Shahlo Ruknitdinova and Faridmehr Eshonov both dreamed of careers in IT. Yet in spite of their strong computer skills, neither could see a clear path to the jobs they wanted. It wasn’t until they connected with a USAID-supported mentorship program for aspiring programmers that the promising young professionals charted their own courses for professional success.
USAID's Future Growth Initiative aims to develop the potential of young IT specialists in Tajikistan. In collaboration with partners Ilmhona, Alif Academy, IT Run, and Silk Road Professionals, USAID supports IT training to meet the needs of the domestic market. In March 2022, USAID launched a mentorship program in Tajikistan to enhance professional skills and employment opportunities for new specialists. Shahlo and Faridmehr were the first graduates of the program, which launched both into exciting new roles in the IT industry.
By the end of the program, which is still on, 60 of their peers will be equipped with the tools and skills to find new jobs in IT or grow in their existing roles.
Shahlo
Shahlo graduated from Khujand State University with a degree in Management and Computer Technology, and while she had some experience with IT project testing, she wanted to continue to build her skills after graduation. She learned about Alif Academy on social media.
“Since the beginning of my career, I have wanted to take advanced training courses in Quality Assurance,” Shahlo recalls. “I have already taken several online courses on international platforms, but the USAID-supported program with Alif Academy attracted me with its unique approach, systematic process, and mentoring support. I had heard good feedback about the training courses at Alif Academy. Therefore, I wanted to take full-time courses with face-to-face classes.”
She found that her professional mentors made even the most challenging material easy to digest. The training content included current industry trends and developments, and lessons featured real-life case studies and examples from mentors and guest speakers.
"The team spirit in completing tasks and a sense of humor helped me master the educational material successfully. The course exceeded all my expectations. I didn't even notice how five months of study flew by," she says.
After completing the training with Alif Academy, Shahlo took on her first professional assignment – testing the website of a U.S. medical clinic raising funds for cancer treatment. Her testing revealed a significant computer bug, which she communicated to the client. The experience helped her build confidence in her new skills. Today Shahlo is an active tester and has been involved in more than 200 projects. During courses she learned new skills and how to apply for IT jobs. But this job she find herself.
“Thanks to USAID initiative, my mentor and Alif Academy for the work and the individual approach to each student,” says Shahlo. She plans to continue educating herself, and building her professional skills to take on even more challenging assignments.
Faridmehr
Faridmehr studied at the Khujand Polytechnic Institute, but was forced to leave his studies before graduation due to health issues. One day, a friend in the computer science field recommended that Faridmehr consider studying IT to become a quality assurance engineer.
"I have good computer skills and the ability to learn quickly and analyze complex technical information,” says Faridmehr. “So, I decided to take the advice and started looking for suitable courses to study." Through social media, Faridmehr found an open call for IT training at Alif Academy and enrolled in a quality assurance training course.
“At first, I was not sure I could cope with my studies, but after a couple of lessons, I became more confident. The course mentor explained the course materials in a very accessible way and constantly supported me. I am fortunate to have been taught by such a good teacher,” he recalls. With his newfound confidence, Faridmehr could envision a future for himself in the IT industry.
His first assignment he received on the uTest Software Testing Platform, as it is important for him to work remotely. The first order was trial one and now Faridmehr continues to work on platforms for testers. He likes the profession he chose. He feel inspired that his work can make difference on the quality and functionality of client products.
"I am glad that I chose this profession,” he says. “I like to work as a tester. I want to further develop in quality assurance, become a professional in this industry, and study new information technologies.”
The USAID Future Growth Initiative partnered with local training institution Alif Academy and experienced industry mentors to launch an IT Mentorship program to support the development of IT professionals and pathways to employment. To date, 11 young people have completed the Quality Assurance course in Dushanbe. Of these, three have found jobs on the testing platform uTest, one has received an offer from an American software company, and three have been interviewed by local IT companies in need of their skills.
