Metinvest has identified the most successful participants of Steel Force, a new internship program for Ukrainian students pursuing higher education in the UK. Its goal is to provide young people with the opportunity to build a career in an international company, as well as to involve them in the implementation of projects for the reconstruction of Ukraine and the development of the domestic mining and metallurgical industry.
During the first stage of Steel Force, 30 students from 16 British universities were united into teams that, with the support of mentors – Metinvest's managers of various levels – worked on real business cases of the company. For the participants, master classes, practical classes and meetings with the company's managers were held, as well as an excursion to Spartan UK, Metinvest's rolling mill in Newcastle.
Recently, the final projects were defended in front of the jury, which included Metinvest's top managers responsible for various areas of the company's work.
The victory was won by projects dedicated to the concept of rebuilding Ukraine "Steel Dream" and the return of young people to their homeland. The teams were also singled out for business cases on calculating the investment attractiveness of one of Metinvest's projects, the company's development strategy as a European producer, and research on the impact of Brexit on British metallurgy and cross-border trade with the EU.
We talked to jury members, mentors and students who shared their impressions of participating in the Steel Force program.
Ildar SALEEV, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer, a jury member:
"I was pleasantly surprised. I was waiting for guys and girls from my student past, but I saw completely different young people - they are purposeful, active, courageous, knowledgeable, striving for new experience. Their energy is felt even through the screen. A powerful energy that combines the Ukrainian spirit and European openness to the world and to everything new. I am sure that many of them have a great future ahead of them, and I hope that it will be associated with Metinvest."
Yulia DANKOVA, Chief Financial Officer, a jury member:
"Most of the members of Steel Force study in financial and economic majors. In your opinion, what competencies are critically important for young financiers today – and did students show them during the final defence of projects?"
"I expect graduates of any majors to be trained in professional theoretical disciplines, and as far as financiers I expect a high level of analytical skills. As trite as it may seem, Excel Pro is also important. It's about hard skills. But no less important is the ability and willingness to learn, think outside the box and defend one's position with arguments. It was nice to see just such young people defending the projects."
Artem LOGACHOV, Director of Organisational Management and Compensation Management Department, a mentor.
"What do you think initiatives such as Steel Force contribute to the development of young people?"
"This is a great opportunity for young people to hear the opinions of big business leaders, to be involved in an important matter. For mentors, this is also a kind of learning, because they have the opportunity to communicate with talented, bright "minds». Of course, if they themselves are open to new things, ready to invest their own time and share experience."
Fato SHAROYAN, Head of Marketing and Operational Efficiency Department, a mentor:
"During the work of my team, it was very pleasant to feel their interest and involvement, organization and collective spirit. In my opinion, such internship programs are a great chance for young people to deepen their understanding and understanding of the real business processes of the company, to immerse themselves in the corporate culture."
Tetiana SKRYPKA, Head of Project Sales Management Area, a mentor:
"Why did you decide to become a mentor in this program?"
"Steel Force inspires because it gives students the opportunity to see the real difference between theory and practice, apply their knowledge and test their skills in a working environment. And most importantly, to understand that Ukrainian business is interested in the return of young people, ready to spend time and resources on it. Therefore, for me there was not even a question of becoming a mentor, a cool initiative means an undeniable "yes!"."
"What, in your opinion, will help bring young people back to Ukraine?"
"You always return to the place where you are welcomed and respected. We must broadcast to the world the readiness to attract young people, provide decent working conditions and involve them in significant projects. Ensure transparent selection, career growth and, most importantly, a friendly, welcoming team that will contribute to both personal and professional development. And this program is the very first step towards the return of the young people."
Anastasia KORKINA, student of the University of Aberdeen, captain of the winning team:
"Metinvest is not just the largest private company in Ukraine. When searching for an internship program, the key factors for me were the company's values, which align with mine. I was looking for an employer who actively participates in Ukraine's reconstruction, who practically supports our army during the toughest times, and implements large-scale social initiatives. Seeing this responsibility for Ukraine and its future was a decisive factor in my choice."
The best participants of Steel Force will undergo internships at Metinvest's enterprises in the countries where Metinvest's enterprises are located for three months. They will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the company's corporate culture through participation in its initiatives and receive the support of the mentors.
