07.05.2021
The trainings turn young experts into promising professionals in the field of business and administration, say Assoc. Prof. Dr. Antonia Tashcheva and Senior Lecturer Dr. Georgi Tsochev from the Technical University of Sofia. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Antonia Tashcheva is the coordinator of the Huawei ICT Academy at TU-Sofia and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Computer Systems and Technologies, in charge of master's programs. Senior Lecturer Dr. Georgi Tsochev is a certified instructor at the academy
- Tell us about the Huawei ICT Academy program – when did it start, what are its goals and scope?
AT: Our active cooperation with Huawei Technologies Bulgaria for the creation of the first Bulgarian Huawei ICT Academy began last April. Through joint efforts, we managed to establish it in early June with the idea of starting the courses during the 2020/2021 academic year. Unfortunately, the pandemic did not allow our plans to unfold on a full scale.
- Huawei is a global leader in the supply of ICT infrastructure equipment. How has the program contributed to introducing new technologies into the education offered by the Technical University?
GT: As one of the largest manufacturers of networking equipment, Huawei introduced a new model of computer networking training. Simulators are no longer the only tools used; some of the most modern devices are also employed. With their help, students acquire new knowledge and expand their practical skills, which was definitely lacking in previous curricula.
- In which field are the study programs implemented at the university with the assistance of Huawei?
GT: The courses on "Network Information Security" in the master's program "Computer Systems and Technologies" and the bachelor's program "Information Technologies in Industry" were updated. Practical sessions with specialized Huawei equipment installed in the "Cybersecurity and Prevention Laboratory" have been included, as the topic is of exceptional importance in our times – the accessibility of the internet, the increasing connectivity of devices, and their penetration into every sphere of our daily life raise the question of how much we and our data are actually protected. A priority is the training of personnel who do not consider security a given, but who take care of its establishment and maintenance.
- What are the career opportunities for students who have completed the specialized program of the academy? In which fields can they develop?
AT: Graduating from the specialized program of the academy provides students with practical knowledge and skills that are highly valued by employers. The program would be useful not only for network specialists but also for all IT professionals wishing to expand their knowledge of building and maintaining information security solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. The demand for specialists in the field of network administration, information protection, firewall configuration, and network security in general is huge. Specialists with such knowledge are currently sought after by all major companies with offers, and salaries exceed 4000 BGN.
- What is the future of Huawei ICT Academy? Will there be more classes, more opportunities for partnership with business?
AT: Our plans include expanding the volume of trainees and certifying more instructors in additional topics. We hope to return to live classrooms in the fall, so that students can make the most of the provided equipment. The partnership between the university and business has always been one of the main factors for maintaining up-to-date programs, so as to ensure prepared personnel for the needs of business, and this will continue to develop. We have an idea for collaboration within the Center of Excellence we are building.
Spase Iliev, 4th-year student at the Technical University, major "Information Technologies in Industry", participant in Huawei ICT Academy
- Why did you choose the Huawei ICT Academy curriculum and what new knowledge and skills did you gain?
- I have interests in the field of network administration and information security, and participation in this program will enrich my experience in this area. I look forward to the laboratory exercises with real equipment to apply theory in practice.
- How is the program different from others and does it have practical benefits for your professional development?
- The program provides extensive theoretical training as well as practical work. So far, we have conducted only online classes, but despite this, we were able to work with simulators and prepare scripts for configuring network devices to test what we learned. I am sure that I will be able to apply what I have learned first by improving the security of my home network, and after completing the course, the certificate will give me a competitive advantage in the job market.
- Can the partnership of universities with companies like Huawei and the opportunity to start working in this company keep you in Bulgaria?
- I myself live in the Republic of North Macedonia and consider the acquired knowledge and skills to be extremely necessary for both Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia. I think that in Bulgaria, by choosing the IT sector, we have excellent opportunities for implementation, and thanks to additional qualifications, this will contribute to even better remuneration.
- The security of new technologies is a question related to their future. What are the main challenges?
- I see more and more people buying and using smart devices in their homes, controlling heating, lighting, and even window blinds from their phones. On the one hand, this is useful and convenient, but on the other hand, a potential breach in network security can lead to many unpleasant consequences. It is important to have experts who create and develop these networks without forgetting about their security.
- Can Bulgaria become a European center for ICT development, and how do you see the role of partnership with large companies like Huawei?
- As far as I know, Bulgaria is a good environment for ICT development, which is also the reason why many international companies have offices here. I think that such partnerships with universities develop the environment. There is a huge field for work in the field of network integration and information security.
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Manager.bg, 07.05.2021
