Why IT professionals go to university even when their career is thriving (even in their 40s+)
Some Belarusian IT professionals decide to return to education after several/many years in the industry: some are seeking personal closure, while others want to completely change their field.
We spoke with those who are pursuing diplomas despite having stable careers in IT.
«I wanted to fill gaps in my knowledge»
University of Lower Silesia in Wrocław, Computer Science
Alexey* is 25 years old. He works as a developer in game development and has lived in Wrocław for over three years. He’s been in IT for more than 5 years, starting his career while still studying in Belarus.
He studied at the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics (BSUIR) but didn’t finish—he left after his second year. Later he tried to switch to part-time studies but didn’t complete that either.
«The program was overloaded, with subjects overlapping. We often needed knowledge from future semesters. It felt like you either had to cheat or you wouldn’t pass otherwise.»
After moving to Poland, he began considering getting an education locally. He decided to apply to the private university DSW (Dolnośląska Szkoła Wyższa — University of Lower Silesia, Informatyka).
«I wanted to study abroad—I had this thought even back in Belarus. It’s also a way to integrate into the local environment, validate my language proficiency, and fill gaps in my knowledge. It’s also something I wanted closure on.»
At first, Alexey failed the internal language exam but got accepted the following year. He’s now finishing his first year of computer science at a private university in Wrocław. The classes are part-time and in Polish.
«Classes happen once every two weeks on weekends. Lectures are often online, while other activities take place at the university. It’s sometimes challenging, but I manage to combine it with work.»
According to Alexey, the Polish curriculum feels simpler than BSUIR’s, but more logical and structured.
«The subjects are interconnected, with knowledge smoothly transitioning from one to another. There’s no overload. You can do the bare minimum, or you can take on interesting tasks and get support from professors. It all depends on your motivation.»
Alexey says that the atmosphere became an important difference in Polish education.
«Here students are treated as colleagues. At BSUIR, there was a clear 'teacher-student' format. Here there’s more respect and freedom. Professors often share practical experience from the industry. This makes the courses more relevant and applicable.»
He didn’t start studying for the diploma but to keep more options open for the future.
«I don’t know yet if this was the right decision. But I don’t regret it. Studying is interesting. I might want to pursue a master’s degree later—I don’t want to close that path for myself.»
«I chose this direction because I had been in personal therapy for two years»
University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw, Psychology
Nikita is 23 years old. He’s originally from Minsk and has been living in Poland since 2022: first two years in Wrocław, now in Warsaw. He has been working as a programmer for almost six years, specializing in backend development with Kotlin and Java. Currently, he’s in fintech: he recently signed a contract with Visa, before which he worked at American Express.
Nikita doesn’t have a higher education degree yet. He graduated from Minsk Radioengineering College, which he entered after 9th grade. He started working while still in his third year. Later he enrolled in BSUIR for a shortened program but quickly withdrew.
«I can say that I generally love learning, and I really enjoyed college, but my motivation was primarily the opportunity to work. The college gave me enough knowledge for work, and my main professional growth happened on the job. University seemed like a repetition of what I’d already learned, which wasn’t valuable to me at that time.»
Moreover, I was progressing very successfully and quickly at work, and my senior colleagues agreed that the lack of higher education wouldn’t be an obstacle to my career growth.
After relocating, Nikita decided to change direction. He’s currently in his first year of psychology at Warsaw’s SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Psychology in English. Classes are full-time and conducted in English.
«I chose this field because I had been in personal therapy for two years, and in two therapeutic groups. I became passionate about becoming a psychotherapist in the future. And in this field, to become a competent professional, you need academic education.»
A year of education costs about 7,000 euros, but Nikita won a scholarship that covers the entire amount for the first academic year. He notes that combining study with work is difficult, especially toward the end of the semester.
«I have 5 school days per week, with 1-3 classes per day. Lectures aren’t mandatory to attend, but each subject also has practical sessions where attendance is recorded, and you can’t miss more than 2 practical sessions per subject.»
«By the end of the academic year, I feel exhausted and really look forward to summer break. But despite this, studying is very interesting, and it’s one of the main sources of pleasure in my life right now.»
Despite the fact that Nikita’s career developed without a diploma, he doesn’t consider education an empty formality. On the contrary, he sees it as a strong foundation that helps in the profession.
«I can say that I’ve never experienced a lack of knowledge or any barrier in my programming career due to not having higher education in the field. But I don’t want to devalue education either. College gave me a very solid foundation and helped form my systematic thinking. I regularly apply knowledge that I gained there.»
Additionally, he believes that an academic foundation provides an advantage in an oversaturated market.
