The future of Ukrainian universities will increasingly depend on those who are studying at them today. In Lviv, student leaders from across the country joined government representatives, business leaders and education experts to discuss changes in higher education, youth policy, and the real opportunities available to students to influence the university environment. Metinvest Polytechnic University also took part in the 10th Congress of the Ukrainian Student League.
The congress became the largest youth event of the year, bringing together representatives of 85 student self-government bodies and 15 public organisations. Over the course of three days, delegates representing more than 700,000 students across Ukraine worked alongside government representatives, business leaders and education experts to develop a roadmap for the advancement of youth policy and higher education.
Metinvest Polytechnic was represented at the Congress by Mariia Ovdiienko, a third-year student of Economic Data Analytics. Maria is already combining her studies with professional development, working as a Lead Computer Systems Engineer at Metinvest Digital.
The discussions focused on current challenges and opportunities in student self-governance, student-centred education, the transformation of higher education, national identity, and the role of young people in shaping the country's future. Particular attention was paid to how students can drive change within their own universities and become fully engaged participants in the processes that shape the development of higher education.
For Metinvest Polytechnic, participation in such platforms provides an opportunity to engage students in the wider educational and youth landscape, expose them to the experiences of student communities from across the country, and bring new practices and ideas back to the university.
“For me, it was important to see how student self-government operates at other universities and what opportunities students have to make a real impact on university life. When representatives of dozens of student communities come together in one place, you gain a much broader perspective: what concerns students today, the changes they expect, and what they are already willing to do themselves. It is an opportunity not only to meet new people and exchange experiences, but also to return to your own university with practical ideas that can be put into action,” said Mariia OVDIIENKO.
A Career Can Begin While You Are Still Studying
An important part of the Congress was a discussion on students’ professional development. Representatives of Roshen, SKELAR, Kyivstar, PlantIn and VAT Ukraine shared practical advice on securing a first job, preparing a CV, completing internships, and building a successful career path.
For Metinvest Polytechnic students, this issue has a very practical dimension. The university designs its educational programmes in close collaboration with business, with practical training forming one of the key components of the learning experience. Students work on real industrial case studies, undertake placements at operating enterprises, and can gain valuable professional experience even before completing their studies. One such opportunity is Metinvest Group’s First Job programme, which provides additional financial support to young people and helps them take their first steps in their chosen profession. In addition, thanks to a flexible study schedule, Metinvest Polytechnic students can combine their studies with work at the company’s enterprises, allowing them to build their professional careers even before receiving their degree.
Maria’s experience is one example of how these opportunities can be combined. While still in her third year of study, she is already working as a Lead Computer Systems Engineer at Metinvest Digital. This allows her to gain practical experience alongside her university studies and apply her knowledge in a real professional environment.
“Today, it is important for students to understand not only what they are studying, but also where they will be able to apply that knowledge. I combine my studies at Metinvest Polytechnic with a role at Metinvest Digital, so for me, professional development during university is already a real-life experience. It helps you look differently at both what you are studying at university and your own future career goals,” Mariia added.
A University Where the Student Voice Matters
The question of what a modern university should be like is particularly relevant today, as the admissions campaign continues and prospective students are choosing not only a degree programme, but also the environment in which they will spend the next several years.
Metinvest Polytechnic offers in-demand academic programmes designed to meet the needs of today’s labour market and respond to ongoing technological change. At the same time, the university is fostering a student-centred approach, ensuring that students’ views are taken into account in the development of the university environment, while their own projects, initiatives and ideas receive support.
Therefore, choosing a university today is not only about choosing a future profession, but also about the opportunities that become available while studying. At Metinvest Polytechnic, the topics discussed at the Congress are put into practice: Students can propose their own ideas and projects, help shape the university environment, work on real-world cases, gain experience at industrial enterprises, and take their first steps towards a professional career.
