Education, work and professional development can be successfully combined. Anton Podobnyi, Lead Power Engineer at Zaporizhstal and a student at Metinvest Polytechnic, is living proof that this is possible. This year, he is completing his studies at the university while continuing to build his professional career.
Neither the war nor the forced displacement from occupied Mariupol prevented him from pursuing his ambitions. After moving to Zaporizhzhia, Anton remained committed to both his education and his professional growth in the steel sector.
According to the young professional, one of the greatest advantages of studying at Metinvest Polytechnic was the practical focus of the educational process.
“We had extremely engaging practical training sessions led by some of the industry's leading experts. We analysed a large number of real-life case studies and production scenarios. That proved to be one of the most valuable aspects of the programme,” says Anton PODOBNYI.
Persistence and a strong desire for professional growth quickly began to yield results. While still studying, Anton was invited to work as a laboratory assistant at the university.
“My lecturers were impressed by my academic performance and my proficiency with specialised software, so they invited me to join the university team. That allowed me to study and work at the same time,” he recalls.
Today, Anton works at one of the country’s largest steelmaking enterprises, Zaporizhstal. His professional qualities are highly valued by both his colleagues and the management team. According to Daniil TYMOSHENKO, Acting Chief Power Engineer of Zaporizhstal’s Coke Production Division and a graduate of Metinvest Polytechnic, the university equips specialists with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the real-world challenges of modern industrial production.
“At Metinvest Polytechnic, students gain not only theoretical knowledge but also learn how to solve real-world business challenges. This is precisely why companies gain job-ready professionals who can contribute from day one and help drive the development of the metallurgy of the future,” he notes.
The manager remembers Anton well from his student days and is convinced that it was the combination of academic education and hands-on industrial experience that laid the foundation for his professional growth.
“Metinvest Polytechnic provided an opportunity to develop not only professional competencies but also leadership skills. We recognised Anton’s potential and invited him to join our team, and today he is delivering outstanding results,” says Daniil TYMOSHENKO.
Anton himself is convinced that the synergy between education and work opens up broad career prospects. Especially at a time when Ukraine will require thousands of highly qualified engineers to rebuild its industrial sector.
“The steel industry will play a vital role in rebuilding the country. Therefore, to those who are now choosing their future profession, I would advise not to be afraid, to identify their true vocation, and to pursue their goals with confidence. All it takes is a willingness to grow and the readiness to take action,” he emphasises.
The young energy engineer has many new professional challenges and ambitious plans ahead of him. He is keen to deepen his expertise in the energy sector, advance modern production processes, and contribute to the implementation of green steelmaking principles.
However, Anton’s greatest dream remains unchanged: to return to his hometown of Mariupol once it has been liberated and to play a part in restoring the city’s industrial potential.
“I would like to be part of the large-scale effort to rebuild Mariupol and relaunch the enterprises that operated there before the war,” he says.
Anton Podobnyi’s story is yet another example of how quality education, perseverance, and employer support can help young professionals realise their full potential. Metinvest Polytechnic is now welcoming exactly such students, as its admissions campaign remains underway for the next generation of engineers, process engineers, energy specialists, and business leaders.
The University offers 17 bachelor's degree programmes, 17 master's degree programmes, and five PhD programmes. Students gain hands-on industrial experience, opportunities for international placements, scholarships, and the prospect of employment at Metinvest’s enterprises. A simplified admissions procedure based on an interview is available for veterans and certain categories of internally displaced persons.
