De Montfort University (DMU) Kazakhstan

DMU Kazakhstan Students Visited АО «Bereke Bank» An Inspiring Insight into Career Opportunities in IT   November 1st — DMU Kazakhstan students visited Bereke Bank’s headquarters, where they gained an in-depth look into the operations of one of Kazakhstan’s leading financial institutions and explored potential career pathways within the banking sector.   The visit began with an introduction by Alima Zortanbekova, HR Business Partner at Bereke Bank, who shared an overview of the bank's structure and highlighted roles within its IT departments. She also discussed the application process for internships and job opportunities, providing students with essential guidance on beginning their professional journeys.   Timur Duysov, Tech Lead Frontend, then engaged the students with a presentation titled "Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills at the Start of Your Career." He emphasized the importance of balancing technical expertise with communication skills, which he described as essential for a successful career launch.   Following this, Dameli Ryspaeva, Senior Data Scientist, offered an in-depth look into the field of Data Science. She underscored the significance of data analytics in today’s world and outlined the competencies needed for aspiring data scientists.   Kuanish Sultan, Tech Lead Mobile, spoke on feature development and the bank’s approach to hiring mobile developers. His session was invaluable for students interested in mobile development, offering a clear view of the industry’s demands. Ivan Lutsenko, Tech Lead for the corporate application, captivated students with intriguing insights into the Android operating system, sharing lesser-known facts and unique details about the platform.   Nikita Baev, Head of Frontend Development, tackled the question "To Be or Not to Be a Developer?" In his talk, he discussed the role's essential aspects, providing students with practical advice for those considering a development career.   The series of talks concluded with an insightful session from Agile Center representatives Shyngys Solombaev and Zhandos, who explained Agile and Scrum methodologies. They demonstrated how these frameworks help teams work collaboratively and efficiently to achieve project goals.   The visit ended with a tour of the office, followed by a networking session over pizza. Students engaged in informal discussions with bank representatives, asking questions and building valuable connections for their future careers.   This visit offered DMU Kazakhstan students an enriching, hands-on look into Bereke Bank’s dynamic environment, inspiring them with potential career opportunities and valuable insights into the financial and tech industries.

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Representatives Share Consulting Insights with De Montfort University Kazakhstan Students Almaty, Kazakhstan – October 30, 2024 – De Montfort University Kazakhstan welcomed a distinguished team from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) for a guest lecture, where students gained invaluable insights into the consulting industry and the professional pathways that BCG offers to aspiring consultants. The session featured prominent BCG representatives including 🟠 Bahruz Babayev, Recruiting and Employer Branding Manager for Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan; Tavat Mejidova SHRM-CP, Talent Acquisition and Experienced Hires Coordinating Recruiter for the Caspian Region; Nargiz Adigezalova - SHRM-SCP, MBA, Employer Branding & Campus Senior Recruiting Specialist; and Diana Ismagulova, Recruiting and Employer Branding Expert for Kazakhstan. Together, they introduced students to BCG’s distinctive approach to addressing complex challenges in various sectors and offered a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into life at one of the world’s top consulting firms. Students were highly engaged throughout the session, asking in-depth questions that covered a wide range of topics, from BCG’s recruitment process to the skills and personal qualities that the firm values most in new hires. This dynamic discussion provided DMUK students with a unique chance to understand BCG’s values, the skills critical to the consulting field, and the type of candidates BCG looks to attract. A standout moment of the event was the resume guidance session led by the BCG representatives, where they offered practical advice on optimizing resumes to make a strong impression on recruiters. The team shared tips on how to emphasize relevant experience and demonstrate problem-solving skills, enabling students to enhance their applications and better prepare for competitive roles in consulting. This session was a valuable opportunity for our students to gain firsthand knowledge from industry leaders, and we look forward to continued collaboration with BCG in the future. DMUK remains dedicated to providing students with opportunities to learn from and connect with global professionals, supporting their academic and career journeys.

