mentioned this session.

All sessions assisted the Ukrainian educators and regulators in learning about theories and practices to guide the creation and implementation of positions that will support Ukrainian students throughout their career development process, not just in job placement. Several educators expressed their excitement to take the ideas shared back to their schools that will allow them to expand services and assist students by opening more career opportunities and paths not just the process of finding a job. One participant said, “Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to attend the Career Counseling Workshop. I gained invaluable experience and learned from the expertise of American colleagues. The workshop was incredibly engaging and filled with useful information and methodologies to help Career Centers in Ukraine develop and operate effectively, taking into account modern needs.”

Providing support and career development services is critically important at this time as they face large populations of war veterans and citizens impacted by the war.  The Ministry of Education is now committed to designing and implementing career counselor roles for all two-year schools, a position that does not currently exist. 

NOVA’s resources are readily available and prominently shared for Ukrainian educators [Career Centers – Additional resources (google.com)] and plans for continuing collaboration are expected.

Submitted by:
Dana Fallon, Wkfc-Director of Business Engagement & Career Svcs, DFallon@nvcc.edu