The world is heading towards the fourth technology-led digital revolution. We hear about it every day and witness the power with which it has transformed our lives. Many of us have made it a part of life, using it in businesses, daily activities, or starting a new profession, while no one can ignore it anymore.
Exactly the opportunities offered by a career in the Information Technology industry is the most intriguing part for an economy like Albania's. In economies of scale, technology is the factor, which makes it possible to have a satisfactory salary in any country of the world.
Studies show that small economies can embrace innovation faster and a unique example of this is Estonia, which after defeating the communist regime of the Soviet Union has become the most digitalized country in Europe.
Even in Albania, this industry is flourishing, while new talents are emerging from universities that are rapidly embracing innovation by breaking every barrier. There are also those young Albanians who inspire with their personal stories and successes in this industry. One of the examples comes from Durrës.
Student Ornela Rrustaj sent her desire to establish a student club to one of the most famous technology corporations of the world as Google is, officially becoming the first within her group to participate in Google Development Students Clubs, a well-known platform for college and university students interested in Google developer technologies.
Students from all undergraduate and graduate programs interested in growing as developers come together on a platform to share experiences with Google employees. The final goal of this program is to increase students' knowledge through building solutions for local businesses and their communities.
Ornela when was your love for Information Technology born and how did it develop?
I have always been accompanied by a great interest in science as a whole and a curiosity to know more about everything around me. It is exactly what pushes me towards solving a problem, which keeps me charged to continue exploring. Information Technology became my first choice when I entered university and realized that the impact of technology in our lives is so great and very positive. The uses of technology ranging from saving a life in the operating room to discovering the origin of life on earth and other planets inspire me to become part of deeper research. As a result, I have been involved in projects for VR, biotechnology, and blockchain and I will not stop.
How did the idea of creating a student club come about? What was the first ‘spark’ to form such a group?
It was more of a journey deviated by several factors. Upon entering the university I had decided that I wanted to enjoy this experience and immediately started searching on the university website for the activities, student exchanges, and events they organized. Wanting to take advantage of all the opportunities, I decided to apply where I could, but the first blow that cut me off was the 2019 earthquake, which led me to join the university of the municipality as a volunteer to help those affected by the destruction. As soon as we started to return to normal life we were hit by the pandemic that has not left us yet. During quarantine, I felt the need to be active in society and since all the students had left for their cities I thought of bringing them together online and discussing technology and development and employment opportunities. Thus, in November 2020, the student club ‘Technology and Innovation’ was initiated at UAMD.
Most individuals in the field of IT see success as personal. Why this choice to include the community around you?
True, but I do not call it a successful job when I am the only one to benefit. I live by the motto that to be happy you have to be surrounded by happy people because happiness is neither gained nor enjoyed alone. For me, young people must understand how valuable it is to contribute to problem-solving for a common good. In addition to technological skills, there are some moral values such as gratitude, kindness, altruism, and cooperation that I want to convey to young people.
In the beginning, our club was focused on interviews with professionals in the field so that we could get to know our field better and from those interviews, I realized that it was important for us to start and practice the knowledge and build our portfolios. I did not want to be selfish and keep this to myself, because I knew that in the future I would face unprepared colleagues who would slow down the development of work. Also, the free time we have as students allows us to become more proficient by practicing on projects and helps us create a work ethic that does not come out of the university benches.
How difficult was the journey to selection by Google as part of the community? What obstacles have you faced?
From the beginning of the club I have been in search for ways to grow it and I have carefully followed this program from Google the moment I got to know about it. I received it with great joy and called it a winner from the moment the first application was accepted. But then began a period of waiting from interview to interview a month-long, which made me a little doubt whether this opportunity would reach Durrës or not. So I made sure that during the interviews I clearly expressed my passion for fixing my community's problems through technology. And finally, in August 2021 I officially received the title of Google Lead at Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës.
I felt very privileged but I also realized that the difficulties were just beginning. And so far the biggest obstacle is the lack of community concept in society. For this, I organize information sessions to convey to young people the importance and motivation of working in a group for a common goal even without direct benefit. This also applies to businesses that are reluctant to support us and do not invest in the long run. However, this is a challenge that will accompany us because the formation of a community is a constant process.
Who has been your biggest supporter on this journey?
The constant need I see in the city where I live and in our country for economic improvement and mentality development keeps me focused on this journey to contribute to change. And for the institution, the university and the career directorate have expressed their readiness to help us in this initiative with the use of the university premises and the development of the network.
How do you envision the future of the IT industry in Albania? Where should young people specifically focus?
I do not want to separate Albania from the world because that is why we are working with the club to create a global community and to be updated in real-time with any development. So I say the future is in data analysis technology, Machine Learning, and AI. We will have to work very intensively as a whole country to catch up with others, but if this becomes a primary goal, then success is certain.
Do you have a message for young people who are committed to this industry?
I congratulate the young people who are dedicated to technology because they have made the right choice at the right time. I would also like to advise them to place their skills and knowledge where they are needed to facilitate and improve community living. I would advise young people to broaden their thinking horizons and enrich their knowledge by solving those challenges that seem impossible. Study technologies other than the Web and stay true to your journey! P.s. Do physical activity and do not lose touch with the real world.
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