Last week, our De Montfort University (DMU) Kazakhstan Business & Marketing group had the incredible opportunity to visit the Samsung Electronics Central Eurasia office in Almaty. We were welcomed by Berik Umarov, Head of Corporate Communication, who gave us a brilliant presentation packed with marketing insights. We explored Kazakhstan's position in the global and Central Asian markets, learned more about Samsung's operations, and even got some hands-on tips for starting our careers as marketing specialists⚡ it was also my first-ever experience organizing such an event from scratch. From reaching out to Samsung to discussing the details, it was an exciting challenge that definitely paid off! Many thanks to Samsung and Berik Umarov for making time for us and turning this meeting into such a valuable learning experience✨

De Montfort University Kazakhstan (DMUK) Head of Campus Attends ConnectED 2024: Rethinking the Future Conference Astana, Kazakhstan, 18 October 2024 – Professor Eric Dimla, Head of Campus at De Montfort University Kazakhstan, recently took part in the International Conference "ConnectED 2024: Rethinking the Future," which took place in Astana, Kazakhstan. Organised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the event welcomed over 300 participants from 22 countries, including representatives from higher education institutions, international organisations, and government bodies. Professor Dimla reflected on key discussions from the conference. Key Highlights: • Transnational Education and Partnerships: The Kazakh government is actively supporting transnational education initiatives, with increasing demand for partnerships with international universities. The conference highlighted the establishment of branch campuses, such as DMUK, as well as collaborations between international and local universities. Professor Dimla noted the significant opportunities for DMUK to expand its programmes, particularly in the fields of science and technology, which are in high demand. • Government Strategies in Higher Education: Discussions at the conference outlined Kazakhstan's strategic plans to further develop its higher education system, with a strong focus on innovation in science and technology. These initiatives could benefit DMUK, providing opportunities to offer new postgraduate and research-based programmes aligned with the government’s priorities for sustainability and technological development. • Strategic Partnerships and the International Council: One of the key proposals from the conference was the establishment of an International Council to oversee TNE provisions in Kazakhstan. This council would provide a unified framework to ensure the quality and standardisation of education across institutions. Professor Dimla expressed that such an initiative would benefit DMUK, fostering stronger strategic partnerships and raising the overall quality of education in the region. • Educational Technologies and Innovation: The conference also explored the role of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Professor Dimla highlighted the potential impact of these technologies on DMUK’s teaching and learning approaches, positioning the university at the forefront of educational innovation. As DMUK continues to collaborate with partners in Kazakhstan and internationally, Professor Dimla sees these discussions as a catalyst for growth, paving the way for the introduction of new programmes that meet both local and global demands.   DMUK is committed to providing world-class, innovative education, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. With a strong emphasis on transnational education, DMUK equips students with the skills needed to thrive in the global job market.

Field trip to MOST BI First-year students from the Entrepreneurship and Innovation program visited the MOST BI office, where they took part in an exciting event and toured the workspace. The day included talks from successful startup founders, like Erkin Derbalin from Ozen Finance, Azamat Zharylkassyn from PartnersPay, and Bakhyt Momunov from JolQalaAI. They shared their stories, challenges, and how they created their innovative projects, giving students valuable insights into the world of startups. Students also learned about different programs designed to help new entrepreneurs. These programs offer important support like mentorship, funding, and networking, which are crucial for building a successful business. The information helped students understand how to take the first steps in their own entrepreneurial journeys. The visit ended with a tour of the MOST office, where students saw firsthand how a startup environment works. They asked many questions during the event and gained a deeper understanding of how startups grow and succeed. It was an inspiring experience that gave them more confidence in their future as entrepreneurs.

De Montfort University Kazakhstan Showcases Creative Talent at Almaty Geek Games Expo 2024 20 October, Almaty – De Montfort University Kazakhstan (DMUK) proudly participated in the Almaty Geek Games Expo 2024, showcasing an inspiring exhibition of Type and Portrait Artworks at the GREAT Pavilion, which was represented by the UK Embassy in Kazakhstan. This event offered DMUK students a unique platform to display their creative talents and engage with distinguished guests from the UK, who led insightful masterclasses and shared their expertise. Special guests included: John Higgins – A renowned English comic book artist and writer, best known for his significant work on 2000 AD and his collaboration with legendary writer Alan Moore. Higgins' most celebrated contribution is his role as the colourist for the iconic graphic novel Watchmen, where his vibrant, atmospheric colouring played a crucial part in shaping the visual impact of the work, now regarded as one of the most influential graphic novels of all time. Higgins has also contributed his artistic talents to numerous Batman projects, enhancing some of the franchise's most beloved stories. Michael Lake – A key figure in the British creative industries, Michael Lake has been instrumental in building the book and comic distribution and retail structure, so helping the careers of many successful writers and artists, and also gave Dave McKean and Neil Gaiman their first publishing deal. Michael is currently co-producing the film adaptation of London’s Dark, the debut graphic novel by James Robinson and Paul Johnson. Throughout the event, DMUK students had the opportunity to participate in interactive masterclasses led by these esteemed industry professionals, receiving personalised feedback on their artwork and gaining invaluable insights into the world of comics, illustration, and creative writing. In addition to these sessions, De Montfort University Kazakhstan hosted an engaging Collage Workshop, where attendees explored their creativity in a hands-on, artistic experience. This workshop not only highlighted the artistic skills of DMUK students but also fostered a collaborative environment for all participants. The Almaty Geek Games Expo 2024 was a resounding success, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas, creativity, and artistic innovation. DMUK is proud to have contributed to this celebration of creative talent and looks forward to future collaborations with the UK Embassy and other partners.

