Industrial practice: University and industry representatives are creating a new standard for IT education in Bosnia and Herzegovina

9th of May 2024

In the dynamic world of information technologies, practice becomes a key element in the education of future professionals. The Bit Alliance initiative, which provides students with the opportunity to gain experience in cooperation with faculties, represents an important step towards the development of the future generation of IT experts. This cooperation not only strengthens the ties between educational institutions and industry, but also inspires students to actively participate in their education and preparation for the labor market.

At the beginning of this week, in the premises of the "API Lab" of the company Authority Partners, the fourth cycle of Industrial Practice began. This cycle is intended for students of the two-year course of the Faculty of Science and Mathematics and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the University of Sarajevo. As part of this year's Industrial Practice cycle, students will work with mentors from Bit Alliance member companies: Atlantbh, Authority Partners, HulkApps powered by Shop Circle, RUBICON and Walter Code.

It is important to point out that this is a study program that offers the necessary knowledge for an IT career, but also requires full dedication of students to their study obligations and continuous learning. The professional and first cycle subjects are mostly of the same content and students of both study programs take the exams under the same criteria. The two-year study program is also recognized as a way to requalify or acquire knowledge in the field of information technology for people who are professionally connected to the IT industry in some way.

"Bit Alliance recognizes the importance of proactivity and the acquisition of practical knowledge among students. Through its cooperation with domestic IT companies, Bit Alliance provides students not only with the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge, but also to become leaders in their future careers. This initiative emphasizes the importance of combining theory with practice and encourages male and female students to take an active role in their academic journey." - said Damir Maglajlić, executive director of Bit Alliance.

Maglajlić also said that it is crucial that competent institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina recognize the importance of this model of cooperation between universities and industry. The implementation of similar programs at all universities throughout the country would not only support the education of future IT experts, but also improve the competitiveness and innovation of the entire IT industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This synergy between educational institutions and the economy creates a basis for developing talent and creating a sustainable ecosystem that will support the country's further progress in the digital age.

The professors emphasize the importance of cooperation between universities and industry, recognizing in such programs an opportunity to enrich the educational experience of students.

"Thanks to the cooperation with Bit Alliance, students of the professional study "Software Development" at the Department of Computing and Informatics of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, will again this year have the opportunity to attend an industrial internship in renowned domestic IT companies, members of Bit Alliance. It is an opportunity for students to test their knowledge and expand it in an environment that involves collaboration with colleagues under the guidance and supervision of mentors with experience working on commercial projects. In the past years, it has been shown that the industrial practice is extremely positively evaluated by our students, and that the final works based on the industrial practice significantly benefit from contact with this kind of environment. I am extremely glad that this mutually beneficial cooperation continues, for the benefit of students and their future employers." - said Ingmar Bešić, professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the University of Sarajevo.

"Industrial practice, in addition to being one of the mandatory activities for students in the last semester, represents a significant event for students. Namely, students encounter a real environment for the first time, with the opportunity to learn from more experienced colleagues (mentors), but also from their colleagues from studies (peer to peer). Also, it is an extraordinary opportunity for students to see what awaits them in the future workplace, what are the weak points in their knowledge that need to be strengthened, as well as the opportunity to find a potential employer for their first job. I would rate the cooperation with Bit Alliance so far as extraordinary and very important for the development of the careers of our students. " - said Zenan Šabanac, a professor at the Faculty of Science and Mathematics of the University of Sarajevo.