Successful careers, innovative developments for production and international experience – all of this unites the members of Metinvest Polytechnic’s Alumni Association. The annual community meeting became an opportunity to share achievements, inspire young people and strengthen the connection between the university, business and those already taking steps in the industrial sector.
The first private mining and metallurgical university in Ukraine hosted the annual general meeting of the Alumni Association – a community that maintains ties between the university, business and those already building careers in the industrial sector.
Alongside graduates and students of Ukraine’s first private mining and metallurgical university, the event was joined by the university’s rector, Oleksandr Povazhnyi, and Chief Sustainability Officer of Metinvest Group, Tetiana Petruk.
“The success of the university is the success of our students and graduates. Each of you has great potential, energy and initiative – and that is extremely valuable. You are leaders, and we have already implemented many of your ideas: scientific conferences on green metallurgy and artificial intelligence, the student forum “I Dream PRO...”, meetings in the “Coffee with the Rector” format, and more. I am ready to support your new initiatives and develop the tradition of ambassadorship together with you. After all, you are the best examples of how personal success can inspire young people to choose an engineering education,” said rector Oleksandr POVAZHNYI.
The alumni association was established at the initiative of members of the first graduating class. Its aim is to maintain a constant link between the university, business, alumni and students – to share experience, inspire, and involve graduates in providing expertise for educational, scientific and social projects. Any graduate can join the Association, and initiative and the desire to become an ambassador for the university are warmly welcomed.
Today, Metinvest Polytechnic has already graduated more than 265 master’s students, most of whom work at Metinvest Group enterprises – Metinvest Sichsteel, Zaporizhstal, Kamet-Steel and iron ores in Kryvyi Rih.
“Metinvest Polytechnic is not just an educational institution – it is an integral part of Metinvest Group. One of the main tasks today is the recovery and rebuilding of Ukraine – and that begins with the development of industry. The university trains highly skilled engineers for that purpose. Its role is important not only for the company but for the whole country. We are already working with the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry for Veterans Affairs and the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine to create an effective win-win model that benefits both the state and business,” emphasised Tetiana PETRUK.
During the meeting, the graduates presented their own ideas and projects, shared stories of professional growth and personal achievements.
Daniil Tymoshenko, twice a recipient of Metinvest Group CEO’s scholarship, presented a digital twin project – a simulator that allows production processes to be practised in a digital format. The design will help new employees adapt more quickly to real production conditions. The idea had been born after an internship in Italy and Austria at Danieli Academy, and the graduate adapted the experience gained to Ukrainian realities.
Among the university’s graduates there are already two "Gold Stars of Metinvest" – Denys Kononiuk and Kostiantyn Burlachenko, employees of Metinvest-Sichsteel.
"It is becoming a fine tradition and truly an honourable recognition of professional achievements. A large part of this award is the knowledge we gained at Metinvest Polytechnic. The Association operates on the principles of voluntarism, leadership and mutual support – and that is what unites us,” said Denys KONONIUK, head of the Alumni Association.
A separate item on the programme was the presentation of the results of a study conducted by the Association. Graduates gave high marks to the quality of education, noted the strong connection with the university and expressed pride in being a part of Metinvest Group. For most, the knowledge and experience gained during their studies became the foundation of professional success.
The survey results were not only a welcome confirmation of the effectiveness of the training, but also a guide for the community’s future work. That is why one of the key areas of the Association’s work is monitoring graduates’ career trajectories.
“Since the university has already had two master’s graduations and this year we expect the first cohort of bachelor’s graduates, the Metinvest Group aims to track results, monitor rankings and the educational fields in which graduates have earned their degrees. This is needed to ensure that, when building career paths, our graduates are given priority. We will work systematically on this issue to ensure the effort has a logical continuation,” stressed Tetiana.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Association’s new logo – a symbol of unity, shared values and progress. The anniversary of the Alumni Association turned into a warm, heartfelt gathering of friends and colleagues who know: the university stays with you forever – in memories, in your profession, in the desire to make the world a better place. Summing up the meeting, Rector Oleksandr Povazhnyi stressed:
“The strength of the university lies in its community. Metinvest Polytechnic nurtures leaders – and it is they who shape the future of our industry, technology and the country as a whole. A true leader is not only a professional in their field, but also someone who can inspire others and drive change."
