Growing up in the West Kazakhstan Region, I witnessed how the thoughtful use of natural resources could uplift entire communities. I also noticed a shortage of local professionals with the expertise needed to make this a reality. This realization inspired me to address the skills gap in my community. After high school, I decided to pursue Geosciences.

NU SMG stood out as the ideal choice for many reasons. It offered diverse coursework, modern facilities, experienced faculty, a research-focused approach, and a strong sense of community. The Geology program covered many core subdisciplines, including petrology, mineralogy, and stratigraphy. It also included interdisciplinary fields like paleontology, geostatistics, and GIS. This variety was important to me as I did not want to narrowly specialize too early.

Also, the low student-to-faculty ratio ensured personalized attention. Fieldwork combined with classroom learning gave me hands-on experience, which is essential for geologists. Students were encouraged to join research projects outside the curriculum, and collaboration projects with leading companies in Kazakhstan and abroad including big oil and mining companies.

My time at SMG enriched me both academically and personally. Contributing to an undergraduate research project helped me sharpen my technical expertise and problem-solving abilities. I also developed a professional network in academia and industry, and honed my soft skills like teamwork and critical thinking.

I encourage anyone interested in this field to consider SMG, as it provides excellent preparation in both academic and practical aspects.

Choosing Nazarbayev University (NU) and the School of Mining and Geosciences (SMG) was a rewarding decision, thanks to their exceptional academic reputation and dedication to preparing students for the challenges of today’s job market.

The faculty at SMG are truly outstanding. Their passion for teaching and research motivated me to push myself academically. I had the chance to engage in hands-on laboratory work, advanced software training, and field experiences that deepened my understanding of geology.

Beyond academics, campus life was dynamic and full of opportunities. Being part of student organizations and attending various events helped me forge lasting friendships and develop as an individual.

NU provided me with technical and key soft skills, such as critical thinking and teamwork, which have been essential in my current role. The education I received laid a strong foundation for my career, giving me the confidence to tackle complex problems.

For future students, my advice is straightforward: take full advantage of every opportunity NU offers. This experience will transform you in ways you can’t yet imagine. My time at NU was truly life-changing, providing me with knowledge, resilience, and memories that will last a lifetime.