On March 19–20, Samara National Research University hosted its annual Career Festival, bringing together students and graduates from universities and colleges across the region who are actively seeking employment, internships, and promising career opportunities.
The event featured 25 leading companies from across Russia, including:
JSC “Progress” Rocket Space Centre, JSC “Aviakor – Aviation Plant,” the Samara Regional Branch of the Pension and Social Insurance Fund of the Russian Federation, JSC “AvtoVAZ,” Wildberries (LLC “RVB”), JSC “Alfa-Bank,” PJSC “PSB Bank,” LLC “B1 – Audit,” VTB Bank (PJSC), JSC “Integra-S,” Nestlé, the Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for Samara Oblast, JSC “Elektroshchit-TM Samara,” FSUE “RFNC-VNIIEF,” JSC “Polad,” Yazaki Volga LLC, Dodo Pizza, JSC “H&N” (“Logika Moloka”), RSO “Kryl’ya,” the Main Directorate of the Federal Bailiff Service for Samara Oblast, JSC “Infosystems Jet,” JSC “T-Bank,” JSC “Nexign,” Samara Oblast State Institution “Digital Region,” and SKIT LLC (VIVAT).
The festival opened with a roundtable discussion, where representatives from Samara University’s institutes and faculties met with partner employers to discuss key issues such as graduate employability and prospects for deeper collaboration.
The job fair ran for two full days (March 19–20) in the Administrative Building and Building No. 14. Alongside company booths, students attended practical masterclasses led by festival partners, gaining hands-on advice and professional insights from industry leaders.
On the second day, the University held a ceremonial awards ceremony for winners of the annual Electronic Portfolio Competition—a spring tradition that unites students from all institutes and faculties. Open to all enrolled students, the competition serves as a catalyst for professional growth and achievement.
This year, 97 participants received diplomas in three categories:
“Bright Start” – for first- and second-year students;
“Top Career Achievements” – for senior bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students;
“Best Résumé” – for senior bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students.
Competition results are available [here].
Following the awards, attendees headed straight to the job fair, where employers engaged directly with candidates: offering career-track positions to graduates and internships or summer practice opportunities to current students. Visitors also received commemorative and informative gifts—both through a traditional bingo-style draw and as prizes for portfolio contest winners.
The main outcomes of the festival were new professional connections and a strong sense of motivation and inspiration among participants.
In addition, the career momentum continues: on May 15, Samara University will host another major spring event—Career Picnic—offering students fresh opportunities and new pathways to professional success.
Text by Alina Nizamova
Photos by Mikhail Fedulov, Timofey Cherevko, Ksenia Murygina, Grigory Nenashev
