Every year more and more girls make a choice in favor of engineering and management professions and choose the Belarusian National Technical University for higher education. Why should modern applicants take a closer look at engineering professions and how to combine science, the stage and coursework? We talked about everything in an interview with Yana Smagina, a 2nd-year student at the Faculty of Management Technology and Humanitarianism.
In just two years, Yana has managed to achieve results. The girl has excellent academic performance and an active life at the university. She is also the chairman of the primary trade union organization of FTUG students. One of the results of Yana's active work was her victory in the BNTU Student of the Year – 2025 competition.
– I chose FTUG because it contains different areas that provide comprehensive knowledge. Personally, I really like my specialty "management". We have a lot of practice: public speaking, negotiations, analysis of the correctness of actions and constant teamwork," said Yana.
The girl admits that at first exact sciences scared her, but now they have become the best simulator for the brain.
– Disciplines in the exact sciences require more time and utmost concentration. Yes, they are more difficult, but I like to understand them and look for logical connections. Humanities subjects are easier, but I am more interested in studying technical subjects – there is more thinking and analysis.
– Studying is a marathon. When you are exhausted, how do you find motivation?
– I am motivated by the final goal. At such moments, I say to myself: “This is just another task that I can solve.” I see every difficult test or exam as a training for endurance and stress resistance. These qualities will definitely come in handy in life, so I just keep going.
A girl can fit a million things into one day: checking the lists of a scientific conference, rehearsing a dance, and fulfilling the duties of the chairman of the PTUG students' association. It's impossible to keep up with all of this without special skills.
– My main quality is multitasking. It's important for me to manage everything: participate in scientific activities, perform at the "Spring of BNTU," and write my coursework on time. The ability to switch between different tasks is essential here.
When asked, "If you could have breakfast with any guru in economics or engineering, who would it be and what would you ask?" the girl named Steve Jobs and Spanish tycoon Amancio Ortega.
"I'm drawn to two examples: Steve Jobs and Amancio Ortega. Jobs as a symbol of how to combine technology and beauty. Ortega as a logistics genius in fashion. I would ask them both: "How can you lay the foundation for a huge company at the very start, when you only have an idea and a small production, without losing quality in the details?"
– What would you tell a schoolgirl who is considering an engineering university but is wary of stereotypes?
– I would advise against dividing professions into "masculine" and "feminine" and not to be afraid of anything. You should choose what your heart truly lies to and where you see a prospect for growth. The fear will pass, but valuable knowledge will remain with you forever.
Yana Smagina is a shining example of how a modern Belarusian girl once again breaks stereotypes. We thank Yana for her useful advice and wish her success in the future.
