University and business: how Sii’s long-standing cooperation with the University of Gdańsk supports the development of future IT specialists 

Cooperation between universities and business increasingly goes beyond companies’ presence at career fairs or individual guest lectures. Students expect access to practical knowledge, contact with experts, and a better understanding of the realities of working in the industry. Companies, in turn, can actively support the development of future specialists’ competencies and help shape the environment in which they will begin their careers. 

For many years, Sii Poland and the University of Gdańsk have been carrying out collaborative educational and mentoring initiatives, as well as events that help students gain practical knowledge and better prepare for entering the labour market.

From first initiatives to a long-term partnership 

The history of cooperation between Sii and the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics at the University of Gdańsk dates back over a dozen years. What began with participation in career fairs, lectures on the IT market, and cooperation with student research clubs has gradually developed into a broad partnership covering teaching, mentoring, and initiatives supporting students. 

One example is original classes conducted by Sii experts as part of the faculty’s educational offer. The topics include cloud-based AI services, automation of IT system build and deployment processes, as well as business analysis in agile methodologies. These subjects allow students to learn about technologies and working methods currently used in projects delivered by technology companies. 

This is a unique initiative that makes it possible to combine professional experience with a passion for education. Every lecture is a new challenge. The greatest satisfaction comes when students begin to see how the topics discussed can be applied in practice, says Marek Szkudlarek, Senior Analyst at Sii Poland. 

As Dr. Jakub Neumann, Vice-Dean for Cooperation and Development at the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics of the University of Gdańsk and Director of the Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence Applications, emphasizes: Classes conducted by Sii experts have enjoyed strong interest and high ratings from students for years. 

Practical knowledge beyond technical fields 

The cooperation also includes the University of Gdańsk Foreign Languages Centre. As part of classes conducted in English, Sii experts share their knowledge of the IT industry, the labour market, and soft skills. 

For the past two years, students have taken part in workshops on topics such as recruitment processes, personal branding, embedded systems, and artificial intelligence. More than 120 students have already participated in initiatives organized jointly with the university. 

Such meetings allow participants not only to develop their language skills but also to better understand employers’ expectations and the specifics of working in technology organizations. 

Supporting women starting their careers in IT 

One of the projects carried out in cooperation with the University of Gdańsk is HerTechVenture. The program supports female computer science students in building their careers, developing competencies, and gaining the confidence needed to enter the technology industry. 

As part of the initiative, Sii experts Anna Szopińska and Magdalena Stasiak acted as mentors, sharing their experience and knowledge gained while working on technology projects. 

As Dr. Hanna Furmańczyk from the Institute of Informatics at the University of Gdańsk points out: Thanks to cooperation with practitioners, students were able to better understand the realities of project work and see how important soft skills are in the IT industry. 

Science and creativity in the Sci-Art project 

Sii’s cooperation with the University of Gdańsk also includes initiatives promoting science. One of them was the Sci-Art “Science is Art!” competition, organized by the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics under the honorary patronage of the Mayor of Gdańsk. 

The aim of the project was to encourage students and doctoral candidates to present topics related to mathematics, physics, and informatics in a creative way. Entries were evaluated in three categories: classical techniques, computer techniques, and projects using AI. The best works were presented during an exhibition open to the public. 

The competition was addressed to the entire academic community of the University of Gdańsk and served as an example of combining science, technology, and a creative approach to presenting knowledge.

A shared investment in the future 

The long-standing cooperation between Sii Poland and the University of Gdańsk shows that a partnership between business and academia can bring tangible benefits to both sides. Students gain access to practical knowledge, contact with experts, and better preparation for entering the labour market, while Sii can actively support the development of young talent and initiatives important to the university.

It is an example of cooperation that goes beyond individual events – creating space for exchanging experiences and preparing future specialists together for the challenges of today’s labour market.