We continue our series "Thank you, alma mater!" and tell you about the graduates of the Belarusian National Technical University. In the new article, Egor Arashkevich, a 2024 graduate of the Faculty of Energy, shared his memories of his student years, his experience of distribution, and the secrets of his professional development.
Choosing a future profession often comes from childhood or adolescence. For Egor, it all started at the age of 14 with Soviet motor vehicles, when he discovered the world of blueprints and mechanics.
– I learned to read blueprints before I started learning pascal ABC in computer science classes. Since my hands were soaked in oil before I was on the keyboard, there was no question of applying to anywhere other than the leading technical university in our country. Having thoroughly understood the hardware and having learned all the depths of "menial" work, I decided to explore new horizons and have clean hands. There was, is, and will be energy in the world, so the choice fell on an energy engineer," Egor said.
The future engineer did not find the first course difficult, although higher mathematics initially raised questions. However, with the help of his classmates and older students, the difficulties were quickly overcome. As the young man noted, adaptation and communication are important for first-year students, and the sooner they become part of the group, the easier it will be for them throughout their studies.
Yegor's main principle in his studies was to understand the subjects rather than memorize them.
The goal was to understand the topic rather than simply learn it. If you understand the mechanism and the essence of what is happening, 70% of the work is already done, and the remaining 30% can be completed through practice, which is enough to place you in the top 5 of your class. When it comes to teachers, BNTU has highly qualified instructors who take a diverse approach to teaching. Looking back on my first and second years, I am amazed at how the teachers were able to handle our class. I am grateful for their patience and professionalism.
Egor's student life was not limited to academic pursuits. The volunteer squad played a key role in it.
– Thanks to the volunteer squad, I met wonderful people from different faculties and took part in a lot of events. Studying is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so an active lifestyle allows you to fill it with unforgettable moments. I will never forget my squad in Building 2, as it takes not only the stars to align but also the planets to line up for a parade to bring together such unique individuals. Therefore, joining the volunteer squad was the best decision in my student life, – said Egor.
Student practice is always stressful, but it's also a chance to showcase your abilities and secure a promising future. Egor and his friends seized this opportunity and demonstrated a genuine interest in their work.
– I call it "self-distribution." As the saying goes, "Water doesn't flow under a stone," so when my friends and I found ourselves at the BelNPP during our practice, we showed a genuine interest in our work. Additionally, I made the most of my communication skills.
– How useful was the educational foundation, if we talk about the current position?
– What distinguishes our university from the rest? It is impossible to give absolutely all the knowledge – this is a fact, and everyone understands it perfectly, so at BNTU they teach you to quickly find and process important and necessary information. At the university, they give you a base that you need to know, and then when you go to work, you build this skeleton with already highly specialized information. I studied to become a turbine engineer, but I ended up becoming a reactor engineer. However, I didn't encounter any difficulties in mastering my profession, as I was taught to understand both neutron physics and reactor systems, as well as water treatment.
Egor considers the organization of internships abroad to be a significant advantage of BNTU. Their group had the opportunity to visit the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant, witness the entire energy production cycle, and even explore the surroundings of Voronezh.
– What social assistance and guarantees does the company provide to young professionals?
– The best part is that young specialists receive two salaries as a start-up bonus. The company also provides a dormitory with basic amenities. At the company, young professionals have access to various opportunities, including the trade union committee and the Belarusian Republican Youth Union, as well as career growth. The company has a well-developed mentorship system, where each young specialist is assigned a mentor who helps them progress over the course of 10 years.
In conclusion, Egor provided guidance to prospective students and graduates who are still in the process of admission, training, and distribution:
– I advise you to figure out yourself, your talents and skills as soon as possible. Engineer – sounds proud, but it is not a profession, but a warehouse of the mind. Choose a specialty not by prestige, but by what your soul lies. BNTU is a huge platform for the development of your skills. Whoever you are, there is a place for you and your self-realization, if you have a desire, and opportunities will be provided.
Thank you to Egor Arashkevich for a sincere conversation and wish you further success in the profession and new achievements for the benefit of the country!
