A lively discussion, heartfelt stories and confidence in the future — this is how the career guidance event organised by the Department of Ukrainian and Slavic Philology and Journalism at Kherson State University for pupils of Kherson Lyceum No. 1 unfolded.

The event was organised with the support of Dr V.P. Oleksenko, Professor.
The meeting was not merely a presentation of educational programmes, but a genuine discussion about choosing one’s path, vocation and responsibility towards society. The discussion was joined by the Head of Department and Programme Coordinator for ‘Secondary Education (Ukrainian Language and Literature, English Language)’ S.M. Klimovich, Programme Coordinator for ‘Journalism’ A.F. Solomakhin, and T.M. Mandych, Candidate of Philological Sciences, who not only introduced the pupils to the study opportunities but also outlined the contemporary challenges facing philologists and journalists.
Student representatives created a special atmosphere. Without formalities or clichés, they spoke about studying as it really is: about the first steps in the profession, practical training, creative projects, challenges and successes.
At the heart of the discussion was the significance of the chosen specialisms for the Kherson region. At a time when the region is undergoing complex transformations, the role of the Ukrainian language and literature teacher extends far beyond the classroom — it is about shaping identity, preserving culture and language. At the same time, journalism is becoming an instrument of truth, the voice of the community and a key factor in information security.
This event demonstrated that choosing a profession is not just about a career, but also about contributing to the future of one’s region. And it seems that for many students, this meeting was the first step towards a conscious decision.