Interview with Gjorgjina Kjimova: The Prospects of Millennial Women in Education
We have created a platform for millennial women working in the industry who are ready to share their success stories. We launched a series of interviews to highlight their inspiring experiences and achievements, focusing on women who are transforming the world around them. In this edition, we spoke with Gjorgjina Kjimova, University professor in the field of pedagogy (International Slavic University) and freelance trainer (IN Association).

Can you tell us more about the company where you are working and its objective?
I have been working at the International Slavic University for over 15 years as a university professor teaching a group of subjects in the field of pedagogy. The university is a recognized and renowned institution and one of the best private universities in the Republic of North Macedonia. Recently, I have also started working part-time for IN Association, based in Čučer Sandevo, Skopje. IN Association is a civic organization dedicated to non-formal and informal education in the fields of pedagogy and psychology. Our primary mission is to foster personal and professional development among teachers, parents, employees, the unemployed, students, and all interested individuals. As a verified institution by the Center for Adult Education, under the Ministry of Education and Science, IN Association offers:
- Webinars (online and live) on current and educational topics.
- Training sessions for personal and professional development of target groups, with a special focus on the certified program “Developing Emotional Intelligence Skills” designed for parents, teachers, employees, the unemployed, and others.
- Training for parents on the prevention and handling of emotional violence.
- Workshops for students on preventing emotional violence.
Our vision is to inspire positive change through education, create new perspectives, and advance mentalities with a focus on lifelong learning.

What challenges have you faced as a millennial woman working in your industry, and how have you overcome them?
As a millennial woman and a professor in pedagogy, I have faced challenges related to balancing personal and professional life, adapting to new technologies, and addressing resistance to lifelong learning, particularly among older generations.
I overcame these challenges by investing in my personal and professional development. I learned to set clear priorities and boundaries between work and personal life, enabling me to balance my responsibilities. I continuously enhance my digital skills through online courses and informal education. By actively promoting lifelong learning and development through my example, I inspire others around me to embrace this as a necessary aspect of personal and professional growth. In my educational approach, I use a clearly structured methodology that integrates connections to other subjects and real-life situations, presenting content supported by practical examples to ensure full understanding and application of newly acquired knowledge. Additionally, I emphasize interactivity to encourage experience sharing, critical thinking, and the importance of lifelong learning.

What competencies or skills do you believe are most valuable for millennial women in the workplace, and why?
For millennial women in the workplace, the most valuable competencies include emotional intelligence, flexibility, communication skills, leadership, and digital literacy. These skills enable them to adapt to rapid changes in the work environment and build successful careers. These competencies not only increase productivity and efficiency but also foster self-confidence, professional growth, and advancement opportunities.
How can millennial women continue to develop and refine their skills in the industry?
Millennial women can develop their skills through lifelong learning in all its forms—especially through non-formal (courses, webinars) and informal methods like self-directed learning. It is essential to stay informed about the latest scientific findings and be part of professional and educational communities for idea and experience exchange. Mentorship and building support networks are critical, and practical experience helps in applying new knowledge. Lifelong learning and self-reflection are necessary for continuous growth and success. By applying these strategies, millennial women can remain competitive, influential, and inspiring, laying the foundation for long-term success.

How do you think millennial women bring a unique perspective to the industry compared to previous generations?
Millennial women bring a unique perspective to the industry due to their flexibility, digital and technological literacy, and focus on inclusivity. Growing up in a globally connected world, they combine traditional and new values, making them adaptable and innovative, capable of quickly adjusting to new technologies and trends.
Their high emotional intelligence and empathy create a supportive work environment. They balance personal and professional lives and promote ethical values, making them crucial for organizational development and innovation. They are inspiring leaders who drive sustainable growth and positive societal changes.

How do you see the role of mentorship and support networks playing a part in the advancement and success of millennial women in the workplace?
Mentorship and support networks are crucial for the success of millennial women in the workplace. They provide guidance, confidence, and strategies for career development. Mentors who share experiences, help set clear goals, and provide opportunities for collaboration and support are particularly important. Support networks enable the exchange of ideas and resources, creating a safe environment for inspiration and collaboration. These connections strengthen motivation, helping millennial women overcome challenges and achieve self-actualization.

The Series of interviews are part of the project EMPOWERING – Empowering M-Women in Industry which focuses on millennial women (born between 1980 and 1995) working in manufacturing industries, aiming to support their professional education, skill development, and career advancement. The mission extends beyond individual empowerment to fostering European collaboration and networking, which are essential for success in today’s world.
Gjorgjina Kjimova, University professor in the field of pedagogy (International Slavic University) and freelance trainer (IN Association)
