Alexander – My story

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When I was studying at the faculty of information systems and technologies, it was relatively common to start working part-time already during the 3rd year of studies. On the one hand it was seen as an opportunity to get some practice (and money) from real industry. On the other hand it also required responsibility since students were still expected to complete their course assignments on time to be able to continue studies. Quite many students were expelled from the university due to poor performance at their courses, especially during the first two years. If someone was still not working (in one way or another) during his fifth or sixth year, it was considered to be strange. Many could start questioning that person's competence, qualification and responsibility. It was considered normal and even right to start getting work experience long before finishing the edication.

My official work (not internship) started in January 2003 (during my second year) when my secondary school teacher in informatics suggested me to come and take routine care of 14 computers in her classroom. Officially the position was called "computer repair engineer" and supposed to be half-time. My main responsibilities were indeed preventive diagnostics and repair work, sometimes also development of multimedia applications. But the actual amount of work was quite small (even symbolic), which was matched by the salary level (also symbolic). Budget of municipal educational institutions has always been "anorexic". But it was not affecting my studies at all, which for me was the most important and positive aspect. I continued working there until September 2007.

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