The second «University Shift – 2026» is underway at KBSU Educational and Scientific Complex

The second shift of the federal career guidance project «University Shifts» is underway at the Elbrus Educational and Scientific Complex of the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov (KBSU). It is attended by 150 high school students from various cities and districts of Kabardino-Balkaria, as well as from Moscow and Vladikavkaz.

A special highlight for the participants was an online meeting with Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, who recalled that the project is celebrating its fifth and anniversary season in 2026. Since then, «University Shifts» has grown into a powerful federal platform, helping thousands of students from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok take a conscious step toward higher education. The Deputy Minister emphasized that the project gives the students the opportunity not only to gain new knowledge and experiences, but also to find like-minded people, discover new areas of development, and spend their summer productively.

«I always emphasize that ‘University Shifts’ is an initiative aimed at integration, the success of which directly depends on our collective contribution. I express my deep gratitude to each of you for making this shift a reality. Let’s continue this work: let’s create opportunities for students to find their dream university and career and help them move toward their goals,» Olga Petrova told the organizers.

The Shifts also featured a direct dialogue between the students and Anzor Ezaov, Minister of Education and Science of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic; Beslan Nazranov, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy, Educational Work, and Social Issues at Kabardino-Balkarian State University; and Aslan Shipshev, Chairman of the Regional Branch of the Movement of the First of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic.

The conversation evolved into a free-flowing debate about choosing a career. The speakers discussed key trends and offered helpful advice.

Experts noted the growing demand for IT, artificial intelligence, engineering, medicine, and biotechnology. However, the main advice for schoolchildren was not to chase «fashionable» trends, but to rely on their own interests and not be afraid to explore their own path. According to the speakers, in a rapidly changing environment, cross-functional skills such as flexibility, the ability to learn new things, responsibility, and the ability to work in a team are becoming increasingly important.

The students were reminded of the wide range of opportunities for self-realization: participation in university Olympiads (which provide additional points for admission), research projects, as well as the grant system and the «Russia – Land of Opportunities» platform, the Sirius Center, and Rosmolodezh programs.

Concluding the meeting, the speakers emphasized that today’s university is an active platform where students can launch startups, complete real-world internships, and immerse themselves in their future professions from their first years.

The «University Shifts» program harmoniously combines academics, career guidance, and tourism. Students attend master classes led by KBSU faculty, participate in business games, intellectual quizzes, and training sessions to develop cross-professional skills.

The cultural and educational program is dedicated to exploring the natural and historical heritage of Kabardino-Balkaria. Students go on excursions in the Elbrus region, go on hiking trips, and climb Mount Elbrus by cable car. The program also includes sports competitions, quests, and creative evenings. This format allows participants not only to gain new knowledge but also to make friends and develop their talents.

Over the five years of the «University Shifts» project, tens of thousands of schoolchildren across the country have participated. Today, it is one of the largest and most effective platforms for early career guidance and introduction of high school students to the educational environment of Russian universities. In 2026, KBSU will host 11 shifts, reaching 1,550 schoolchildren from various regions of Russia, including new territories.