Prof. Kyandoghere Kyamakya: The success of scholarship recipients is envisioned to elevate Klagenfurt as a renowned hub for technological education and innovation

Academic supervisor of Technology Scholarship holders studying Master’s degree programme in Information and Communication Engineering, Prof. Kyandoghere Kyamakya offers his viewpoint on the pivotal role of the scholarship programme in shaping the future of both students and the regional ICT labour market.

In the scope of the Technology Scholarships programme you have been providing academic guidance to several scholarship holders. One of them was Mr. Mohamed Salem. How has this experience been for you?

It has been an absolute pleasure to coach and mentor Mr. Mohamed Salem. Working with such a highly motivated and dedicated student has been an enriching and rewarding experience. Mr. Salem’s enthusiasm for learning and his commitment to his academic pursuits have not only made the mentoring process enjoyable but have also contributed to a positive and productive academic environment. Witnessing his growth, both academically and personally, has been truly fulfilling. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of his educational journey and look forward to seeing his continued success in the field of technology in his career in one the biggest local ICT companies.

Read the full interview with Mohamed Salem

 

What are the Faculty of Technical Science’s main goals with the Technology Scholarships programme?

The Faculty of Technical Sciences has a dual commitment through the Technology Scholarships programme. Firstly, it aims to attract outstanding international talent by offering financial assistance, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge resources, fostering academic excellence and intellectual growth. Secondly, the programme emphasizes cultivating a diverse and inclusive academic community, promoting cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. These objectives are strategically aligned to bolster the local and national IT industry by producing highly qualified graduates. The success of scholarship recipients is envisioned to elevate Klagenfurt as a renowned hub for technological education and innovation, with graduates making significant contributions to the local IT industry, enhancing its growth and dynamism.

 

From your perspective as an academic supervisor, what are the advantages of the Technology Scholarships programme for students? How is studying at the Faculty of Technical Sciences benefiting their academic and professional development?

As an academic supervisor, I find the Technology Scholarships programme to be extraordinarily advantageous for students. The financial support provided by the scholarship not only alleviates the need for distracting mini-jobs but also affords students the luxury of dedicating a significant amount of time and energy to their academic pursuits. This financial stability plays a crucial role in creating an environment conducive to learning, allowing students to immerse themselves fully in their studies.

Furthermore, the close mentoring and coaching component of the programme is invaluable. Through personalized guidance, students gain profound insights into their chosen field, fostering a deep understanding of technical subjects. This mentorship not only enhances academic knowledge but also contributes to the development of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication abilities.

The Faculty of Technical Sciences, known for its commitment to excellence, complements the scholarship programme by providing access to state-of-the-art resources, laboratories, and cutting-edge technologies. This hands-on experience, coupled with theoretical knowledge, ensures that students are well-prepared for the challenges they will face in their future careers.

The emphasis on close mentorship and coaching, coupled with the well-rounded education provided by the Faculty, results in graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also possess a diverse skill set. This holistic approach makes our graduates highly sought after by the local industry, as they bring not only technical expertise but also the ability to apply theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios.

In conclusion, the Technology Scholarships programme, with its multifaceted advantages, stands as a cornerstone in the academic and professional development of our students. From eliminating financial distractions to fostering a supportive learning community and providing cutting-edge resources, the programme plays a pivotal role in shaping well-rounded, highly skilled professionals ready to excel in their chosen fields.

 

Read the full interview with Manuel Ludwig Lexer

 

In what way do you think the local ICT industry benefits by supporting this scholarship programme?

The local ICT industry derives substantial benefits from supporting the scholarship programme in multiple dimensions. Firstly, by contributing to the programme, the industry actively invests in nurturing a pool of highly skilled professionals. These professionals, who have had the opportunity to concentrate on their studies due to the financial support provided by the scholarship, enter the workforce with a deep understanding of technical subjects and a commitment to excellence.

The close mentoring and coaching facilitated by the scholarship programme ensure that graduates not only possess theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that are directly applicable in an industry setting. The industry benefits from this by having access to a talent pool that is not only academically accomplished but also well-versed in real-world scenarios.

The Faculty of Technical Sciences, supported by the scholarship programme, plays a pivotal role in producing graduates who are not just specialists in their domains but also possess critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills. This holistic development makes scholarship holders like Mohamed versatile professionals, capable of adapting to the dynamic needs of the ICT industry.

Moreover, the positive feedback received from the local ICT industry regarding the graduates hired through the scholarship programme underscores the programme’s success. Employers consistently appreciate the high quality of education and the practical skills that scholarship holders bring to the workplace. This positive feedback creates a symbiotic relationship, fostering a continuous cycle of support from the industry and ensuring that the scholarship programme remains aligned with the industry’s evolving needs.

In summary, the local ICT industry benefits significantly from supporting the scholarship programme by gaining access to a skilled and well-rounded workforce. The industry’s investment contributes to the development of professionals who not only meet but exceed the expectations of employers, making a positive impact on the growth and innovation within the local ICT sector.