“COMPASS” PROGRAMME

Career Guidance Initiative for Students in Grades 10 to 12

1. About the programme

Compass is a new initiative of the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria (CWBB), created specifically for students in grades 10 to 12, which aims to support young people in the process of early career orientation and to introduce them to the real business environment.

At this age, students already have formed interests and preferences, but often have not yet chosen the professional direction in which they want to develop. This is precisely why Compass provides them with the opportunity to get to know different companies, professions, business areas and career opportunities up close.

The programme aims to provide participants with more information and real practical impressions that will help them make a more informed and confident choice regarding their future education and professional development.

2. Programme format

Within the programme, participants visit different companies – corporate members of CWBB, where they have the opportunity to learn about their activities and about the diversity of professions and career paths in the respective sector.

The visits include different practical activities, including:

• presentations and introduction to the business;
• meetings and conversations with professionals from different fields;
• workshops and practical activities;
• interactive activities;
• visits to workplaces and sites;
• opportunities to ask questions and have direct contact with business representatives.

The duration of each visit is approximately four hours.

3. Who can participate

Students in grades 10 to 12 who are interested in different professional fields and wish to gain a clearer understanding of opportunities for future education and career can apply to participate in the programme.

The initiative is intended for children and relatives of employees of companies – corporate members, associate members and individual members of CWBB.

4. Application

Participants apply to join the programme through a special registration form of CWBB.

During the application process, the necessary information about the student, their interests and preferences is provided, which the organisers will take into consideration when forming the groups and planning the programme.

5. Selection and group formation

After registration closes, applicants go through a short selection process, the purpose of which is to form balanced groups of participants, taking into consideration the capacity of the host companies, the students’ interests and the opportunities for full participation in the individual activities.

Approved applicants receive additional information about the schedule of visits, the companies and the necessary organisational details.

6. Required documents

As the participants in the programme are minors, a declaration of consent from a parent/guardian must be provided for their participation in the initiative.

The declaration confirms the parent’s/guardian’s consent for the student to participate in the programme and in the visits and activities included in it.

The completed and signed declaration is a mandatory condition for participation in Compass. The form of the declaration and the method of submitting it are specified by CWBB when confirming the student’s participation.

7. Participation in the programme

Approved participants undertake to comply with the pre-announced schedule and the rules established by CWBB and the host companies.

During the visits, students are expected to follow the instructions of the organisers and representatives of the respective company, as well as the safety and access rules for the workplaces.

Participation in the individual activities is voluntary, but participants are expected to be engaged and active in the planned formats.

8. Objectives of Compass

Through the programme, CWBB aims to:

• encourage early career orientation among students;
• provide a better understanding of the real business environment;
• present a diversity of professions and career opportunities;
• create a direct connection between young people and the business community;
• support students in choosing their future educational and professional paths;
• develop their interest in different industries and professional fields.

Compass is part of the commitment of the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria to support young people in their professional development and to create opportunities for the next generation to connect with the business community.