During our recent visit to the Digital Forum 2023, we had the privilege of engaging with and conducting insightful interviews with esteemed lecturers from KIMEP University. These distinguished professors work at the dynamic intersection of technology and IT. Today, we are thrilled to share with you a brief yet enlightening interview with Professor Francis Amagoh, who serves as a key figure in the Department of Public Administration. Read our interview to find out what skills high school graduates need to enter the School of Software Engineering, which is planned to open at KIMEP University.
ZHANARTU: Could you please share about yourself, about your academic background?
– I studied Civil Engineering in the United States (Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical University, USA), I did my Master in Civil Engineering as well (Master of Science in Engineering (Civil Engineering), Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical University, USA). Then I decided to receive an MBA (Master of Business Administration, Management and Finance, Virginia State University, USA) because I worked as a project manager and as an advisor to two State governments for engineering projects in the United States.
Later, as I realized the inefficiencies in the government sector, I decided to pursue a PhD in Public Financial Management (PhD in Public Policy and Administration with a concentration in Public Financial Management). Afterward, I found myself at KIMEP University to help develop the Financial Management major in the Department of Public Administration. It has been successful as it helped produce leaders in Kazakhstan in the public and private sectors. Most of my students work in the “Big 4”, some became professors in universities in Europe and the United States.
ZHANARTU: What subjects are you currently focused on now?
– Currently I am teaching mostly financial management courses: Financial Management, Financial Control, Investment Management, Public Administration, Administrative Ethics, Management Accounting, and Master’s degree courses, but since now we have a PhD program, I also teach some PhD courses.
ZHANARTU: Could you please tell us about the most difficult part for your students?
– Initially, some of my Financial management students were afraid of the course because of the calculations involved. By the middle of the semester, they realize it is not as difficult as they thought. The thought that this course is difficult is basically in their mind. Then it becomes like a phobia: just because you think it is difficult, even if it is easy, it becomes hard for you. It is all about having the right mindset.
ZHANARTU: Could you share why it is important to open a School of Software Engineering within KIMEP?
– I believe that especially for young anything Tech is the feature. Therefore, it is essential for KIMEP to get to the next level. Even for older people it is necessary to learn some basic IT skills in order to be functional in today’s world. As for young people, it is critically important. There is no limit to what technology can do. I think Kazakhstan can be one of the top countries in the world with the right focus on technology.
ZHANARTU: Tell us what skills school graduates should have to enter the School of Software Engineering, which is planned to be opened on the basis of KIMEP University?
– I believe that students need some ability to be creative. Think of something that looks like nothing and make it as if it is something big. If you have such capability to be creative, the math courses will not be that difficult. The ability to be creative can also be taught, critical thinking skills can be developed.
ZHANARTU: How do you usually motivate your students?
– I tell them motivating stories. If you focus your mind on something, then nothing is impossible. Treat your tasks as if they are not difficult because it is the way you perceive something in your mind that makes it difficult.
ZHANARTU: What is your feedback about BIS program?
– I have heard only good feedback about this Program. Based on the number of students currently enrolled, it is doing great! So, I wish the BIS program to continue to prosper.
ZHANARTU: Thank you Professor Francis for your time and interesting conversation!