Penza, 28 November 2017. PenzaNews. Undergraduate students as well as students of specialist and master programmes of the Penza region have a chance to test themselves in the large scale contest "I am a professional", which is conducted by the Russian Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen and the public organization Business Russia.

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In 2017-2018, it covers 27 areas including construction, engineering, computer science, banking and finance, state and municipal administration, pedagogical education and others.

The best participants will be awarded with prises: they will receive prize money in the amount of 200,000 and 300,000 roubles, certificates for a master's degree or post-graduate programme in a prestigious university; in addition they will have a profile in the national database "Young professionals".

Moreover, the best students will be able to do an internship in large Russian companies.

"The project is aimed at establishing a system of social mobility means, which will let the youth develop their professional skills and become good professionals in the labour market. It is designed to ensure close cooperation between talented students, leading scholars and professionals in their sphere as well as leaders of business – future employers," the press service of the Penza regional government commented to PenzaNews.

According to the terms of the contest "I am a professional", an online registration is required for participation. After theregistration, students will get an access to demo tests.

In the first decade of December, a preliminary stage will take place, which will define best participants for the next stage. Those who will show good knowledge at the second stage will be invited to a winter school in a corresponding area. The winter schools will be organized at the premises of the best universities of the country.

The results of the project will be summed up from February 19 to March 2.

In the current academic year, the contest "I am a professional" is conducted with the support of the Yandex company. Together with the Penza region government, it implements the educational project Yandex.Lyceum in the region. It is aimed at students of 8th and 9th forms interested in mathematics and information technology.

In 2016, the Penza region became one of the first four regions that joined the initiative that gives school pupils a chance to learn programming and to try themselves in different professions: a developer, a manager, a designer.