Yulia Sabirova

The second-year Master’s student of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University is 23 years old. In the spring of 2021, Yulia Sabirova was among the 17 winners of the scholarship competition of the Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation. She told us in this interview about how she decided to study mathematics and won a scholarship of a Kazakh academician, and why yoga occupies such an important place in her life.

What is the reason for your choice of specialty?
You won’t believe it, but since childhood I have liked mathematics and technical disciplines in general. When the moment of choice came, I realized that I wanted to study where I could combine my interest in mathematics with programming. This opportunity was promised by the specialty “mathematical and computer modeling”. Experts in this field describe the processes around us and develop practical recommendations. For six years of study, I have never regretted the choice.

Where do such specialists usually find a use for their education?
Since the range of our knowledge is wide, graduates work in the banking sector and IT companies (analysts, specialists, project managers, database engineers, etc.). And those who prefer web development become frontend developers, software developers, 1C programmers or create startups and devote themselves to 3D modeling. There are also postgraduates, PhD students and those who go to teach.

Why did you decide to apply for the Yessenov Scholarship?
I learned about the competition from a colleague and decided to take a chance. I didn’t expect much when applied, so I was doubly glad that I made it to the final, and then I won. Once again, I was convinced how important it is to try and use all the opportunities that arise. Even a negative result is a result and a tremendous experience.

Yulia, how did the competition go for you?
I enjoyed writing a motivation essay. There I shared my thoughts about science and what I can do for its development. It helped to structure my chaotic thoughts and analyze what I have already done. In the final interview, I was asked a variety of questions. Too bad it was online. I really wanted to get to know and make friends with other applicants, the best students of the country. But the interviewers created comfortable and friendly atmosphere during our communication.

Why did you win and what are your life hacks?
The competition was aimed at students engaged in scientific research, and I was just conducting them as part of a group of the department of our university. Regarding recommendations to future participants, here they are: be sincere, open and don’t worry! When you are asked about your achievements in an interview, do not hesitate to share them, tell everything in detail.

What do you strive for the next year or two?
Since the beginning of the pandemic, long-term plans have become irrelevant, so I will answer with a reservation “when circumstances allow”. This year I will complete my master’s degree and would like to enroll in PhD, combining it with teaching at the university. I will also continue to work as a part of a research group in the university.

How do you like to spend time after study?
Any mental work must be balanced by physical activities. I chose yoga, I try to devote 30-60 minutes for every day practice. Yoga can rightfully be considered a body science, it is an ideal way to make your body fit, strong, flexible and stress-resistant. I also like hiking in the mountains, ice skating and swimming. It gives me strength to move on, relaxes as does communication with my family. I want to express my gratitude to the family. It is extremely important for every person to have a reliable rear, support and motivation, and in this regard I am lucky: I owe all my achievements to my family and parents, only thanks to their love it became possible.