With more than five years of experience in software engineering, Nelson Solano from Quito, Ecuador, came to NUST MISIS to pursue postgraduate studies in his field. As a winner of the Open Doors International Olympiad, he shares how he prepared for the competition and explains how the opportunity has helped him develop professionally and take part in new projects.
— Could you tell us a little about yourself, your educational background, and your interests?
— I am from Quito, Ecuador, and have a background in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering. I have more than five years of experience as a software engineer. I am also active in Ecuador’s tech community as a speaker and mentor. I am passionate about learning the latest software development techniques and creating innovative solutions that benefit people in my country.
— Why did you decide to pursue higher education abroad, and why did you choose Russia and NUST MISIS?
— I wanted to pursue postgraduate studies in software-related fields, as this is the area I work in. I had visited Russia several times to attend international events and enjoyed its cultural and scientific environment. I chose NUST MISIS because of the quality of its education and its strong reputation.
— How did you prepare for the Olympiad? How much time did you spend preparing, and what was your strategy?
— I gathered documents showcasing my achievements and spent about a month and a half preparing for the exam. My strategy was to review the recommended literature, solve sample problems, and use generative AI to create additional exercises and help me work through difficult questions.
— Which parts of the competition were the most challenging? How did you overcome those difficulties?
— The most challenging part was the second-stage exam, which covered a wide range of topics and included many exercises. I tackled the questions that were most similar to the ones I had practised first, leaving the most difficult ones until the end.
— What opportunities did winning the Olympiad open up for you? How did it help you pursue your goal of studying in Russia?
— Winning the Olympiad gave me the opportunity to study at NUST MISIS without paying tuition fees. Studying here has also allowed me to take part in exciting projects and events.
— What were your first impressions of Russia? Was anything different from what you had expected?
— Having visited Russia several times before, I already had some idea of what to expect. However, living here is a very different experience. There are so many activities and opportunities, and life here has turned out to be even better than I imagined.
— What advice would you give to young people in Ecuador who are considering participating in the Open Doors Olympiad but are unsure where to start?
— My advice is to build a strong portfolio by taking part in activities and events related to your chosen field. In my view, a strong portfolio accounts for about half the effort needed to succeed. The other half is preparing thoroughly for the second-stage exam. I recommend spending at least a month reviewing the recommended literature and practising a wide variety of problems.