«Everything is changing quickly. There’s a feeling that the IT labor market is very oversaturated, at least in Europe. I only know my own path, but I feel that academic education gives a deep understanding of fundamentals, which makes future work easier. I’m not sure that courses or self-education can provide this.»
Recently, the expat channel Dzik also shared stories of Belarusians who decided to study after 40+ years.
Some of them have good careers, some don’t, and they’re betting on education.
«Most internship or 'no experience' vacancies in Poland require either student status or a diploma in the relevant field»
Master’s program at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Computer Mathematics
«In late 2019, I followed the general trend and decided to switch to IT.»
Why? At some point, I realized I had burned out in my main engineering specialty: no job satisfaction, no prospects. On the other hand, programming had been a cherished dream since school, appealing both for its mobility and income.
At that time, I found an online school and spent several years (with breaks for various reasons) learning Java and planning to get a job as a backend developer.
Independently, in 2023 we started considering moving to Poland. The ideal scenario would be to get hired as a junior developer, rather than looking for work in my old specialty or going into delivery services.
However, most internship or «no experience» vacancies in Poland require either student status or a diploma in the relevant field. That’s how the idea to fully complete a master’s degree in some computer direction emerged.
Why Jagiellonian?
A few months before relocating, we decided to move to Krakow. Choosing Jagiellonian University was in some ways a dream come true, and in others—the only possible option.
On one hand—«Skaryna,» traditions, status, and studying mathematics (a dream since my student days). On the other—I found that other universities either weren’t accepting applications anymore or required a B2 English certificate (even for studies in Polish).
Several specialties were available, and computer mathematics became a middle ground between computer science and mathematics. The fee of 6,000 zlotys per year (with a 3,000 advance payment before each semester) seems symbolic compared to paid education in Belarus or computer courses.
What was needed for admission?
I needed a diploma with an apostille in a related specialty (got it in Minsk just before departure, an engineering specialty from a Minsk university, class of 2007) and a sworn translation (made from a scan, picked up upon arrival in Krakow).
I submitted documents online; at this stage, only the diploma number was needed without a scan/translation.
After document acceptance, I passed an online interview in Polish: questions on mathematics/computer science and language proficiency check combined. As a result, I scored the necessary minimum for the «computer mathematics» specialty.
How does the education process work?
The education is in Polish. In 2010-2012, I completed a language course at the Polish Institute in Minsk, so I had some language foundation. I spent about a month preparing for the interview, listening to videos in Polish on mathematics/computer science, learning terminology.
During the studies, I have almost no problems with the language. Sometimes a professor speaks very quickly and I might lose the thread, but that’s more of an exception. After 7+ months in Poland, I feel progress in conversational Polish.
The education differs significantly. In Belarus (as far as I remember), in master’s programs there are some elective subjects, a thesis, and after a year you’re a master. Here, a master’s program is the second level of higher education. It’s basically the 4th and 5th years of university.
In the first semester, there were two mandatory subjects, and I had to choose two more (you can take more, but I had enough).
English is mandatory (demanded as B2+). They didn’t allow me to take Java and databases because these subjects belong to the first level. As a result, I took Python—and for good reason.
For mathematical subjects, you need to write code. If you don’t know C, then coding in Python is much more pleasant than in Java (and some even require knowledge of this language). There are practices at the board: various proofs, understanding principles, and other joys.
We bring laptops to some classes by arrangement. For subjects with programming, there are labs in computer classrooms; you can use your own laptop.
The difficulty and type of exam really depends on the professor. For some subjects, it was enough to be active during the semester and have no debts or absences. For others—separate from the practical classes credit—a full-fledged oral or written exam.
Personally, I find studying difficult but interesting: after an engineering university, I feel a lack of foundation in mathematics. Similarly for subjects related to theoretical programming. But there’s some progress gradually. I feel like a solid 3-4 on a five-point scale.
In the first semester, there were 11 classes per week and one free day. In the second, I tried to have two days off: 7 classes (three weekdays) and a large project that just needs to be completed and submitted at the end of the semester.
I didn’t apply for a scholarship—I plan to work.
What about classmates?
Classmates mostly continue from their first level. Some came from another university. From what I can tell, everyone is younger than 25 and all are Polish (as far as I know).
But at 40, I feel quite comfortable. I think it’s harder for them to see me as an equal. The general atmosphere is friendly: a common chat, mutual assistance.
I often hear Russian speech at the university. I know several Belarusians and Ukrainians in other specialties.
Education provides a theoretical foundation that courses don’t offer, and it also sets the tone. When given difficult assignments with limited time, the brain works differently than if you found some exercise for yourself.
