Youth Participation and Democracy Award category

Future of Career through the eyes of YOUTH

Title of the Project

Future of Career through the eyes of YOUTH

Organisation

My Future

WEBSITE

https://www.my-future.info

Project link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iFRmrUHpZTpocqmDFjbmzSssm5VXBSL-/view?usp=sharing

https://www.facebook.com/MyFuture.info/posts/pfbid02nX6Twj4mRqMkwwAJegUuRFvKpt1PA4Gy6cbyhQTgJ55vdNUbMQnF1mhG7HVR36Uxl

Project dates

May 1, 2024

July 31, 2025

What is it about?

Future of Career was a participatory youth project implemented by the My Future Foundation to strengthen young people’s agency, decision-making skills, and understanding of how to actively shape their future in a fast-changing labour market and democratic Europe.

The project targeted young people aged 16–25, primarily from smaller towns and areas with fewer educational opportunities. From the very beginning, participants were positioned as co-creators of the learning process. Instead of traditional lectures, the project used interactive, non-formal education methods such as simulations, group decision-making tasks, peer feedback, and real-life case studies inspired by recruitment processes (e.g. Assessment Centre simulations).

A core element of the project was active participation: young people worked in diverse teams, made joint decisions under time pressure, negotiated roles, defended ideas, and reflected on group dynamics. These processes mirrored democratic decision-making mechanisms and helped participants experience responsibility, representation, and collective problem-solving in practice. Facilitators acted as guides rather than authorities, ensuring that youth voices shaped discussions, learning outcomes, and final reflections.

The project also created space for dialogue about inequalities in access to career opportunities and European mobility, empowering participants to critically reflect on systemic barriers and their own role as active citizens. Reflection sessions and feedback tools enabled young people to openly express opinions, evaluate the project, and influence future editions.

Future of Career strengthened key democratic competences such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and self-advocacy. By combining career education with youth participation, the project showed that preparing for the future of work is inseparable from learning how to participate, decide, and take responsibility in society.

The initiative was implemented as a Eurodesk activity, actively promoting European opportunities and encouraging young people to engage with information, mobility, and participation pathways available at European level.

How is this project relevant to the specific category?

Future of Career directly corresponds to the Youth Participation and Democracy thematic category by placing young people at the centre of decision-making, co-creation, and reflective dialogue throughout the entire initiative.

The project was designed as a participatory process rather than a one-way transfer of information. Young people actively engaged in group decision-making, role distribution, negotiation, and collective problem-solving during simulations and teamwork tasks inspired by real recruitment and assessment processes. These activities mirrored democratic mechanisms such as representation, responsibility, accountability, and consensus-building. As one participant reflected: “Working under pressure, making decisions together, and defending our ideas showed me how important teamwork and communication really are.”

A key element of the initiative was creating safe and inclusive spaces where all participants—regardless of background, confidence level, or prior experience—could express opinions and influence outcomes. Facilitators acted as moderators rather than authorities, ensuring youth voices guided discussions and learning priorities. This empowered participants to speak up: “It was the first time I felt my opinion really mattered and was taken seriously.”

Reflection sessions and feedback tools were embedded throughout the project. Young people critically assessed group dynamics, decision-making processes, and the relevance of activities. Their feedback directly shaped improvements in future editions, reinforcing transparency and shared responsibility. One participant noted: “I learned how to present myself in front of others and express my thoughts with confidence.”

Future of Career also linked youth participation to broader European democratic values. By integrating information about European opportunities and mobility pathways, participants were encouraged to see themselves as active citizens. As one young person shared: “Thanks to this project, I feel like I really can shape my future—if I stay active and keep learning.”

By combining career education with hands-on participation, the project strengthened democratic competences such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and self-advocacy.

What was the impact of the project?

Future of Career had a strong and measurable impact on both young people and the local communities involved, particularly in smaller towns and areas with fewer opportunities.

For young participants, the project significantly increased confidence, employability skills, and willingness to take an active role in decision-making. Survey results showed clear growth in soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and presenting ideas under pressure. One participant shared: “Public speaking skills were probably the most valuable takeaway. I learned how to speak professionally even when I’m stressed.” Another noted: “Working under pressure, writing a CV, and teamwork were key skills I developed.”

A major impact was raising awareness of recruitment and participation processes that were previously unknown to many young people. According to surveys, 100% of participants learned about the Assessment Centre method for the first time. As one young person stated: “I had no idea what an assessment centre was before—now I understand how it works and I’m not afraid of it anymore.” This new knowledge increased participants’ sense of preparedness and agency: “Thanks to these workshops, I feel like I really can succeed in the job market—if I put in the effort.”

Beyond individual learning, the project strengthened community connections. By bringing young people together with employers, educators, and youth workers, Future of Career created spaces for dialogue where youth voices were genuinely heard. Participants reported feeling taken seriously: “It was the first time I felt my opinion mattered to adults who make decisions.”

The project also had a ripple effect. Participants shared knowledge with peers in schools and youth groups, increasing awareness of European opportunities and youth participation pathways. For the local community, the project demonstrated that young people—when trusted and supported—can actively contribute ideas, take responsibility, and shape conversations about their future.

Did the project have any green focus?

Yes, the project integrated simple but effective eco-friendly measures throughout its implementation. All events followed a zero food waste approach: catering quantities were carefully planned, leftovers were redistributed or reused, and participants were encouraged to take only what they needed. Disposable plastic was avoided—paper cups were used for drinks, and participants were encouraged to bring reusable bottles.

To reduce paper consumption, printed materials were replaced with QR codes displayed on walls, giving participants instant access to agendas, workshop materials, surveys, and reflection tools via their phones. This significantly limited printing and supported a more digital, accessible experience.

These small but conscious choices helped lower the project’s environmental footprint while also raising participants’ awareness of sustainable event practices. The approach showed young people that sustainability can be embedded into everyday decisions and collective actions, aligning environmental responsibility with youth participation and shared accountability.

How did you ensure Eurodesk's visibility in your project?

Eurodesk’s visibility was ensured throughout the project. Future of Career was promoted as a Eurodesk activity and shared through the Eurodesk Poland network and the official Eurodesk website: https://www.eurodesk.pl/wez-udzial/future-of-career. During workshops and events, participants were actively introduced to Eurodesk as a trusted source of youth information and European opportunities, including Erasmus+ and mobility programmes. Eurodesk resources were referenced during sessions and informal discussions, encouraging young people to explore opportunities independently. Post-event communication continued to highlight Eurodesk channels as a key entry point for youth participation and European engagement.

Project highlights

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iFRmrUHpZTpocqmDFjbmzSssm5VXBSL-/view?usp=sharing

Your project on video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3qghTjexEQ

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI9tqWFN4TN/