Russia’s ITMO University Teaches AI Through Defined Roles, Not Job Titles
ITMO University is rolling out a competency-based, role-driven model for training AI specialists, shifting the focus from single professions to flexible skill sets shaped by industry demand.
At one of Russia’s leading IT universities, St. Petersburg–based ITMO, educators are using a new approach to training specialists in artificial intelligence. The model is described as competency- and role-based, meaning that students in a single program acquire several core competencies at once. The idea is to move away from training for one specific job and instead help students build a broad portfolio of skills.
The model has already been adopted by more than 300 instructors from 22 Russian universities. It has proven effective in ITMO’s undergraduate software engineering program, which is supported by more than 20 leading companies from the IT sector.
From University Straight to Work
The results show that 95% of graduates find jobs even before receiving their diplomas. Moreover, 46% already hold middle-level or higher positions in large companies and startups by the time they graduate.
The university received a RuCode award for the project. The new educational model is expected to accelerate the training of IT specialists with a strong focus on artificial intelligence competencies.
