Nazarbayev University hosted a six-day intensive training program for staff of career centers from universities across Kazakhstan titled “Modern Career Counseling and Career Center Management.” The program was initiated and organized by the NU Career and Advising Center.
The program brought together representatives of career centers from 14 Kazakhstani universities, including KIMEP University, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, and Kozybayev University, among others. Throughout the week, participants discussed what modern career support for students and graduates should look like amid a rapidly evolving labor market, digitalization, and the development of artificial intelligence.
The sessions were delivered by NU Graduate School of Education Associate Professors Sulushash Kerimkulova and Duishon Shamatov, NU Career and Advising Center Director Gaini Yessembekova, and other experts. International specialists in career development, HR, and education also contributed to the program. Allan Gatenby, Chair of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Career Certification International (ICCI) Australia, presented on Social Cognitive Career Theory, while international consultant and career development expert An Tuan Li spoke about the use of artificial intelligence for skills gap analysis and personalized career planning.
On the final day of the program, participants developed practical action plans aimed at enhancing the operations of their career centers through data-driven and evidence-based approaches. They subsequently presented their final projects to an expert panel.
NU Vice President for Student Affairs and International Cooperation Kadisha Dairova spoke about the university’s development journey and the establishment of the Career and Advising Center, highlighting NU’s achievements in graduate employability. She noted that the university remains committed to sharing best practices and serving as a reliable partner for higher education institutions across Kazakhstan.
“Thank you to the organizers for such an insightful and inspiring course, and to all participants for the valuable exchange of experience. We arrived as representatives of different universities, but we are leaving as strategic partners. Over the course of this week, we gained new knowledge and modern approaches to managing career centers,” one of the program participants noted.
