On 3 April, Metinvest Polytechnic marked an important milestone – one year since its first cohort of graduates. But this was more than just a celebration – it was the beginning of a new tradition. The first-ever "I Dream PRO" forum brought together students and graduates of the university, becoming an important platform for exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, and creating new career opportunities.
The event was initiated by the students and graduates themselves, and Oleksandr POVAZHNYI, President of Metinvest Polytechnic, emphasised its significance, affirming the university’s support for such initiatives:
"The climate within a university is of great importance. At Metinvest Polytechnic, we are doing everything possible to ensure that our graduates are not only successful and proactive, but also remain patriots – of their country, their facilities, their alma mater, and the company where they are building their careers. The idea for the forum came from our students and graduates, and I’m personally ready to support such initiatives. After all, it’s the students and graduates who shape the identity of a university. I wish for each of us to keep dreaming – and to make those dreams come true."
The university event received support from Tetiana PETRUK, Chief Sustainability Officer of Metinvest Group:
"Time flies, and it’s already been a year since the first graduation. That event holds a special place for me – it was the first one we organised together at Metinvest. If you ask me what I dream of, I dream of victory. I dream that Metinvest Polytechnic continues to graduate more and more bachelor’s and master’s students every year. I dream that our enterprises never face staffing shortages, that Metinvest thrives, and that every graduate finds their place at our company’s facilities."
Her words reaffirmed that education does not stop at graduation. It continues through professional challenges, personal growth, and a drive to change the world around us. Metinvest Polytechnic’s graduates are already shaping the future – of both the industry and the country.
Students and graduates shaping the future together
The forum became a platform for inspiration and dialogue, where education transforms into successful careers. Students presented their innovative projects that can be integrated into real-world production processes. Student Daniil Tymoshchenko spoke about his research in the field of decarbonisation, which could change approaches to sustainable industrial development. Svitlana Vysotska presented her research in mining.
Graduates shared their professional cases that are already being implemented by the company. Kostiantyn Verbato, a computer science graduate, spoke about the creation of a "digital layer," while Oleksandr Smyrnov presented a technology for generating business cards in 10 seconds that has already become popular among Metinvest employees. Graduates also shared their experience in handling production challenges in mining, automation, steelmaking, electric power, and health and safety fields.
Metinvest Polytechnic: a supportive community
One of the key messages of the event was that Ukraine’s first private mining and metallurgical university is about more than just education – it’s about support. The Graduates' Association, established together with the first cohort of graduates, is now active and ready to mentor students who are just beginning their careers.
"This is just the beginning. We see how important it is to maintain ties between students, graduates, and the industry. Such interaction creates new opportunities – it helps young professionals launch their careers with confidence and enables those already established in their professions to connect with like-minded people and find inspiration for new achievements," stressed Denys KONONIUK, forum organiser and chair of the Graduates' Association.
Turning the forum into a tradition
The "I Dream PRO…" forum once again demonstrated that Metinvest Polytechnic is not just a place to gain knowledge – it’s a launchpad for building a successful career. It is a space where experience meets ambition, and where support and partnership drive growth.
It is important that this initiative will continue. It is planned that the forum will become an annual tradition, reinforcing ties between generations. After all, the future of both the industry and the country depends not only on technology, but also on people who are ready to create, innovate, and support each other.