💌 Words of Support Check out our latest reel as students and academic staff come together to share uplifting messages! Watch as they write words of encouragement and place them in our support box, creating a beautiful display of community spirit. These heartfelt notes remind us to be kind, spread positivity and support each other every step of the way! 🌟✨

We’re thrilled to share that De Montfort University has been ranked 27th in the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards! These awards are based entirely on student feedback, recognizing universities for their excellence in areas like teaching, student life, and overall experience. A big thank you to all our students for making this achievement possible! Let’s celebrate this student-powered milestone together!

DMUK Students Empowered by Guest Lecture from Innovator and Harvard Business School Alumna Umaimah Mendhro 18.10.2024 On October 17, 2024, students at De Montfort University Kazakhstan (DMUK) had the exceptional opportunity to attend an inspiring guest lecture by Umaimah Mendhro, Founder and President of One League and VIDA, and a Harvard Business School alumna. The lecture, titled “Turning Challenges into Leadership Opportunities: Making a Big Impact from Wherever You Are,” provided invaluable insights into leadership, innovation, and social impact. Umaimah shared her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting how challenges, when approached with the right mindset, can fuel innovation and personal development. As the leader of two global organizations, she demonstrated how resilience and a proactive attitude can drive meaningful outcomes. A key part of Umaimah's talk focused on the visibility of talent from the Global South in the international arena. She emphasized the importance of representation and inclusion, sharing how her initiatives actively work to connect underrepresented regions with global opportunities. Her insights encouraged a deeper understanding of how students from diverse backgrounds can break through barriers and achieve success in international spaces. During the interactive Q&A session, students engaged directly with Umaimah, seeking her advice on navigating entrepreneurship, overcoming personal challenges, and building successful careers. Her responses were insightful and motivating, empowering students to view challenges as pathways to growth and pursue their goals with purpose and determination. DMUK is grateful to Umaimah Mendhro for sharing her expertise and inspiring our students. Her visit reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to connecting students with influential global leaders and equipping them with the tools to drive change. Stay tuned for more exciting guest lectures and opportunities at DMUK!

Industry Insights: Guest Lecture by Ekaterina Rossi at DMUK On October 16, 2024, DMUK marketing students had the privilege of attending a dynamic guest lecture by Ekaterina Rossi, Retention Manager at Philip Morris for Kazakhstan and Central Asia South. Ekaterina shared her 16-year journey in the tobacco industry, offering insights into her role and how marketing and consumer behaviour play a key part in a highly regulated industry. After a disclaimer regarding the age requirements for consuming PMI products, Ekaterina delved into industry trends, challenges, and opportunities that companies like Philip Morris International face. She brought the material to life through case studies, inviting students to think strategically and apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. Over 50 students participated actively, asking thoughtful questions about consumer engagement and market trends. DMUK extends heartfelt thanks to Philip Morris Kazakhstan team for their time and expertise. Partnerships like these help DMUK offer students valuable learning opportunities—through guest lectures, internships, workshops, and field trips—equipping them with the skills and networks essential for professional success. Students were also encouraged to explore internship opportunities through the @Inkompass, which has connected graduates with hands-on internships for over a decade, providing a pathway to global career development with PMI. This initiative offers students the chance to work on real business projects, building essential skills for their future careers. Recent graduates can apply for full-time internships through the programme. Make sure to follow on social media to stay updated on the next round of applications. Stay tuned for more exciting events and career opportunities at DMUK!