Irena Shaleva loves taking on new challenges and stepping outside her comfort zone. With Bulgarian and Italian roots, she has decided to expand her knowledge through the Engineering Responsible AI Systems master degree programme at IMC Krems.
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Embracing new opportunities
An international background
Having lived in 4 countries, Irena has chosen Austria as her home. With a background in International Relations, she has gained valuable experience in academic and international environments, including the European Solidarity Corps and the United Nations. Her decision to study Engineering Responsible AI Systems gives her the opportunity to combine this experience with new technical knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence.
A new academic challenge
Irena was particularly attracted by the degree programme's modern, structured curriculum and the opportunity to develop technical skills. Coming from a different academic background, she sees it as a chance to gain a solid foundation in engineering.
Irena is also very grateful to programme director Rubén Ruiz Torrubiano, who took the time to learn more about her previous experience during their initial interview and helped her prepare for the challenges ahead.
The case of Irena shows that with effort and dedication, it is possible to pursue a master degree programme in AI, even when coming from an interdisciplinary background. At IMC Krems, we can put together specific pre-requirements courses (for instance, by taking courses from our Informatics bachelor degree programme) for candidates with interdisciplinary backgrounds to ensure that students gain confidence in the technical subjects of the degree programme. Our highly international and diverse cohort of students shows that the path towards responsible AI includes professionals with different perspectives and backgrounds who can handle the challenges ahead of us.
Since starting her studies, Irena has enjoyed the subjects and the people she has met. She has also become close friends with fellow students Jessica and Lucia. What began with sharing stickers for their IMC Krems water bottles is growing into a beautiful friendship.
A memorable first impression of Krems
Irena first discovered Krems before starting her studies at IMC Krems. In September, she completed her second half marathon, running from Spitz to Krems. Reaching the finish line, she immediately felt calm and relieved. The city's atmosphere left such a strong impression that she now affectionately calls Krems her "fairy city".
Always ready for the next challenge
Outside her studies, Irena enjoys riding motorbikes, dancing to reggaeton, cooking and eating out. Running is another important passion, and after completing 2 half marathons, her next goal is to run a full marathon. Her role models Eileen Gu and David Goggins inspire her to push her limits and embrace new challenges.
Irena can always rely on her family's support. She is especially grateful to her sister Diana, who has always been there for her and supported her ambitions. She describes her family as the backbone of her academic career.
Believe in yourself and take the next step
For Irena, it is important to believe in yourself, pursue your goals and be open to new experiences. She encourages future students: “Go for it, remember your purpose and put in the work. After all, why not you and why not now?”