Graduates of the Belarusian National Technical University prove every day that a quality education and courage open any door. In this new article, we share the story of Kirill Golodok. In 2018, he graduated from the Faculty of Transport Communications with a degree in "Construction of Transport Communications, Highways, and Airfields," and today he applies his fundamental knowledge in practice, constructing facilities of national significance.
The graduate's professional life is inextricably linked with aviation infrastructure. Since December 2023, he has been responsible for the technical maintenance of large-scale facilities at Minsk National Airport:
"At the National Airport Minsk, I work as a lead engineer in the Department of Technical Maintenance of Buildings and Structures." The department's main task is to monitor the technical condition of all buildings and structures located on the company's premises, which number approximately 100. Achieving these tasks requires constant vigilance. For example, inspecting the airport terminal building, which has a total area of over 80,000 square meters, is a challenging task. If any defects are discovered, we work with other airport services to plan their immediate rectification. However, there are repairs that require the involvement of contractors due to their complex nature or large volumes. In such cases, our department's specialists organize the preparation of the necessary documentation for the project and monitor the contractor's compliance with their contractual obligations.
Kirill Vladimirovich didn't immediately assume such a significant responsibility – it was preceded by a challenging but very interesting experience on a construction site.
"My first job after graduating from university was at one of the leading road trusts in the Republic of Belarus – OJSC SMT No. 8, specifically its branch, PMK No. 1." I joined the organization immediately after graduation, having completed all stages of my on-the-job training and pre-graduation internship there and established myself while still a student. From August 2018 to October 2023, I rose through the ranks from foreman to road section manager. During these years of working at the branch, I gained a firsthand understanding of all the complexities and nuances of organizing the construction process and established relationships with regulatory authorities. At some point, I wanted to learn something new and try my hand at a different role, so I decided to change careers.
Kirill Golodok's desire to be in the thick of things, to build, and to move around began in childhood. It was this desire that ultimately determined his choice of faculty:
"As a child, like many boys, I was fascinated by the construction process: how asphalt concrete was laid on city streets, bridges and overpasses were repaired, and high-rise buildings were built." I was amazed at how harmoniously everyone worked in this seemingly chaotic environment. At some point, I realized I wanted to be part of this ecosystem, and perhaps even lead it to some extent. Why the Faculty of Technical Competence and not the Civil Engineering Faculty? When deciding where to apply, the transportation industry seemed closer to me, as I didn't like sitting still, and transportation facilities are always spread out in a linear fashion. So, I decided to apply to the Faculty of Technical Competence and haven't regretted it one bit!
Rewinding back time and recalling his student years at BNTU, the graduate speaks with particular warmth not so much about the lectures as about the people with whom he shared this journey:
"I always remember our group: everyone was so different, yet we always had something to do during breaks and in our free time. I fondly recall all the hardships and privations of student life, which we successfully endured over five years, supporting each other." The team you're part of is no less important than your personal qualities. Communication within the team is always crucial, so always stick together and support each other.
However, a close-knit student community is only part of what the university offers. Finding himself on a real construction site, the young specialist quickly understood the true value of an academic foundation:
"Practice always follows theory, but there are exceptions. An engineer on a construction site must use their brain 100% to achieve all the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of a project within the established deadlines. Without theoretical knowledge, it is impossible to work as an engineer, especially in construction. A specialist must understand how building materials perform under different conditions, know the technology of construction, and be familiar with the regulatory framework for construction. The university provides all this knowledge.
The effort invested, sleepless nights poring over notes, and years of on-site practice have borne fruit. Every kilometer of new highway or meter of runway represents a tremendous amount of work." It's the sense of being part of creating something eternal that drives me in my profession:
"Over my nearly eight years of professional work, I've been involved in significant projects: the construction of a second runway and ongoing repairs to the passenger apron at Minsk National Airport, the reconstruction of Orsha Airfield, ongoing repairs to the runway at Baranovichi Airfield, the reconstruction of the M-3, R-53, R-23 highways, and much more. I'm proud of each of these projects, as I contributed a little to each one. Driving on a highway or taking off from a runway I've helped create gives me a special sense of pride. After all, these structures will last for many years and will benefit not only us but also many generations to come, and in doing so, I've left my mark. Quality work brings satisfaction. When I know I've completed everything correctly and on time, I feel a sense of accomplishment." So, my efforts weren't in vain.
Having risen from student to lead engineer, Kirill Golodok knows exactly what advice to give first-year students who are just taking their first steps and perhaps doubting their abilities:
"When a goal seems difficult or even impossible, the main thing is not to give up without trying. Many times I caught myself thinking it was too difficult and I couldn't handle it, but as soon as I started working on a particular task, my interest immediately sparked, and I couldn't stop until I achieved my goal. For an engineer, there is no unsolvable problem!"
Looking back on the path he's traveled and the heights he's achieved, the graduate remembers the place where his professional character was shaped:
"I definitely want to thank BNTU, and in particular my beloved Faculty of Technical Communications, for what it has instilled in me in this short period of time. I gained the foundations of my professional knowledge at this university." Without such a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge, it's impossible to realize oneself as a first-class practical engineer.
Kilometers of highways and runways have one thing in common: they always point the way forward. This is precisely how Kirill Golodok charts his professional path, unafraid of responsibility and large-scale challenges. We wish the BNTU graduate continued fulfillment of his talent and ambition in the country's most significant infrastructure projects.
