Fresh out of KTU. Azad’s story of navigating the skies and education

It is no secret – students who are actively involved in a variety of activities during their studies are successful. One of them is a recent Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) alumnus Azad Ismayilov from Azerbaijan. Over the past six years, he not only contributed to the name of KTU with his research and studies but also enhanced the university’s reputation through his activities and volunteering. Now, Azad has a successful career in Lithuania and a few more dreams on his mind – one being PhD studies.

Coming from Azerbaijan, a country known for its warm people, rich cuisine and culture, Azad has found a new home in a green and cosy Lithuania. The purpose of this relocation was his desire to learn, which Azad found easily achievable at KTU. Here he completed his bachelor’s in Aviation Engineering and master’s in Industrial Engineering and Management

Scholarship enhanced motivation

Azad’s journey to KTU began with a dream of studying in Europe. He was drawn to KTU’s wide range of study programmes and found Aviation Engineering particularly appealing, as aviation has fascinated him since childhood. “I was so glad to discover that KTU offered this programme in English,” he recalls.

Winning a Lithuanian State scholarship further increased his motivation to continue learning and sealed his decision to pursue a master’s degree.

“The scholarship made it obvious that KTU and master’s studies in Lithuania were the right choices for me,” says a fresh-out-of-KTU graduate.

“I believe that all the volunteering and extracurricular activities helped me win the scholarship,” says Azad, thus confirming the well-known truth that university years are not only about studying.

Azad’s decision to choose Industrial Engineering and Management as a master’s programme was driven by his desire to enhance both his engineering and managerial skills. “Engineers with management skills are in high demand due to new industry standards,” he explains. For Azad, it was important not only to know the technical aspects but also to learn how to effectively manage processes and people.

Azad emphasises the fact that the University contributed a lot to his broad experience: “A warm and helpful KTU community made my transition smooth. I felt welcomed and everybody was ready to help me”.

Despite living in Lithuania for six years, a young specialist still remembers how cosy and calm this country made him feel in the very beginning. “I am glad that I still feel same way here as I felt 6 years ago. I enjoy living here” says the young professional.

Over the years, Azad has witnessed significant improvements at KTU, from enhanced university premises and labs to a better quality of education. “KTU is not the same as it was six years ago, it has evolved, and I’m happy to see these positive changes,” he adds. The vibrant international community and the inclusive atmosphere at KTU have also been highlights of his experience.

Currently, Azad is working as a Continuing Airworthiness Engineer at FL Technics, an international aviation company in Lithuania. His role involves creating Aircraft Maintenance Programmes and ensuring aircraft reliability. “It is a crucial aspect of aviation operations, so it is nice to feel valued and respected in my company,” he notes.

Azad’s passion for research remains strong, and he plans to continue his research activities in industrial maintenance. His long-term goal is to become a researcher and obtain a PhD, potentially at KTU. “I am also thinking about being a lecturer and sharing my knowledge about aviation, aircraft, and industrial maintenance with future generations,” he says, emphasising his passion to both professional and academic activities.

24 Jul 2024