This meeting was initiated as a part of cooperation agreement, which ITMO University and SAP`s officials signed at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2015 (SPIEF). According to the cooperation pact, SAP is going to support ITMO University`s startup projects and small innovative enterprises as well as provide expert review. SAP will also offer Russian researchers and students its software.
“Large IT companies have to collaborate with universities,” said Igor Belousov, head of Russian SAP University Alliance. “Thus it will be easier for students to learn what modern technologies are relevant nowadays and predict what will be popular in several years. IT field is very unstable. That is why those things that a second-year students have learned may become outmoded when he or she would graduate. Thus we aim to teach young specialists to adapt to these changes.”
SAP`s products are widely used in government management systems, entertainment, medicine, sport, education, and industry. According to Sergei Kuzin, SAP`s big data expert, a strategy of a successful businessman resembles sport champion`s way of thinking. The first step is to make a plan. Then one should find one’s strong points, analyze weak points of one`s rivals, assess risks and go ahead.
Students also can become SAP`s specialists. Mr. Belousov recommends applicants to use “Navigator,” a special program developed by SAP.
“Thanks to this program one can find a list of the most relevant experts that SAP needs. It contains full information about all positions such as requires skills. A student can also “build” his career. Fill in a form with all skills that you have, and a position, which you are going to take in future. Then the program offers you a route plan recommending you how to improve your skills. For example, in what trainings and meetings you should take part, what extra knowledge you should obtain and so forth,” noted the expert.
Currently SAP offers a variety of opportunities for young specialists. The first one is internships. It was developed for those who were ready to work about 20 hours per week. To choose the most gifted students SAP initiates several contests. “Data Genius`” participants have to choose one of following areas: social design, trade, business, technologies, research etc. Using SAP NAHA, SAP Lumira, SAP UI5 software they have to visualize and analyze data. Winners will be invited to take part in the largest SAP`s conference. “SAP CodeJam” is a programming contest. Its` main challenge is to develop an application based on SAP`s products. The third project is “SAP Startup Focus.” It focuses on startups connected with big data, predictive analytics and real-time calculation.
To get more information about contests, as well as share ideas and projects contact with Project Management and Innovation Department of ITMO University.
Ulyana Malysheva
News portal editorial office