Today, on September 12, a large‑scale career guidance event for students was held at the Maxim Gorky Central Children’s Park — the Republican project “Profession Festival – 2026”. The Belarusian National Technical University was represented at the event by staff and students of the Faculty of Mining and Engineering Ecology.
At the interactive venue of our university, two master classes were held for schoolchildren: “Mine Surveying and Geodetic Measurements” and “Identification of Minerals by Diagnostic Properties.” Each of them was designed so that the children would not just observe from the sidelines, but would get involved in the work themselves and get a feel for what specialists in the mining industry do.
As part of the “Mine Surveying and Geodetic Measurements” master class, students tried their hand at being a mining engineer‑surveyor and carried out measurements using geodetic instruments. Under the guidance of representatives of the FGDIE, they familiarized themselves with the design of the instruments, learned how to take readings, and understood how the accuracy of measurements affects the safety and efficiency of mining operations. This practical experience helped the students see that the profession of a surveyor involves not only field research but also serious knowledge.
No less interesting was the master class “Identifying Minerals by Diagnostic Properties.” The students identified minerals using magnets, educational flashlights, and chemical reagents. The schoolchildren studied what properties each mineral has. The ability to distinguish between them required young researchers to be attentive, observant, and to have basic knowledge of chemistry. This format allowed the schoolchildren to better understand what tasks a mining engineer solves in their daily work.
Ksenia Syrnikova, a lecturer at the Department of Mining Machines, spoke about what was presented at the university’s booth and the importance of such events for career guidance.
“There are two master classes at our venue. One of them is dedicated to minerals: students and faculty members talk about the samples that can be touched and examined here.” It is also worth noting that the faculty has a laboratory where a wide variety of mineral and rock samples are collected. These are mainly minerals that are mined in Belarus and Russia, but primarily those associated with Belarusian enterprises: JSC “Belaruskali”, RUPP “Granit”, JSC “Dolomit”. We want schoolchildren to get acquainted specifically with the mineral resources of Belarus. We also have a theodolite, so that the students have an idea of what instruments a mining engineer‑surveyor works with. We participate in the “Festival of Professions” every year, just like in other festivals related to science. This is important because applicants and younger children remember the game formats. They come, try things out, play — and leave thinking: “Oh, I now want to be a miner!” The festival has its own charm: a large flow of people, diverse personalities and interests. Many are interested in BNTU and learn about the open days. We represent not only our faculty but also BNTU as a whole.
Fourth‑year student at the Faculty of Geodesy, Informatics and Economics, Kirill Galetsky, added how students help schoolchildren get acquainted with their future profession.
“One of the fields of study at our faculty is geology, which is why today we’re talking about minerals and mining, introducing young people to our profession, and trying to attract them to the faculty and to the university in general. The event is career‑oriented; it helps to attract future applicants and maintain a flow of interested young people. It’s important to introduce young people to studying from an early age.” This sets the direction and gives an impetus for a future profession. In addition, we talk about the places where graduates work. Students can sign up for tours of the faculty: students and teachers will guide them and tell them everything they need to know if something specific interests them.
Future applicants also shared their impressions of the festival. A tenth‑grader came to get a better idea of where to apply after school.
— I came to learn more about universities and colleges so that I could understand where to apply after the 11th grade and where to continue my studies. I liked the BNTU booth: there were many different exhibits, and it was interesting to listen to the stories about them. After the event, I decided that I want to apply to BNTU.
Eleventh‑grader Kirill found out about the festival yesterday and decided to come so that he could get to know the universities in our country better.
— The festival is very interesting and useful: I’m completing various quests, getting checkmarks, and enjoying talking to people. At the BNTU venue, they tell interesting stories about stones and minerals. You can also take a memorable souvenir with you. So far, I don’t know where I’m going to apply. I’m considering two universities: BNTU and BSUIR. What attracts me most at BNTU is the Faculty of Mining and Engineering Ecology.
The republican project “Professions Festival — 2026” was a striking event that demonstrated how important and engaging it is to introduce schoolchildren to future professions. The interactive stand of BNTU, in turn, clearly demonstrated that engineering education is modern, interesting, and promising.
