From student sprint to professional marathon – the career route of the victorious CASE-IN Dmitry Slizhuk

In modern energy, engineering knowledge is directly related to practical training. It is not enough to just understand the theory here: it is important to be able to find solutions, not be afraid of difficult tasks and constantly develop.

It was this approach to the profession that the graduate formed. areas of "Thermal power engineering and heat engineering", profile "Industrial thermal power engineering" Dmitry Slizhuk. During his studies at KuzSTU, he managed to try himself in scientific and design activities, take part in engineering competitions and championships, and apply the acquired knowledge in his work.

Since childhood, Dmitry has gravitated towards engineering. At school, he liked several subjects at once, but most of all – mathematics and physics. When the question arose about choosing a specialty, the guy followed the example of his older acquaintance– a graduate of KuzSTU. Dmitry learned from him that the field of thermal power engineering is closely related to implementation of major projects and it opens up great opportunities for professional growth.

After enrolling at Kuzbass Polytechnic, Dmitry Slizhuk took up scientific activity. Already in his first year, he became the winner of a regional conference and the finalist of the grant competition of the director of the Institute. He also repeatedly spoke at the All-Russian scientific and practical conference "Young Russia" and won prizes.

In addition, the graduate annually participated in the International Engineering CASE-IN Championship, which is held with the support of the Presidential Platform "Russia – the land of Opportunities."  Dmitry admits that he could not immediately pass the qualifying stage. He was a member of the Men's Energy team together with Maxim Pazderin and Evgeny Kunov, but he continued to try again and again.

Then Ivan Nefedov joined the students., the guys changed the name of the team to "Thermoids" and reached the semifinals of the Autumn Cup of the Student League, and the following year we performed in Moscow in the final of the XIII season of the championship.

"Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the final defense due to military training camps, but this did not prevent the team from taking third place and becoming the winner in the Breakthrough Solution and Best Video Game nominations," he said. Dmitry Slizhuk.

In the fall of 2025, as part of the Autobots team Dmitry made it to the finals again and took the fourth place in the industry-wide area. The experience of participating in the International Engineering CASE-IN Championship taught the graduate to be more tolerant and not give up when something doesn't work out the first time: "I used to want everything at once, but now I've learned how to do it consistently. In relation to life, I realized that "I don't know this" is not a verdict."

At the same time, Dmitry participated in the acceleration program "Laboratory of Energy", the team became She became a bronze medalist and received a grant of 350,000 rubles for the implementation of the project., related to alternative methods of thermal insulation and walling of boiler units.

Today Dmitry is a junior specialist in the field of design of heating and ventilation systems. He has been working for the company for about a year now. OOO "Energoresurs". His professional responsibilities include working with drawings and 3D models, selecting equipment and compiling documentation.

The graduate said that his job gave him the idea to continue his master's degree: "In my bachelor's degree, I was chasing wins: CASE-IN, conferences, grants. It was a sprint. And when I started working, I realized that I needed a marathon. I decided to continue my studies at KuzSTU because they already know me here, they believe in my ideas, and I don't have to waste time adapting to the new rules, but immediately delve into what my work really needs. In addition, the energy industry is changing rapidly – new technologies are emerging. The Master's degree is my way of remaining a modern specialist."

Dmitry Slizhuk advises applicants not to be afraid and choose a direction that is really interesting.

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