“You can study from anywhere in the world”: an interview with a part-time student at Moscow Polytech

Part-time education, or evening education as it is conventionally called, assumes that students combine their studies with work. This format was the most suitable for a student in “Advertising and Public Relations in Digital Media” Sophia Aidarova. Sophia works as a logistician in a perfume supermarket, is studying at Moscow Polytech and is also involved in extracurricular activities.

You are already in your second year. Was it hard in the first year?

- Styding was and still is easy for me because the teachers always cooperate. For example, if I cannot join the class or implement the task because of my work, the teacher may shift the deadline for completing the task or give an additional one, in order to make up for the absence.

Why did you choose Moscow Polytech for admission?

I was interested in the education program, as well as the part-time format of studies, as in parallel with my education I can work.

Can you now name the disadvantages and advantages of full-time and part-time education?

- The only disadvantage of part-time education is the lack of physical contact with groupmates and teachers, as the classes are conducted in the online format. But as you are not tied to a certain location you can study fr om anywhere in the world. In addition, I can also note accessibility of such education as it is several times cheaper that the full-time one. And, the most important advantage is DLS (Distant Learning System) in which all learning is conducted. A user-friendly and intuitive website, wh ere you complete tasks and have a dialogue with the teachers.

Please, tell us more about the studies: what is the schedule, how are the sessions going?

Classes are in the schedule daily fr om Monday to Friday. Always a maximum of two per day, and this is basically one subject. The teachers send a link to a lecture upfront in the Telegram chat or in DLS. During all studies, we need to complete various tasks in the DLS system: take tests, do practical exercises, or write an essay. The teachers check tasks and give points for the tasks. If you receive enough points for a semester and you have good attendance, then a teacher may set an automatic exam for the session. But, if you do not meet one of these criteria, then in the end of the semester you must learn a list of themes and during the exam answer the questions asked by teachers in the online mode, with a camera turned on.

- Are you already working in your specialty?

- I worked in my specialty for a real estate agency from Georgia since Grade 10 at school, as I had learned the fundamentals of SMM and Marketing at various courses. At that time, I participated in the organization of various marathons for realtors: I wrote texts, edited the materials of speakers, and posted announcements. However, I realized that I want to more deeply investigate advertising in order to go for Product Marketing. Therefore, I made a decision to apply for this Field of Study at Moscow Polytech. Currently, I work but not by profession, as for Product Marketing I need to complete a higher education degree and demonstrate some other skills.

What is your occupation now and how do you combine the work with your studies?

For half a year, I have been working as a logistician in a perfume supermarket, I make up routes for the couriers of express delivery. Sometimes, I connect to classes from my work place, but the lessons are usually scheduled on weekends, so there is always time available for my studies.

You are also in extracurricular activities of Moscow Polytech – you perform the duties of a videographer, an editor of Polytech Media. In addition, you are also a supervisor at the video department. Wh ere have you learned all this?

- I came to the video field just in the SMM times of my life. Nowadays, the notion of this profession is blurred: an employer demands is to be not only an expert in SMM, but also a designer, a copywriter, a creativity specialist and a videographer in one person. And, when I led one of the accounts, my responsibility was also footing short videos. I liked this process most of all. That is why in the end of the Grade 11 I purchased a training course in directing, editing and shooting. I promptly got involved and understood that I want to realize myself in this sphere. And upon admission, I saw a post at the channel of Moscow Polytech that the admission is open to Polytech Media, and that a video department is available therein. Therefore, without hesitation I sent there my portfolio, implemented a test task, passed the selection and became part of the team. And half a year later, due to some circumstances I got a “steering wheel” of this department; therefore now I supervise operators and editors of Polytech Media.

- Do you think the University provides good opportunities for personal development and career start? As Moscow Polytech has many industrial partners, good places for practical work and bright versatile extracurricular activities.

Thanks to extracurricular activity, the students of more creative specialties may develop their potential and gain experience. For example, for advertisers, videographers, journalists, editors and other media people work at Polytech Media, meaning at a student mass media, is an excellent practice. You will gain experience in your business and learn something new.

Why do you like Moscow Polytech? Name 3 reasons.

- For modernity, opportunities and the people who learn and teach here.

A piece of advice for those who just decide to enroll in Moscow Polytech

- Many future students are expected to move from their native towns, they worry that it will be hard and lonely, but there are always people who are ready to help. These may be both the teachers and groupmates, and the people from extracurricular activity. That is why my advice – do not be scared and boldly go towards your intended goal!