Could you please describe us briefly the cooperation existing between THALES and UFAZ? What are the benefits of this cooperation for both sides?

Our cooperation started in May 2018, when we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the French-Azerbaijani University, Thales and Baku Metropolitan, and, in September, 2018, opened a special teaching module dedicated to the Automation and Computer Technologies in Transport.

This mutually beneficial cooperation between UFAZ and THALES will broaden the educational program of the university and foster new and promising specialties. For Thales, this collaboration contributes to the brand awareness and new promising technologies that the company can introduce in Azerbaijan.

Why did you choose teaching at UFAZ?

First of all, UFAZ is a university that meets high academic standards and provides quality education. UFAZ strives to be the leader in its own field and involve the most experienced and knowledgeable professors from both France and Azerbaijan. At the same time, only talented, ambitious and hard-working students get an opportunity to study here. In this regard, we, THALES, see UFAZ as a successful partner and hope for the high achievements in our joint productive activities. 

When selecting students to attend in your lesson on which criteria you relied?

Initiative and ambition are the most fundamental factors for the successful achievement of goals. Hence these criteria prevailed in my choice of students.

There can always be shortcomings, including lack of certain knowledge, skills, maybe even abilities in the area of study. However, without desire and purposefulness, the student cannot head to great achievements.

What differences did you encounter while teaching at UFAZ? Your general impressions on UFAZ's education system and UFAZ students?

The specific student admission process at UFAZ yields fruitful results. From my personal experience of teaching in various universities of Ukraine, and now at UFAZ, I can say that here, at UFAZ, students have a high level of motivation and are genuinely interested in acquiring skills that are important for both future career and personal life.

I would also like to note that UFAZ students do not just have basic knowledge necessary for their studies, but they have also developed cultural intelligence, they know how to communicate effectively, ask questions, and share their point of view. In short, hard skills and soft skills are balanced and are at a decent level.

What are the prospects of cooperation between UFAZ and THALES?

We look forward to the development of this partnership. The directions may be different and various as we can follow UFAZ students in the learning process and possibly provide internship opportunities in various THALES projects. Everything needs time and effort. We are optimistic about the future of THALES in Azerbaijan and will accordingly develop our cooperation with UFAZ.

With global presence in 56 countries and the world-class technology, Thales is a global leader when it comes to safety and reliability systems, modern computer systems in transport etc. In Azerbaijan, Thales is supplying signalling and telecom solutions for Baku Metro, as well as solutions for air traffic management and space. 

Interview realized by UFAZ PR department in Baku on 16 November 2018.