Nargiz Shirinova, career consultant at the Central Career Branch of the State Employment Agency, participated in a recent session organized for final-year students of the Faculty of Business and Economics at Azerbaijan University within the framework of the “Career Planning” course. The interactive event, aimed at supporting students’ professional development, featured an in-depth discussion on the requirements of the modern labor market, the importance of a strategic approach to career building, and key directions of personal development. The speaker also provided detailed information about the “Start” Career Acceleration Program.

The session highlighted the essence of career concept, its development as a continuous process and outlined the key stages required for a successful professional trajectory. Students were introduced to essential components of career planning, including self-awareness, market research, goal setting, action planning, and regular performance evaluation.

It was emphasized that in today’s environment, competencies such as 21st-century skills, critical thinking, creativity, communication, teamwork, digital literacy, and artificial intelligence literacy are of particular importance. At the same time, the importance of flexibility, adaptability, continuous learning, and networking skills in shaping future career paths was underlined.

During the session, students completed practical assignments related to developing a five-stage career plan and shared their own career aspirations. They also engaged in a Q&A session with the agency representative, receiving practical insights into real workplace expectations.

At the end of the session, detailed information was provided about the “Start” Career Acceleration Program, including registration procedures and participation guidelines.

It should be noted that the program has been developed by the State Employment Agency for final-year university students. Its primary objective is to ensure a faster, more focused, and sustainable integration of students into the labor market and to facilitate their transition into their first professional experience by strengthening practical skills.

Public Relations Department