From the University of Central Asia to Global Technology Leadership
The University of Central Asia takes pride in the achievements of its alumni, whose professional journeys reflect the university’s commitment to academic excellence, independent thinking, and global engagement. One such alumnus is Iskender Berdiev, from the first graduating cohort of UCA’s School of Arts and Sciences (Class of 2021). He completed his degree in Computer Science and is currently working as a Software Engineer at Uber in Denmark.
Iskender joined UCA in 2016, becoming part of its early undergraduate cohorts in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan. His decision to study at UCA was guided by the university’s academic vision, international standards, and emphasis on quality education.
“When I graduated, I applied to all the leading universities in Kyrgyzstan and abroad…In the end, I chose the University of Central Asia in Naryn. At that time, UCA was a new university that had recently opened, and its first graduation took place in 2021. Before that, I participated in their summer camp, and I really liked the programme,” said Iskender.
UCA’s interdisciplinary foundation, strong emphasis on analytical thinking, and project-based learning equipped Iskender with the skills needed to adapt to a rapidly evolving field. As part of the first graduating class, he studied in an environment that required initiative, flexibility, and self-directed learning.
Beyond academics, UCA played a vital role in preparing Iskender for the global job market. Career fairs, employer engagement, and internship opportunities organized by the university enabled him to gain early professional experience while still a student. Equally important was the campus culture at UCA, where students actively created clubs, organised projects, and collaborated closely - developing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills that later proved essential in international work environments.
“At first, many people were surprised why I chose Naryn, but I knew that the quality of education there would be high. UCA offered two programs: Computer Science and Communications and Media, and I knew for sure that Communications and Media would not suit me, so I chose Computer Science. The first year was preparatory, followed by four years of undergraduate study, which gave me the opportunity to change direction if something did not suit me,” noted Iskender.
After graduating from UCA in 2021, Iskender continued his academic and professional journey abroad, gaining experience in Europe and working at global companies such as Ericsson. His strong foundation ultimately enabled him to successfully interview with major international technology firms, including Google, Amazon, and Uber. He chose Uber for its challenging engineering environment and opportunities for growth and today contributes to large-scale infrastructure projects that serve millions of users worldwide.
Reflecting on his journey, Iskender highlights that UCA prepared him not only with technical knowledge, but with independence, resilience, and a global mindset. These qualities allowed him to navigate complex professional environments and compete successfully at the international level.
Iskender Berdiev’s story demonstrates how UCA empowers students from Central Asia to become globally competitive professionals capable of shaping innovation, contributing to international industries, and making an impact far beyond their place of origin.
