In September, the academic year officially began at the Chinese-Belarusian Institute of Outstanding Engineers at the Belarusian National Technical University (BNTU). Among the first cohort of master's students is Mohammed Azhari Alhag Sedahmed, a graduate of the Faculty of Information Technologies and Robotics with a specialization in Software Engineering. He shared details about the selection process and what studying at the institute means to him.
A solid engineering foundation is the starting point for any top-tier specialist. For Mohammed, enrolling in Belarus's leading technical university was a deliberate step toward achieving ambitious professional goals.
"I chose BNTU because of its strong engineering training. My studies allowed me to integrate knowledge in programming, automation, and artificial intelligence. That is why I was so interested in classes in these fields: I learned how software solutions interact with real-world technical systems. The program sparked a genuine interest in me, as well as confidence and a desire for further professional growth."
His undergraduate years provided him with valuable practical experience. A highlight of his productive time at the university was the development of a web application designed to conduct experiments based on Hick's Law.
"My thesis project is a web application for conducting research on Hick's Law and evaluating interface usability. I analyzed the requirements, designed the application's structure, and built it using JavaScript, React, and HTML. The programming knowledge I had acquired, along with independent study of technologies and continuous testing of the software, played a crucial role in the project's success."
After successfully completing his undergraduate studies, Mohammed decided to continue advancing in his chosen field. Enrolling in the Chinese-Belarusian Institute of Outstanding Engineers marked the next major milestone in his journey.
"What was the selection process like for you?" — The first stage involved preparing the necessary documents and submitting an application. This was followed by an interview where I presented my thesis project, as well as my professional interests and goals. That interview was a significant challenge for me—one I successfully passed—after which I received official confirmation of my admission.
For Mohammed, the main challenge during the selection process was delivering a concise presentation of his multifaceted experience. He handled this task excellently.
— The main difficulty was the need to briefly summarize my entire background. This was because my studies spanned several fields: programming, automation, and artificial intelligence. I studied software development, databases, networking, electronics, and engineering systems, and I had to present all of this clearly and concisely while showing how these areas connected. Nevertheless, thanks to thorough preparation and a clear understanding of my goals, I succeeded.
Receiving the official admission notification from the university always evokes powerful emotions—joy, gratitude, and pride in the achievement.
— How do you feel now?
— Right now, I feel highly motivated and ready to actively learn and grow. I really appreciate the institute's international academic atmosphere and the opportunity to study cutting-edge areas of computer science and artificial intelligence. I find the interaction with professors, the exchange of experience, and the link between theory and practical application particularly interesting. Studying requires responsibility and the ability to adapt to new demands, but that is precisely what fosters professional growth.
The international environment and immersion in advanced technologies inspire one to move forward. Drawing on his own experience, Mohammed offered advice to those just starting their professional journey.
— You should start by focusing on your studies, developing professional skills, participating in research projects, and preparing your documents well in advance. — What is the main piece of advice you would give to those who doubt their abilities?
— When selecting candidates for such institutions, the primary factors evaluated are motivation, responsibility, academic foundation, initiative, and teamwork skills. So, I advise you to believe in yourself, clearly define your goal, and start preparing today!
Congratulations to Mohammed on his admission to the Chinese-Belarusian Institute of Outstanding Engineers! We wish him a rewarding academic journey, interesting projects, and new discoveries.
