Petra Munda is the IT Student Engineer of the Year 2021

The Student of the Year 2021 award of the Engineering science – Software Computing module was awarded to Petra Munda, who was the fastest and – on top of it – the most successful in completing the requirements of the 2019-2021 generation of the Higher education professional programme of Engineering science.

1. First of all, congratulations to you Petra! What does the title of Student of the Year 2021 in Engineering Science – Software Computing mean to you?

“Being named Student of the Year surprised me a lot. I did not expect it at all, as I didn’t look so much at my grades, but was focused on learning as much as I could. But it is also true that I am now proud and honored to have received such a title. I am happy I managed to achieve this while working.”

2. You have joined the funding under the MUNERA3 project. How important is it for you to study for free?

“In the given situation, it really means everything to me. I am employed but I travel daily from Maribor to Koper. So, I wanted to change my career and the funding of the MUNERA3 project has enabled me to fulfill my dream without any financial burden.”

3. Why did you choose to study at Academia Maribor?

“I decided to study at Academia Maribor mainly because of the good and in-depth online presentation of the study programme and also the emphasis of the courses on programming and practical education that your school provides.”

4. What did you enjoy most about your studies?

“I am most looking forward to the challenges of the project assignments. You never know what to expect and before the course even starts, you already eagerly await new programming challenges.”

5. How does studying at Academia help you in your career and personal development? Where do you see yourself after the graduation?

“Studying at Academia is not my first study, it is actually my third! Although it is the shortest – only 2 years – it has been the most difficult for me. I had to prepare well to be successful in my studies.

I got a framework of relevant professional knowledge, a lot of practical experience as well, because all your lecturers and instructors come from practical backgrounds in this business. I now can confidently look for a new job.

After the graduation I see myself especially in web development in Slovenia, maybe also in Austria. I am also interested in Blockchain development, which is the theme I am currently writing my bachelor’s thesis on.”

6. What advice would you give to all new students for successful studies?

“At the beginning you need to clarify to yourself what it is you want and then just stick to that decision. As my late uncle always reminded me:” everything you start, you have to finish.””

7. Why is it important for a good IT engineer to have a formal education?

I believe that a formal education and studies at Academia gives more depth and width than individual IT certificates, that is why I strongly recommend studying at Academia to anyone with no prior IT experience.”

8. What else do you do beside studying?

“In my free time I mainly do various sports. my favourite being Ju-Jitsu:”

9. Where do you do your practical training?

“I am doing my internship at ZenLab on Full-Stack Web Development projects, this is Front-end and Back-end development of web applications and websites.”

10. Where are you employed? What kind of work do you do?

“I am employed at the Marine police in Koper and I am also the first female sailor in the history of the Republic of Slovenia and the Student of the Year title is now also a new milestone – the first female IT Engineer student of the year at Academia.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you at Academia. For all the help, effort and support and for the excellent organization of my studies.

The difference between your and other schools is really noticeable.”