
Alina Bekova
Computer Science, Class of 2020
Software Engineer at Google
Mountain View, USA
"The practical education I received at KIAT prepared me for the challenges of working in a fast-paced tech environment. The professors were supportive and the hands-on projects gave me the skills I needed to succeed."
After graduating from KIAT, I joined a startup in Bishkek where I worked on developing mobile applications. The experience I gained during my time at KIAT, particularly through the capstone project, was invaluable. After two years, I applied to Google and was thrilled to be offered a position. I now work on the Android development team, creating features used by millions of people worldwide.
My journey at KIAT began when I was fascinated by the potential of technology to solve real-world problems. The Computer Science program offered a perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. I particularly enjoyed the algorithm design and mobile development courses, which laid the foundation for my current work.
One of the highlights of my time at KIAT was participating in the annual hackathon, where my team developed a mobile app to help connect local farmers with urban consumers. This project not only won first place but also taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, time management, and user-centered design.
The mentorship I received from Professor Elena Ivanova was instrumental in shaping my career path. She encouraged me to pursue internships and research opportunities, which enhanced my learning experience and made me more competitive in the job market.
To current and future KIAT students, my advice is to take advantage of every opportunity the university offers. Participate in competitions, join clubs, seek internships, and build a strong network. These experiences, combined with the excellent education provided by KIAT, will set you up for success in the global tech industry.
Key Achievements
- Developed a feature used by over 50 million Android users
- Led a team of 5 engineers on a critical project
- Published a paper on mobile app optimization techniques
- Mentors junior developers and KIAT students