"Proactivity and willingness to learn are key success factors": a joint project between St Petersburg University and Nexign
St Petersburg University has completed the third stream of the partner track within the mentoring programme at St Petersburg University, organised in collaboration with the technology company Nexign. A total of 22 mentees successfully completed the training and were awarded certificates of completion.
The programme was designed to support students’ career development in the IT industry, fostering the acquisition of professional competencies and practical skills. In partnership with Nexign, one of the leading software developers for the telecommunications industry and business digitalisation, the participants had the opportunity to engage with a professional environment, establish connections with potential employers, and expand their knowledge through real projects implemented as part of the company’s current business initiatives.
Mariia Edinova, Head of the Alumni Office of St Petersburg University, noted that for the past three years, it has been a tradition to meet with alumni of the partner track of the mentoring programme at the University on the eve of the New Year. She emphasised that such meetings help to strengthen ties between students and the professional community, facilitate the exchange of best practices, and provide a platform to discuss career achievements and future plans. They also introduce participants to new initiatives at the University aimed at further enhancing students’ professional development.
The partner track of the mentoring programme of St Petersburg University and Nexign was launched in 2022. It is open to senior bachelor’s and master’s students specialising in physics, mathematics, computer science, information science, or economics. The participants are mentored by senior software developers, testers, analysts, and team leaders from one of Russia’s largest IT companies, who are eager to share their best practices. Some of these mentors were themselves students at St Petersburg University in the recent past.
Valeriia Teniaeva, Nexign’s HR Director, noted that the project was not only mentee-centred but also significant for both mentors and employees. "It is gratifying to see that more and more of our employees are willing to become mentors. This is a valuable indicator of the success of our joint programme. Every year, we observe a growing interest among students, with a large number of applications and a high percentage of participants successfully reaching the defence of their career plans," shared Valeriia Teniaeva.
The programme provided participants with direct interaction with professionals in a real working environment through meetings at the Nexign office. Additionally, the mentoring programme at St Petersburg University is distinguished by its individual approach and the high level of mentor engagement in the teaching and learning process. For instance, Kseniia Kharabet, Senior Systems Analyst in the company’s HR systems development team, led productive sessions with four mentees.
"Each mentor is emotionally invested in their mentee. When something does not go as planned, the first thing we ask ourselves is why we failed to achieve a meaningful result," said Kseniia Kharabet, Senior Systems Analyst at Nexign. "Moreover, mentees can always turn to their mentors with questions and requests for advice — we stay in touch." She added that for many participants, the programme was just the beginning of their careers and an essential step in their professional development.
In any business, it is essential to care about the outcome and be willing to go the extra mile. Seek out experienced colleagues from whom you can learn and who are open to sharing their knowledge — it will prove invaluable. Proactivity and a willingness to learn are key factors for success in the IT industry.
Kseniia Kharabet, Senior Systems Analyst at Nexign
Over several months, students worked under the guidance of experienced mentors who helped them develop their professional skills. The mentoring programme included six sessions with Nexign experts, allowing students to explore the nuances of various IT fields. Additionally, two webinars on mentoring were held to help the participants grasp key aspects at the start of the programme.
Ruslan Beresnev, a fourth-year student at St Petersburg University, shared his impressions of the programme, noting that he had learned to set goals using the SMART methodology, improved his decision-making approach, and gained deeper insights into Nexign and the specifics of different IT roles. "I am now much more likely to make informed and considered decisions, even in difficult situations. I plan to continue developing in game development while also exploring back-end technologies, as my degree is closely related to this field of IT, and it is a fascinating new area for me," he said. Ruslan Beresnev also emphasised the importance of not only successfully completing the programme but also gaining valuable experience during the interview process.
The programme concluded with an awards ceremony where mentors were recognised for their contributions and mentees received certificates of successful completion. Mariia Edinova, Head of the St Petersburg University Alumni Office, encouraged all participants to continue developing their skills, seek out internship opportunities, and not hesitate to ask for guidance. "Mentor support will always be available, and we look forward to seeing our mentees advance in their careers," concluded Mariia Edinova.