Poland – the perfect place to start your career

How did you end up studying in Poland, at Poznań University of Technology?

Before the war in Ukraine started, I thought I would take a year off after school to look around and decide what to do next. But after February 2022, my plans changed and I decided that one way to go to Europe was to study. Poland was the closest, and because I really wanted to study AI and at that time only the Poznań University of Technology offered such a program, I decided to go there. Besides, Poznań is home to the Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center, which at that time was one of the first in Eastern Europe to start working on what had interested me since I was a teenager, namely quantum technologies. Finally, studying at the Poznań University of Technology worked out well with the fact that my mother got a job offer in Poznań.

Do you think Poland is a good choice for developing in innovative areas?

Definitely yes. I have been to many European countries and I believe that Poland is the best place to study subjects like mine and start a professional career. This is where innovation and high technology are developing the fastest, and all the latest developments in AI and other IT&Tech topics are being picked up and tested/developed. So when you are in a place where the pace of change is so fast, you also develop faster and reach a much higher level than you could achieve elsewhere. This is a huge opportunity for young people like me. That is why I say that if someone is interested in IT&Tech, for example AI or quantum technologies, Poland is the best place to start.

What is useful for successful studies and the start of a professional career here?

I think it's worth surrounding yourself with friends and other people who are kind to you, i.e., building a solid network of contacts. You need to choose people you will enjoy working with, because we carry out a lot of projects during our studies and it's worth having a trusted, reliable team around you. What I like about Poznań University of Technology is that there are clear fair rules for studying. In other words, if you study and prepare for classes, you will succeed. It is up to you, your willingness, and your motivation whether your studies will be a time of development and the beginning of a good professional start.

Does the university's infrastructure encourage learning, exploring, and delving into new topics?

In my opinion, yes. My favorite place is the library—when I have time, I go there alone or with friends to study. But Poznań University of Technology also has many other amazing places, some of which are very modern and attract visitors with their atmosphere. You can simply feel good there, admire the beautiful panorama of the city, or find inspiration (e.g., by watching planes on the campus). You can also develop your various passions here. For example, in addition to studying and working at PCSS for almost three years now, I am also a singer, and the university allows me to perform (we have a stage).

How did you start working at PCSS?

Before I started college, I became interested in quantum computers. I taught myself about them using various materials and open access courses. So it was natural for me that when I was in my second semester of college and there was a job fair at the university, I went to the PCSS booth and asked them about the possibility of working with quantum technologies. I was told that I was the first student to ask them such a question, I was invited for an interview, and... I was accepted. Now I am working for a third year there.

So boldness and willingness are the basis for success?

In my opinion, yes. It is also worth taking an interest in the activities of student research clubs. There are many of them at the Poznań University of Technology, and they do really cool things in various fields. In fact, at the beginning of my studies, I was involved in one of these clubs myself. It was a great start for me and motivated me to take further steps. By participating in research club projects, you can also build a good portfolio, which will pay off later when you apply for a job.

What do you think is necessary to be innovative?

Courage. Sometimes you even have to be daring, have a provocative way of thinking, to be able to completely reverse your perspective and look at something in a completely new way. Creativity and imagination also help me to be innovative. I am a singer who writes her own lyrics, as well as working on my own unique tech inventions and writing controversies scientific papers, so creativity is in my blood, so to speak.

Written by: Magda Tytuła