#Formula for Success. "Moscow Polytech Means Development, Friendship, Opportunities"

For Ilya Shchelchkov master's student, social engagement at Moscow Polytech has long been an important part of life. The student has experience working in the Volunteer Center, Student Dormitory Councils, the Joint Student Council, the university's Admissions and Accommodation Office, and the Youth Policy Department. This year, he decided to try himself in a new role — as a curator for first-year students. For Ilya, being a curator has become a space of emotions, growth, and responsibility for those just entering the world of the university.

— Working as a curator is, above all, about emotions. Every first-year student is essentially a new world, new ideas and thoughts. From my experience in student dormitory councils, I can say: we learn from first-year students every time, but we also put a piece of ourselves into them. Speaking of why I became a curator, I'd note it was a desire to learn something new and at the same time to try myself in the role of a responsible person: not just to say how to act, but to constantly show by personal example how things should be done. For me, it's important not only to explain, but also to back up words with deeds.

— You're studying in the "Comprehensive High-Efficiency Mechanical Engineering Technologies" program. Why this specialty, and why Moscow Polytech?

— I chose mechanical engineering because I wanted to do more than just theoretical work — like design or engineering — but also to have the opportunity to research and gain hands-on experience right at the workplace. Besides, this specialty covers a fairly large part of our lives. Even if we don't notice it right away, we're surrounded by things made thanks to mechanical engineers.

I chose Moscow Polytech because I wanted not only to grow professionally, but also to try myself in various extracurricular activities. Back in school, I combined my studies with social activities, and when I learned that Moscow Polytech has a large number of different associations, my choice finally settled on it.

It also played a role that there are opportunities for internships and practical training both within the university and beyond it thanks to partners. This opens up many prospects.

— What are you grateful to the university for? What opportunities and skills has it given you?

— I'm grateful for the opportunity for all-round development. Yes, professional skills are the foundation of our knowledge, but without communication skills, organizational abilities, and leadership qualities, we'll lose out in the competition. Moscow Polytech helps combine studies, social activities, and personal development — this is an important part of my formation as both a specialist and a person.

— What event do you consider the brightest in your student life?
— The brightest and most memorable event so far is the All-Russian Competition for the Best Student Dormitory Council in 2023. It's not just the four days of the event itself, but a month of work by the whole team: filming videos, preparing props, reading and memorizing regulatory documents, and lines for the presentation.

And the competition days themselves were like the culmination of everything that came before. In fact, it was this event that marked the beginning of my active path in extracurricular activities.

— Describe Moscow Polytech in three words.

— Development. Friendship. Opportunities.

Advice for first-year students:

Don't be afraid to take on something new. By constantly staying in our comfort zone, we miss opportunities to make this world better and our lives richer and more interesting.