The opportunity to be part of real, large-scale change and shape the country’s future is what motivates talented professionals to choose public service. This was the key topic of discussion during a mentorship session for the winners of the Create Ukraine program with Sergiy Nikolaychuk, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine.
Despite strong career prospects abroad and in the private sector, participants of Create Ukraine have chosen to return home, eager to apply their expertise to Ukraine’s development. They are committed to driving transformation, changing the system from within, and strengthening the economy. This was the same choice Sergiy Nikolaychuk made when he opted for a career in the public sector — one he has never regretted.
According to Sergiy Nikolaychuk, the public sector offers unique opportunities for professional growth and the implementation of impactful initiatives:
“Working in the public sector provides a unique opportunity to directly influence the country’s development, enhance its resilience, and contribute to key transformation processes. In this regard, a public sector career stands out — it allows professionals to take on large-scale challenges, shape strategic decisions, and work for the greater good, making it both meaningful and promising.
At the NBU, we rely primarily on the expertise of our team. By leveraging international technical assistance from our partners, we independently refine our processes. This approach ensures that the institution evolves alongside its team, which, in turn, fosters greater engagement among staff and delivers sustainable results.”
Create Ukraine facilitates the return of highly skilled Ukrainian professionals with international experience to their homeland. Through the program, 10 specialists have joined the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine to collaborate on critical reforms.
Mentorship sessions provide them with a unique opportunity to receive practical advice from senior public sector leaders, gain a deeper understanding of its challenges, and explore career prospects. Previously, program participants met with Svitlana Kotliarevska, an expert in building and scaling teams in the public sector, and Mariia Zakharenko, head of the Reform Support Team at the Ministry of Economy.
Create Ukraine is about transforming the country by engaging top Ukrainian professionals.
The Create Ukraine program is co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Lithuania within the framework of the EU4Youth program, aimed at supporting young people. The project is managed by the Lithuanian organization Central Project Management Agency and implemented by the KSE Foundation at the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine.