We continue introducing you to graduates of the Belarusian National Technical University. Today, our hero is Andrey Sidyuk, a 2005 graduate of the BNTU Instrument Engineering Faculty and now a 1st category design engineer at Brestgazoapparat Joint Venture.
Not every applicant knows exactly what they want to be in the future. Doubts and searching for one's path are a completely normal process, which Andrey Alexandrovich also went through before applying to the "Instrument Engineering: Household Appliances, Devices, and Equipment" specialty.
"In my senior year, I had a lot of thoughts about my future." My plans changed literally month by month: one day I wanted to become a military pilot, the next, a journalist for a major news publication. My father influenced my final choice, not by words, but by his example. He was an engineer, and at home he was constantly disassembling or repairing devices—most often, household appliances. I saw the results of his labor and understood that people couldn't get by without technical devices. Besides, I lived in the small town of Kobryn, and going to study in the capital was especially interesting—I wanted to prove to myself that I could achieve something,” the graduate shared.
University years remain etched in the memory forever, but each person remembers them in their own way. For some, it's the endless notes and pre-term exam jitters, for others, it's their first scientific achievements, and for Andrei Alexandrovich, student life means true friendships that last for years and a life beyond the lecture halls:
“The best thing about student life is the people you share your path with.” You stay with those who are on the same wavelength for life, even if you're separated by cities and countries. There were many memorable moments: we built a student government system, actively participated in festivals, and simply had fun in the dorm. The main lesson I learned from that period: even if it seems too late, don't stop, because there's often still time to fix everything and achieve your goal.
— What products do you work on, and what does your workday consist of?
— A designer's work is, first and foremost, creativity. I have to be satisfied with the result of my work, otherwise the device won't work well. I was lucky to be in the department that designs the final products—what the customer will ultimately see on store shelves. When we collaborate with the designers on a new product, I always ask myself: would I want to buy this myself? This is the decisive moment, determining whether something needs to be improved. That's how the daily routine goes: first you make sketches, then 3D models, and then you bring your vision to life in metal. Finally, you see how functional, reliable, and user-friendly the product is. If everything is perfect, the design documentation is released, which is then used by other departments at the plant to put the product into mass production," the design engineer explained.
Since the launch of our hero, design tools have advanced significantly. That's why he emphasized the importance of professionals constantly adapting to new realities:
"You have to constantly learn. I think only those who have forever eliminated from their minds the phrases 'but in the past...' or 'we didn't have this in our time' can become good engineers. You have to adapt to the present. Take artificial intelligence, for example. I'm incredibly happy that these technologies have become widely available. Neural networks have repeatedly helped me understand the advanced functionality of professional programs and provided useful hints when designing new mechanisms. The main thing is to have the right attitude. AI isn't a replacement for an engineer, but rather their assistant, whose work also needs to be carefully verified.
"The design profession requires tremendous precision and attention, but what about your work brings you joy?"
"Firstly, it's the team and the relaxed atmosphere we've been able to create in our department. We employ people with a great sense of humor, and the ability to crack a joke at the right time really lightens the mood. Secondly, it's the result itself: when I see my product realized in glass and metal, when I can physically touch what we've worked so hard on, it gives me strength. It's also a pleasure to read reviews on online marketplaces where people give our product five stars," Andrey Alexandrovich said with a smile.
Looking back on his journey, the graduate speaks fondly of the time he spent at his alma mater, emphasizing that it was there that the foundation for his professional and personal maturity was laid:
"The university itself and everything associated with it are a powerful springboard from childhood to adulthood. After going through your student years, you become a better person: you learn to search for information effectively and filter out unnecessary information, you understand how to achieve goals without wasting unnecessary resources, and you develop a much more nuanced sense of what you're drawn to and what you want to get out of life."
Andrey Alexandrovich's main advice for those just preparing to receive their student ID cards was confidence in their choice, and for those already hard at work, he reminded them of the importance of this moment:
"Your decision to enroll is absolutely the right one. One way or another, everything you encounter during your years of study will definitely come in handy, even if at the moment it seems like you don't need many things at all. My only wish for students is to enjoy this period of your life! Many call it the best time." Don't be lazy in learning new things, because the world around you is absolutely limitless.
A genuine interest in your work and a strong university foundation help you not only find a profession, but also create real products that make our daily lives more comfortable. We wish Andrey Alexandrovich new brilliant projects, inspiration, and the most responsive customers!
