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Belgrade, October 26, 2009 – Today, at the Rectorate of the University of Belgrade, the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Serbia and Coca-Cola Hellenic Serbia have, for the fourth time, officially opened the l Coca-Cola Talents programme, which has the goal of broadening the perspectives of professional development for young professionals in Serbia.  In addition to monetary support in the amount of EUR 2,000 per academic year, the Company provides selected students with exceptional training¸ the opportunity to learn about the best practices of the company and, through a rich mentor programme and interaction with management, and obtain knowledge and practical experience during their studies.  The competition is open from October 26 to November 26, 2009, and details of the program are available on the web site www.cchellenic-talents.co.rs.
 
“Lack of practical experience is often present at the end of studies for many students,” said Dr. Mirjana Vesović, Head of the High Education Department of the Ministry of Education of the Government of the Republic of Serbia. “Youth needs additional professional development, practice, and knowledge of operations of large multinational groups, such as Coca-Cola Hellenic.  The Ministry of Education has the pleasure to support such and similar projects, which positively influence young people and lead their potentials towards practice, develop them, and teach them how to be successful in their businesses.”
 
Aleksandar Ružević, Commercial Director of the company Coca-Cola Hellenic Serbia, said, “For the fourth year in a row, we are meeting students starving for knowledge, and those we identify as future managers, we are teaching various skills and giving them the opportunity to try themselves out in the business world, as we want to develop their ambition, enthusiasm, positive attitude and passion for knowledge.  The goal of the Coca-Cola Talents programme is, through investment in the development of future business leaders, to strengthen young people and motivate them to see their professional development and future within Serbia, and thus we strive to contribute to the social development of the community we are doing business in.”

Prof. Marko Marko Ivetić, Prorector for Science at the Rectorate of the University of Belgrade, said, “I am glad that companies such as Coca-Cola Hellenic increasingly understand the importance and the role of student practice in the educational system, and are helping us in that sense to implement the reform that is underway in order to provide the students with the best possible educational conditions within their country.  The employers of today require practical knowledge, and such a programme is really a good student preparation for real business life that awaits them after they finish their studies.”  

Students will go through four rounds of selection to be conducted over the next two months.  The selection process includes the scanning of biographies and motivational letters, testing general abilities and intelligence, evaluation of competencies through group and individual simulation exercises, and final interviews.  As in 2008, the whole process of selection will be supervised by an Expert Panel at Coca-Cola Hellenic Serbia.

This year, the Coca-Cola Talents programme is also aided by the Narodna kancelarija (National Office), and in addition to student organisations that traditionally support the programme, including the Student Union of Serbia, AIESEC and AEGEE, as well as SUPRA, TIM , ESF, IAAS, NAPSER, IFMSA-Serbia, STSG.  The project was also supported by the Career Development Center, NGO Initiatives, as well as the media partners Infostud, B92, 24 sata and Student Television.

Over the last three years, 21 students went through the Coca-Cola Talents programme, and every one of them attended company training in various fields, given the opportunity to learn about the structure and business practices of Coca-Cola Hellenic, one of the most successful companies in the world.

The right to participate in the open competition is accorded to students at faculties of the universities founded by the Republic of Serbia, as well as other universities with required accreditation. 
The candidates should be unemployed students meeting the conditions to enroll in their third year of studies, with average grade of at least 8.5 and an excellent knowledge of the English language, and computers.
The competition is open from October 26 to November 26, 2009, and all information regarding requirements and application can be found at the web site www.cchbc-talents.co.rs