I really want to take advantage of a summer internship: students are hired full-time for the three-month vacation period. I still haven’t lost hope that I can become a developer in our time.
«Rather, just for fun»
Part-time at Opole University of Technology, Computer Engineering
«I enrolled in a part-time master’s program after 40. I’ve been studying for a year, and it’s going well.»
I chose the specialty «Computer Engineering» at Opole University of Technology; the language of instruction is Polish (no certificate was required, as I have Polish citizenship).
I’m studying in a paid program since part-time education costs money; only full-time is free. At our university, education costs 2,100 zlotys per semester. You can pay either the full amount at once or make monthly payments.
Yes, Opole is a good city in this regard. We have many students from Wrocław. There’s even one from Warsaw (comes every weekend).
In my case, the entire education will take 2 years. But there are also programs designed for 1.5 years.
Why did I decide to study? Rather, just for fun. My eldest daughter was applying, so I submitted an application in parallel. As a result, I was accepted and now I attend classes on weekends.
Among the benefits: the opportunity to get a local diploma. Might come in handy.
How classes work: there’s a schedule for the semester. Every weekend there are lectures, lab work, and project consultations.
Assignments are given according to the curriculum. If the subject involves programming—then yes, there will be programs. If it’s some other subject, like modeling or drafting, then accordingly, there will be process modeling in some software or drafting in AutoCAD.
We learn Python and C++. As for libraries/technologies—CUDA, PyTorch, OpenMP, scikit-learn.
During the semester, various lab works are completed, and at the end, we approach exams. With a favorable arrangement, they can be passed a few days before the session starts. And if you didn’t manage to pass anything during classes throughout the semester, there’s a chance to catch up during the session (submit missed labs, projects, exams).
I enjoy the studies, and the classes are interesting. Most students are young people under 30. Those of older age, especially over 40, are few and far between.
By the way, an important point—the scholarship! All students are entitled to it regardless of their form of study. But it must be your first education at this level. However, I have an engineering degree, which under the Polish classification system is equivalent to a one-year master’s program.
Will the diploma be useful for impressing employers? I don’t know what impression it will make or on whom. I’ve been in programming for 17 years already, with an engineering degree in Automated Systems of Organization and Management behind me, plus graduate studies in specialty 05.13.01 («Systems Analysis, Management and Information Processing»).
«Product work is related to IT, but I lack basic technical knowledge»
Online studies at an American university from Poland, Computer Science
«I decided to get an education in Poland but couldn’t find a convenient format: a bachelor’s in IT + in English (since I didn’t know Polish well) + online/distance (since I was working).»
So at 48, I enrolled in uopeople.edu (I read on devby about a Belarusian’s experience in Canada at this university). I’ve been studying for two years now.
I chose Computer Science as the only option in IT. Why? My product work is related to IT, but I lack basic technical knowledge since my educational background is in humanities and business.
For admission to a bachelor’s or associate (semi-bachelor’s) program, a high school diploma is sufficient.
Is the learning similar to Coursera or Udemy? Only in terms of access to online materials. I didn’t notice any other similarities.
Main differences from Coursera:
- UoPeople has a clear structure and deadlines that can’t be adjusted to your schedule/desire. One Term = 8 weeks of study + 1 exam week + 1 week of rest. Accordingly, a year consists of five «terms.» You can start studying in any term.
- On average, each week for a separate subject you need to complete several tasks evaluated by the instructor: write an essay-post on the class forum, evaluate the work of several classmates, complete a couple of written assignments (written assignment, learning journal), and intermediate tests (often not counted toward the grade, just for self-check). The instructor provides feedback/justification for the grade.
- Some subjects/exams are taken with an online supervisor (proctor) to prevent peeking at study materials.
- Each student group has its program advisor, helping to solve administrative/academic issues if necessary. For the academic program of a specific subject, you need to communicate directly with the instructor via chat/email.
- The program, study materials, etc. are free. However, you must pay $120 for each exam.
- This is a licensed American university with a diploma that’s accepted by other universities—if you wish to continue your education and have a sufficient grade point average (GPA).
Am I satisfied with my studies? In short—yes, I am.
In more detail, I’d like to recall an episode from «Good Will Hunting»: «You spent 150 thousand on an education you could have gotten for $1.50 in late fees at a public library,» says Will Hunting. «Yeah, but I’ll have a degree,» replies the Harvard student, «and you’ll be serving my kids fries at a drive-through on our way to a skiing trip.»
In my case, I possess neither genius nor the opportunity to study at a prestigious university. Therefore, UoPeople is a very good alternative/compromise (if you have a desire to learn, of course).
And also, I think that one of the basic human rights—free education—is not just an empty declaration for this university.
* Name changed.
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