What does it take to thrive in the modern job market? That was the guiding question behind the recent “On the Way to the Labor Market” conference—a collaborative effort between the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) and the Armenian HR Association, designed to help university students prepare for the next step in their career journeys.
Organized specifically for COAF’s university scholarship holders, the event brought together dozens of future professionals for a full day of immersive learning and engagement. From expert-led keynote sessions to interactive workshops and a “Human Resources Market” that allowed for direct networking with top employers, the conference was a launchpad for career clarity, confidence, and skill-building.
A Shared Mission: Empowering Youth for the Workforce
Co-organized by COAF’s Scholarship and Career Development Program, the event offered real-world learning where students could test their skills, ask questions, and make meaningful connections with experts across industries.
Highlights from the Day
Participants heard from thought leaders such as Arpi Karapetyan (General Manager at Armenian HR Association and Founder of Cascade People & Business), whose keynote speeches focused on leadership, adaptability, and the evolving landscape of work in Armenia and the world.
Hands-on workshops with business experts like Sergey Tantushyan (MBA Program Chair at the American University of Armenia), Anush Manucharyan (of Amio Bank’s Business Development Group), and Nina Grigoryan (Founding Director of Stellux Partners) gave students a space to refine their professional communication, personal branding, and decision-making skills.
At the HR “market,” students engaged directly with professionals from Viva-MTS, Ameriabank, Dexatel, Grant Thornton, Nairi Insurance, ArctX, Evocabank, and more—getting a closer look at hiring processes, workplace expectations, and sector-specific opportunities.
A Growing Culture of Career Support
While the conference was a standout moment, it reflects just one aspect of COAF’s broader efforts to prepare rural youth for meaningful careers. Year-round, our Scholarship and Career Development Program offers mentorship, workshops, internship opportunities, and soft skills training through initiatives like Debate Club—all rooted in the belief that every young person deserves the tools and confidence to shape their own future.
As the job market continues to evolve, COAF ensures that young people from rural Armenia are leading the way.
If you believe in the power of programs like this, consider supporting our mission with a donation.
