On October 16, 2024, an online meeting titled "Start in IT with Kharkiv IT Cluster" was held for higher education students from the Department of Information and Computer Technologies, specializing in 121 "Software Engineering" and 126 "Information Systems and Technologies," as well as from the Department of Computer Sciences, specializing in 122 "Computer Science" and 125 "Cybersecurity." The event was attended by academic staff from the Department of Information and Computer Technologies, including Department Head Vladyslava Skidan, Professor Oleh Nikonov, Associate Professors Antonina Volivach, Yurii Lebedenko, Dmytro Novak, and Senior Lecturer Vladyslav Pylypenko. From the Department of Computer Sciences, participants included Department Head Natalia Chuprynka and Associate Professor Hennadii Melnyk. Maria Rudynska, the educational project coordinator of the Kharkiv IT Cluster, acted as the event coordinator.

The event was moderated by Antonina Volivach, Associate Professor and guarantor of the educational and professional program "IT Project Management" at the first (bachelor's) level of higher education from Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design.

During the meeting, Maria Rudynska introduced the higher education students to the activities of the Kharkiv IT Cluster, highlighting its main areas of work and opportunities for students. She provided detailed information on topics such as organizing lectures and workshops featuring leading IT experts, building an active student community, internship opportunities at top IT companies, gaining real practical experience, developing technical (hard skills) and personal skills (soft skills), as well as the possibility of taking certification tests.

Maria invited the higher education students of the Faculty of Mechatronics and Computer Technologies to actively participate in various projects implemented as part of the collaboration between the IT business and educational institutions, including IT Business & Education, FuturTechTalents, Boot Camp, Guest EDU, Student Internships, Open IT, and StudLeadCommunity. Each of these projects offers new opportunities for professional development and gaining practical experience that meets the demands of the modern IT industry.

After the presentation, a lively discussion took place, during which students had the opportunity to ask questions, receive answers, and obtain additional information about participating in the proposed projects and the opportunities offered through collaboration with the Kharkiv IT Cluster.

We sincerely thank Maria Rudynska, the educational project coordinator of the Kharkiv IT Cluster, for her insightful and informative presentation, as well as for actively encouraging higher education students to collaborate. Your contribution to the development of future IT professionals is invaluable, and we are grateful for the opportunity to participate in projects that will support students' professional growth and prepare them for the real challenges of the industry.

25.10.2024