Educational Project “Career School” Implemented at CIU

 A large-scale educational project - “Career School” was implemented at Caucasus International University. The event was organized by the Life-Long Learning and Career Development Service. During five days, students and alumni participated in an intensive program designed to develop the practical skills that are essential for competitiveness in today’s labor market.

At the official opening ceremony, the Rector of the university, Kakhaber Kordzaia, addressed the participants and highlighted that, in today’s reality, professional success is no longer defined solely by theoretical knowledge. He stated that “Career School” represents a space where education, practical experience and real employment opportunities converge. The project was moderated by Guram Liluashvili, Head of CIU Life-Long Learning and Career Development Service.

The first day of the project began dynamically with a meeting involving representatives of the Bank of Georgia. Etuna Kobalia, Head of the Recruitment Department and Tamara Chanturishvili, Head of the Communications Training and Development Department, introduced students to the internal culture of the banking sector and key recruitment criteria. On the same day, a significant Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the university and the Bank of Georgia, aimed at expanding employment opportunities.

The second day focused on one of the most significant challenges of the contemporary —remote employment. Teona Janelidze, logistics mentor introduced participants to effective strategies for integrating in the international market and shared methods of effective self-presentation in digital environments. Together with the theoretical component, students engaged in collaborative assignments, with top-performing teams awarded motivational literature.

The third day placed emphasis on adaptation within organizational settings. Giorgi Kharatishvili, Senior Manager for Talent Acquisition and Employer Branding at “GMT Hospitality,” delivered a practical session on successful workplace integration and strategies for establishing a distinct professional identity within corporate structures. The day concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the university and “GMT Mtatsminda.” In addition, the best-performing team was awarded a 600 GEL voucher.

The fourth day was dedicated to exploring career opportunities within the private sector. Venera Takalandze, Co-founder and Director of “Auto Home,” together with Salome Stepanian, HR Manager provided insights into the specificity of the business and outlined key expectations for prospective candidates. During the session, another Memorandum of Understanding was signed between “Autohome 2019” LLC and CIU. A team that demonstrated outstanding performance in a practical business case was awarded a 600 GEL prize.

The fifth and final day focused on psychological preparedness and motivation. Erekle Jashiashvili and Esma Nikoleishvili, Career consultants from the Tbilisi Service Center of the State Employment Promotion Agency, addressed the importance of overcoming the fear of failure and taking proactive, goal-oriented steps toward career advancement.

The five-day intensive program concluded with a certificate award ceremony. Participants were awaded by the Vice-Rector of Caucasus International University, Tamar Inasaridze. The “Career School” project once again proved the vital role of such initiatives in bridging the gap between academic education and the demands of the modern business environment.