Pakistani INRTU Graduate Starts a Successful Career in Siberia's Power Industry
Pakistani student Ilyas Muhammad, a graduate of the Baikal School of BRICS at INRTU, earned his Master's degree in Electrical Power Engineering with honors and quickly launched his career. He now works as a Process Engineer at JSC Irkutskkabel, one of Eastern Siberia's leading cable manufacturers.
Ilyas Muhammad was born and raised in Mardan, Pakistan. Before coming to Russia, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from CECOS University of IT and Emerging Sciences in Peshawar. He chose to continue his education in Russia to gain quality engineering training and international experience.
He arrived in Irkutsk in late 2022, studied Russian at INRTU's Preparatory Course, and then enrolled in the Master's program in Electrical Engineering and Power Engineering. He chose the Baikal School of BRICS for its English-speaking environment, which allowed him to focus on his studies while improving his Russian and adapting to life in a new country. According to Ilyas, he chose power engineering because of its importance to economic and technological development.
In the summer of 2025, he defended his Master's thesis on integrating renewable energy sources into power distribution networks. After graduation, he joined JSC Irkutskkabel. He says the knowledge and practical skills he gained at INRTU helped him start his career with confidence.
“I work as a Process Engineer. My responsibilities include engineering calculations, preparing technical documentation, monitoring production standards, and helping resolve issues during cable manufacturing. Although it took some time to adapt to the new environment, the support of my managers and colleagues made the process much easier. Today, I feel like a valued member of the team,”
Ilyas said.
Looking ahead, he plans to continue developing his professional skills and contribute to the company's growth. In 2026, he received a permanent residence permit in the Irkutsk Region.
“This allows me to live and work in the region long-term, continue growing professionally, and plan my future with confidence,”
Ilyas said.
Vladislav Shakirov, Head of the Department of Power Supply and Electrical Engineering and one of Ilyas's mentors, congratulated the graduate on his achievements. He noted that obtaining a residence permit reflects Ilyas's successful integration into Russian society and professional life.
“An international graduate who completes a degree in Russia and builds a career in their field demonstrates the real opportunities available to foreign specialists in the country. I congratulate Ilyas and wish him continued success”,
he said.
The management of JSC Irkutskkabel also highly values the graduate's skills. According to Deputy Director for Human Resources Sergey Isaev, Ilyas's success highlights the quality of education at INRTU and shows how strong academic training, combined with determination, helps graduates build successful careers.
“Ilyas's achievements confirm the high standard of education at INRTU and the benefits of cooperation between universities and industry”,
he said.
Ilyas is grateful to INRTU and its faculty, especially his thesis supervisors, Associate Professors Denis Fedosov and Dmitriy Karamov, and Associate Professor Vladislav Shakirov, whose support helped him grow as an engineer.
He recommends INRTU to international students interested in engineering, noting the university's strong academic training and supportive learning environment.
“I will always remember the friendly atmosphere at the university, the beauty of the Baikal region, trips to Lake Baikal and the Taltsy Museum, and the opportunity to experience Russian traditions. What impressed me most was the kindness and support of the people around me. Although I was initially concerned about the language barrier and Siberia's harsh winters, I quickly adapted thanks to the support of my professors, classmates, and colleagues. Today, I see these experiences as some of the most memorable parts of life in Siberia”,
the graduate said.
