Open Doors Initiative: Career Insights for Future Innovators
Exciting news is coming from Novi Sadーthe “Open Doors” initiative has kicked off, bringing together high schools and the private sector to allow students to explore different industries and careers.
The mission is clear: connect the education sector with the local economy, give students insight into the business world, and inspire them for their future careers.
Who’s behind the “Open Doors” initiative?
The “Open Doors” initiative is a collaborative effort by the Education Group, including the Nordeus Foundation, Junior Achievement Serbia, Digital Serbia Initiative, and the Center for the Promotion of Science, in partnership with Infostud and Startuj Infostud. Together, they aim to help young people recognize the best opportunities for their future and stimulate the development of the local economy.
The kickoff meeting
The first meeting took place on April 24. The most influential companies from Novi Sad came together to discuss further plans to connect companies to the educational sector in a more immersive way.
How did we contribute to the project?
Alongside companies such as 3Lateral, the BioSense Institute, Continental, Danubius (a member of the Delta Group), Levi9, MK Group (including Carnex), Neoplanta, the Petroleum Industry of Serbia, OTP Bank, Schneider Electric, we opened our doors to students and their teachers. Our colleagues were excited to showcase our industry, technologies, and career opportunities, and were prepared to answer all of their questions.
We’ve organized interactive sessions where our colleagues shared their real-world experiences and discussed the latest advancements in our field. This approach allows students to see firsthand the technologies we use, the projects we work on, and the skills required in our industry. We believe that by exposing students to real-world scenarios, we can ignite their passion for learning and help them envision their future careers more clearly.
Besides that, our involvement in the “Open Doors” initiative not only benefits the students but also brings enormous value to us. Engaging with the youth helps us stay connected with fresh perspectives and new ideas, and feel the pulse of younger generations who are becoming part of our organizations. It’s an opportunity for our team to inspire the next generation while also gaining insights into the aspirations and expectations of young talent. This mutual exchange of knowledge and enthusiasm enriches both our company and the students, fostering a community where learning and innovation thrive.
Makers Labs: where innovation meets education
Past experience has shown that the biggest challenges for young people are a lack of awareness about 21st-century career opportunities and a disconnect between schools and the economy. One innovative solution addressing these issues is the Makers lab, which focuses on connecting STEAME fields (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and entrepreneurship) and encouraging creative approaches to education and problem-solving.
Makers labs are innovative spaces designed to inspire creativity and hands-on learning. Equipped with cutting-edge tools and technologies, they allow students to experiment, prototype, and bring ideas to life. Students explore various disciplines through practical projects, collaborate with their peers, and receive mentorships from industry professionals. These labs bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, preparing students for future challenges and opportunities.
Together for a better future
The plan for the next school year is to include even more companies and schools. Together, we will build a support network for education in the Novi Sad region, with the long-term goal of helping young people with their professional development and contributing to the local community’s growth.
Our goal is to listen to young people, learn how they envision future jobs and build together a support system for their career development. Thank you to everyone who has joined and supported this initiativeーtogether, we can achieve a lot!
