Albert Hambardzumyan’s (MSCIS ’17) Appreciation for His AUA Education

3 min read

Six years have passed since Albert Hambardzumyan’s (MSCIS ’17) graduation from the Master of Science in Computer and Information Science (MSCIS) program of the American University of Armenia (AUA). Currently pursuing a successful career as a senior software engineer, architect, and team lead in a U.S.-based company, he has returned to his alma mater to reconnect with familiar faces and realize his long-time desire to give back to the University. Albert is a strong advocate of formal education and acclaims the knowledge he received in the MSCIS program as the foundation of his achievements. Albert chose AUA because he views it as the best higher education institution in Armenia. He affirms that the MSCIS program gave him the essential knowledge to build his career. Albert also propounds that his AUA education is equivalent to a U.S. master’s degree, something he realized and very much appreciated when applying for his current position.

Albert consistently remembers the years past and believes it is important to think about how to give back to his alma mater. During his student years at AUA, Albert was awarded the Akian Family Foundation Scholarship, which, in his words, made it possible for him to complete his studies at AUA and graduate within two years. Albert’s deep appreciation for the education he received at AUA and the opportunities he was granted have inspired him to make a donation to the Alumni Endowment Fund, hoping that his contribution will positively impact another person’s life. 

He emphasizes that appreciation for the opportunities one is granted should lead to a desire to provide the same to others. He says, “I’ve been thinking about donating for the past two years because I felt indebted to my alma mater. It is my turn to give back to the AUA community.” The scholarship he received has changed his life, he asserts, and he hopes that his donation can have a similar impact on someone else. 

At the age of 27, he decided to make a shift from his background in geochemistry to pursue graduate studies in computer science at AUA. He firmly believes that formal education is essential for professional qualification, as it equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge. Albert stresses that formal education provides the essential foundation for advancement and allows individuals to reach greater heights in their chosen career paths. 

“During our classes, we would delve deep into the theories and formulas, securing the foundation for grasping subsequent concepts, validating theories, and paying meticulous attention to even the smallest details.” He believes that even if one doesn’t directly apply all the acquired knowledge in their daily work, understanding the underlying theories and systems is an invaluable asset. He advises prospective students to approach their AUA experience with a mindset focused on learning and absorbing everything they can in those two years to be able to effectively apply what they’ve learned in their careers.

Albert was one of the early AUA participants in the Erasmus+ exchange program. He was selected to study at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology for a semester and fondly recalls his experience in Norway. That, too, proved to be an invaluable experience as he also had the opportunity to travel across Europe for two months — an experience that shaped his worldview and perspectives. 

Albert posits that Armenia requires more skilled IT professionals with formal education to further fuel the development of the economy. His advice to aspiring young professionals seeking careers in IT is to pursue formal university education, as it would unleash unlimited opportunities in the future: “You should be patient and determined to reach your goals.”