On April 28, a large-scale event for graduating undergraduate students — “StefanykFest: Next Level” — took place at Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University.
The event became a modern platform for young people facing an important choice about their future path after completing their bachelor’s degree: continuing their studies, changing their professional direction, strengthening their competencies, and opening new opportunities.
The event began in the assembly hall with a bright, motivational speech by Ivan Blindary, a famous Ukrainian theatre and film actor and a graduate of the Educational and Scientific Institute of Arts. He proved by his own example that great results begin right here – in a higher education institution. His energy, sincerity and strong words became an inspiring start to the day and charged the students with faith in their own potential.
The university’s rector, Valentyna Yakubiv, welcomed the participants and emphasised that a modern master’s degree is not just a diploma, but a strategic step towards professional growth, international opportunities, and a confident career. The main panel discussion was moderated by Halyna Voloshchuk, director of the Career and Education Centre.
The conversation focused on leadership, professional development, the role of a master’s degree in the modern world, and the prospects that open up to students after completing their bachelor’s degrees.
The participants of the panel discussion were: Valentyna Yakubiv – rector of the university; Yuriy Stefanchuk – employer, executive director of the Ivano-Frankivsk regional branch of the Association of Ukrainian Cities; Dmytro Kopylets – employer, researcher at the Faculty of Tourism; Viktoriya Savchyn – student of the Faculty of Economics, university senator.
After the joint opening, students continued their work in several thematic discussion spaces.
A meeting was held in auditorium 25, dedicated to issues of the labour market, career growth, income, and professional prospects. Khrystyna Buzhdyhan moderated the discussion. The discussion was joined by Iryna P’yatnychuk, Dean of the Faculty of Management; Oksana Dzhus, Head of the Department of Speech Therapy; Svitlana Ivasyshyn, Stakeholder and Coordinator of the “Hromadotvorets” project; and Viktor Vintonyak, Stakeholder and Head of the “Dekra” company.
In auditorium 23, there was a space dedicated to changing majors, international opportunities, and the development of modern competencies. The moderator was Mariana Danyliuk, event manager of the Career and Education Centre. The speakers were: Natalia Belova, vice-rector of the university; Oleg Chuyko, head of the design department; Natalia Hiltaychuk, representative of Nadiya LLC; Halyna Fedoryshyn, researcher at the Faculty of Psychology; and Mariana Derenyuk, researcher at the Faculty of Pedagogy.
A discussion about science, innovation, grant opportunities, and research development took place in the exhibition hall. The moderator was Taras Paska, the head of the Council of Young Scientists. The discussion was joined by Iryna Hryhoruk, head of the research department; Volodymyr Kotsiubynskyi, a scientist at the Faculty of Physics and Technology; Viktor Husak, a scientist at the Faculty of Natural Sciences; and Svyatoslav Nykorovych, deputy mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk.
During the event, a consultation area was open for students, where they could get answers about admission to the master’s program, study conditions, and educational program choices. Consultations were provided by representatives of the university’s Admissions Committee – Executive Secretary Ivan Plets and Deputy Secretary Nelya Dolynko.
The Centre also organised interactive sessions on Innovative Methods, featuring Director Lilia Midak and researchers Olga Kuzyshyn and Iryna Malakhova.
Participants had the opportunity to join open discussions and thematic activities, share their thoughts on their future professional path, and take their next step towards an informed choice.
The gift raffle, held in the university courtyard, was a particularly atmospheric end to the day. In the sunny spring weather, the courtyard was filled with smiles, excitement, and sincere emotions.
Participants had the opportunity to win branded university products, including hoodies, T-shirts, bottles, accessories, and other memorable gifts. StefanikFest: Next Level once again proved: a master’s degree is not just the next stage of education.
This is the choice of a strong future, new opportunities, professional growth, and your own Next Level.
