On September 19–20, 2026, a National Networking Programme event was held at the SAAD Hotel in Astana, bringing together participants of the sixth cohort of the international C5+O.N.E. programme from three cities across Kazakhstan.
Azamat Serikovich Nurgozhayev, Senior Lecturer at ALT University, Master of Economic Sciences, and alumnus of the fourth cohort of the C5+O.N.E. programme, participated in the event and shared his experience with the new cohort.
During the meeting, he spoke about his professional and personal achievements, international experience, professional connections, and opportunities for joint scientific research and international projects that emerged through his participation in the programme.
International Networking as a Tool for Professional Development
In his presentation, Azamat Nurgozhayev highlighted the knowledge, experience, and professional connections he had gained through the C5+O.N.E. programme.
He emphasized the importance of international networking in establishing long-term professional relationships, exchanging experience, and creating new opportunities for cooperation.
Participation in the programme helped broaden his professional outlook, strengthen his leadership and communication skills, and establish professional and personal connections with representatives of different countries.
One of the programme’s most valuable outcomes is that international connections continue to grow even after its completion.
The lecturer is currently working on plans for joint scientific publications and international projects with colleagues he met through the programme.
From International Experience to New Opportunities for Students
Azamat Nurgozhayev aims to apply the international knowledge and experience he has gained to his teaching activities at ALT University.
He considers it important to introduce students to international practices and new opportunities in entrepreneurship, leadership, professional networking, and international cooperation.
Sharing such experience can broaden students’ perspectives, develop their intercultural communication skills, and encourage participation in international educational and professional initiatives.
For the university, programmes of this kind are valuable not only for the individual professional development of faculty members but also for expanding international academic connections, strengthening scientific cooperation, and improving the quality of education.
Connecting Different Generations of Programme Participants
Addressing the sixth cohort of C5+O.N.E., Azamat Nurgozhayev emphasized the importance of making the most of the programme’s opportunities, actively developing professional networks, and maintaining international connections after completing the programme.
The exchange of experience between alumni from different cohorts helps build a sustainable professional community in which knowledge, ideas, and opportunities for international cooperation can be shared with new participants.
Following the event, a letter of appreciation was prepared and submitted to the Rector of ALT University, highlighting the lecturer’s achievements through the programme and the opportunities it had created for his professional development.
Azamat Nurgozhayev also expressed his sincere gratitude to the U.S. Department of State and the American Councils for International Education in Kazakhstan for organizing the C5+O.N.E. programme and providing opportunities for professional growth and international engagement.
Significance for ALT University
Faculty participation in international educational and professional programmes contributes to strengthening the university’s academic potential, expanding research networks, and creating opportunities for joint educational and research projects.
In the context of the internationalization of higher education, cross-border cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the development of professional communities are increasingly important for preparing competitive specialists.
Azamat Nurgozhayev’s experience demonstrates how the professional development of an individual lecturer can create new opportunities for students, colleagues, and the wider university community.
Contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 4 — Quality Education. Supporting faculty professional development, exchanging international educational experience, and sharing new knowledge and competencies with students.
- SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth. Developing leadership, entrepreneurial, and professional competencies, improving workforce competitiveness, and expanding opportunities for professional growth.
- SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals. Strengthening international professional networks, promoting academic cooperation, and planning joint scientific publications and international projects.
International experience becomes especially valuable when the knowledge gained and professional connections established create new opportunities not only for individual participants but also for students, colleagues, and the entire university community.
Author: Alik Asel
