Why did you choose Technological Innovations Management as your Bachelor’s degree program?
I decided to study this subject because the sphere of technological innovations is interesting for me and it will be very important in the near future. After graduation, I will introduce technologies and innovative products or services into the processes of different companies.
How did you become a student at ITMO?
I passed the Unified State Exam and fortunately my score was high enough to become a student at ITMO. I heard about our university from one of my teachers in school. After some research I found out that it has a progressive and impressive educational system, aiming to train the “professionals of the future.” Moreover, I learned that ITMO provides students with a huge amount of different activities in their extracurricular time. So that’s why I chose ITMO University.
We know that you are also working at ITMO. What do you do for your job?
I work in our university’s sports club KronBars. I am a manager (and a player as well) of the football and futsal teams. My duties are to administrate the teams’ VK page, to prepare all the documents for tournaments, and to communicate with the team and the coach. I want to emphasize that this work is perfect for me for a few reasons: first, I can’t live without football and my job helps me to always be involved in it. Secondly, working as a manager is a way to improve and boost my professional skills. And thirdly, I get paid for the job I like.
How did you get this job?
When I was a first-year student, I saw a vacancy, applied for this position and got hired. Our University provides students with many chances to be productive and it has different student jobs that suit your interests, so you can easily find an opportunity.
What kind of experiences did you have with international students at the university?
Thanks to my work as a manager, I’ve met people from different parts of the world, such as South America, Africa, France, etc. It is an unforgettable experience because building international relations is very important, especially as far as the football team is concerned. In addition, now I have friends from different countries and that is fantastic.
How was your first contact with the University?
The first time I came to the University, I was a high school graduate, anxious and lacking confidence about my future. But when I entered the doors, I realized that this is the right place to build my career.
What do you like most about St. Petersburg?
I have so many flattering things to say about my hometown, and it is extremely difficult to choose one. However, I would say that what I like most is the cultural and historical heritage of St. Petersburg and all of Russia. The beauty of this city never ceases to amaze me. There is something fascinating in its streets, in its buildings and squares. You just can't find another city like this.
What do you like about ITMO?
I love my university's attitude towards students. ITMO gives you so many opportunities to grow and develop. Another thing I really like is people. During my years of study I got so much evidence that IT's MOre than a University!
What are your hobbies?
As I mentioned, I am a member of the football and futsal teams, so I spend a lot of time training and participating in championships and sometimes I help in the organization of corporate events for the club.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to focus on the practical part of my education and gain as much as I can from the opportunities the university offers me. After earning my Bachelor’s degree I want to continue my educational journey and get a Master's degree. So now one of my main goals is to find a proper Master's program that will align with my dreams and goals. In the future, I want to find a job that will connect my current specialization and my hobby.
Any advice for other students who want to study at ITMO? Would you recommend it?
Without any doubt, I would highly recommend ITMO University. I can say with certainty that in addition to quality education, you will find activities that will be interesting to you and maybe even change your life. And my main piece of advice is to be active, take advantage of all the opportunities that will be provided to you, and make your student life unforgettable.
Interview by Juan Sebastian Velasquez Acevedo
