The winner of the International Olympiad “Open Doors: Russian Scholarship project” Ahmed Anas told about his studies at Polytechnic University

Anas Ahmed, a master’s degree student from Pakistan, is studying at Polytechnic University’s Institute of Civil Engineering at the international Civil Engineering program. He won the International Olympiad «Open Doors: Russian Scholarship project» and chose Polytechnic University to continue his educational path in Russia because of its reputation in engineering and technology.

— Tell us about the Olympiad, how did you find out about it and why did you choose Polytechnic University?

I found out about the Open Doors: Russian Scholarship project when I was looking for scholarships to pursue a Master’s degree after graduation. I was interested in this opportunity and applied on the Olympiad website.

— You had the opportunity to choose from several universities, why Polytechnic University?

— I chose Polytechnic University as my top priority first of all because it is one of the leading technical universities in Russia offering a Master’s degree program in Civil Engineering in English.

— Do you remember the first time you visited Polytechnic University? What impressions did you have?

— My first impressions of Polytechnic University were extremely positive. Bright campus, beautiful park, full of students from different countries, modern and historical buildings, equipped laboratories. All this inspired me to study, creating an exciting academic atmosphere. The lecturers at Polytechnic University are highly qualified and approachable. Their dedication and commitment in supporting students is evident: they encourage critical thinking and often share real-life examples from their professional practice, enriching our discussions. Their passion for teaching is evident and inspires students to actively engage in the learning process.

— Why did you choose to major in Civil Engineering?

— Civil Engineering appeals to me because it combines creativity with practical problem solving to improve infrastructure. I chose this field to contribute to sustainable development and urban planning, which are becoming increasingly relevant in today’s world. My passion for building and designing solutions that benefit society drives my interest in this discipline. I am particularly passionate about project management and building information modeling (BIM). I am interested in learning how to effectively manage construction projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and on budget. Working with BIM deepens my understanding of project coordination and visualization to help solve real-world problems in the construction industry. I find it incredibly rewarding to apply these concepts to create efficient and sustainable buildings.

— How do you spend your free time away from your studies?

— I enjoy visiting beautiful parks and palaces that reflect the rich history of the city. One of my favorite places in St. Petersburg is the picturesque Nevsky Avenue, filled with stores, cafes and historical landmarks. Its vibrant atmosphere makes it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the culture of the city. We recently went on a tour of the Staraya Derevnya restoration and conservation center of the State Hermitage Museum, which was organized by our university. Each work of art tells its own story, and the masters of the center are truly the keepers of these narratives. The staff’s unwavering dedication to restoring and maintaining these priceless objects is inspiring.

— What do you plan to do after completing your Master’s degree?

— I plan to work in the civil engineering sector, focusing on sustainable development projects. I would also like to continue researching and possibly teaching to share knowledge with future engineers.