How to communicate clearly and deliver the right message? How to present yourself to an employer without prior professional experience? How to speak in front of others without stage fright—and how to deal with the expectations we place on ourselves, as well as those from our parents and community? These were just some of the topics discussed during the Hemofarm Foundation’s Mentorship Day, aimed at supporting the personal and professional development of young people.

The day began with the workshop EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: From Assertiveness to Team Spirit, led by Emina Mumunović and Danka Bajković from Hemofarm’s Talent Development team. The focus was on building self-confidence, assertive communication, active listening, setting boundaries, and recognizing one’s own values—both in a team and individually. Emina and Danka also introduced the participants to the STADA corporate values—Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Agility, and One STADA—and explained through real-life examples how these values are applied in day-to-day work.



Through practical exercises, participants had the opportunity to identify their own communication style and practice giving and receiving feedback—one of the key skills in any professional setting. Special attention was given to the difference between passive, aggressive, and assertive communication, with an emphasis on clarity, tone, and respect in all interactions. By simulating real-life situations, students practiced expressing disagreement in a constructive way, giving criticism without causing conflict, and actively contributing to a healthy team dynamic.



“This workshop helped me understand how to express myself without harming relationships—and that setting boundaries doesn’t mean weakness, but strength,” said Petar Golubović, a Foundation scholar.

The workshop One Step Away from Employment – How to Write a CV and Motivation Letter That Will Set You Apart and Present You to an Employer Successfully, was delivered by Nemanja Petrović, Aleksandra Savić, and Teodora Šišić from Hemofarm’s Culture & People team. They guided participants through the entire selection process—from both the candidate’s and the employer’s perspectives.



The session covered key steps in preparing for a job application—from analyzing a job posting and personalizing the application to "catching the recruiter’s eye" with a clear and focused resume. Participants practiced how to highlight their strengths and values, even in the absence of formal work experience. Special attention was given to LinkedIn, with tips on how to create a standout profile—an essential tool for presenting oneself to employers and expanding professional networks.



Later in the day, the focus shifted to a topic that often causes discomfort—public speaking.

In the workshop PUBLIC SPEAKING – How to Overcome Fear and Become an Inspiring Speaker, Milan Nikolić, journalist and author of the show “Taboo” on Insajder TV, shared with students how to transform insecurity into strength and find their authentic voice when communicating with an audience. His appearance wasn’t a standard lecture, but a kind of performance—a combination of personal stories, professional insights, and motivation. With the message that “nothing is impossible if you’re doing what you truly love,” he encouraged students to believe in themselves and their talents.



Nikolić spoke about stage fright, moments of failure and self-doubt—and how each of those experiences contributed to his personal growth. His sincere and direct approach empowered young people not to “fake confidence” but to build it from within, through connection with their own values and passions.

“For success in public speaking—or any dialogue—the most important thing is to speak about what truly interests you, to know why you’re saying it, and to believe in your ability to deliver it,” said Nikolić.

Psychologist and author of the podcast “In the Jaws of Feelings”, Đurđa Timotijević, addressed the pressures young people face, their insecurities, and the importance of emotional resilience.



Her session, titled YOUNG AND UNDER PRESSURE – Between Expectations and Burnout, was focused on the challenges of "emerging adulthood"—a time when everything changes, from relationships and roles to rules. Đurđa emphasized that young people in Serbia often grow up facing additional barriers—from an under adapted education system and the expectations of family and peers to economic uncertainty.



“It’s important to create space for young people to choose their own path and make mistakes along the way—instead of forcing roles they don’t identify with. Growing up is not linear. It’s a process that includes missteps and pauses, and that’s exactly how we learn about ourselves and the world we want to shape,” she said.

“Each workshop gave us exactly what we needed—practical advice and the feeling that we’re not alone in our insecurities. We know there will be challenges, but now we also know we’ll know how to overcome them,” concluded Andrijana Živković, Foundation’s scholar.



Mentorship Day ended with plenty of smiles, new insights, and a shared desire to put everything learned into practice. And the opportunity for that is just around the corner—with summer internships at Hemofarm in Vršac.