NEWS
The development of an enterprise is impossible without people who are sincerely involved in their business and are ready to take responsibility for the result. These are the qualities that distinguish Alexander Shushkanov, Head of the Department of Automation and Information Technology Development at UKTMK. But he moved to this stage of his career gradually, step by step up the career ladder, in order to better understand the production from the inside.
His work history is an example of how professionalism, perseverance and willingness to change help not only personal growth, but also the advancement of the entire Plant forward.
Alexander received his first professional knowledge after graduating from the specialty "Instrument Engineering" at the SDI. Already at the beginning of his professional career, he realized that modern challenges require more. Working in production has shown how important it is to have a deep understanding not only of equipment, but also of digital processes. Therefore, in 2021, Alexander receives a second higher education in Computer Engineering and Software. This step was a response to the new demands of the times and helped to lay a solid foundation for future activities in the field of digitalization.
After graduation, our hero worked by profession at Vostokmashzavod, Rebar Factory, and then at Kaztsinka.
"I was able to gain new knowledge everywhere, but there was always little of it – I wanted more," he recalls.
So, Alexander decided that he wanted to grow further, and therefore sent his resume to various enterprises in the city. After that, he was invited to the Factory. However, it was impossible to immediately take up the position of an engineering and technical employee: experience was required in this particular production.
– I understood that the path to the goal is not always straight. That's why I accepted the position of electrician: it gave me a chance to study the work of the workshop, the equipment and the process from the inside. Such an experience has certainly become a solid foundation for all further development," our interlocutor noted.
A year later, Alexander had the opportunity to prove himself as an acting senior electrician at workshop No.2. In 2020, when a new department for digital transformation and innovation project management was created at the Plant, he was hired as a lead engineer there, and soon he became the head of the department. In 2024, Alexander Shushkanov was appointed head of the department, which he heads to this day.
Digitalization as a vocation
Alexander's interest in IT began in his school years. When computers were less productive than they are now, he independently built three-dimensional models based on coordinates, transferred them from notebooks to the screen. This lesson took him ten pages of a checkered notebook, and it was then that he realized that he had a penchant for exact sciences and programming.
Later, he participated in Olympiads in mathematics, physics and geometry, was fond of electricity, and also led an active lifestyle.
Today, his responsibilities include maintaining up-to-date information systems, automation systems, and the Plant's network infrastructure.
In 2025, UKTMK established a new department for the development and maintenance of artificial intelligence, which was another important step in digital transformation.
He calls the introduction of new technologies one of the most difficult stages in his work.
– Resistance to change is inevitable: some employees continue to adhere to their usual working methods. We solve this problem in stages – first we keep the current system, then we launch a new one in parallel, and after that the whole team switches to the updated format," explains Alexander.
This approach has made it possible to successfully implement projects that management is proud of today. Among them is the MES system, which simplified the work of workshops and increased the transparency of technological processes at the Plant.
"When employees start using new tools and suggest what to improve themselves, this is the best indicator of efficiency," he is sure.
Team and leadership
According to Alexander, success can only be achieved through joint efforts. The main thing is to set a common goal, discuss difficulties and look for solutions together. There is an atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust in his team: each employee is a specialist in his field.
– The manager must be responsible, keep up with the times and at the same time be able to listen to his specialists. "Only then can we make informed decisions," our hero believes. – And of course, I am sure that success can only be achieved with the help of a well-coordinated team.
Sports and hobbies
Sport occupies an important place in the life of our interlocutor. Alexander Shushkanov actively participated in the sports contests of the Combine, became a champion in volleyball and badminton, competed in chess and table tennis.
His love for volleyball appeared in his school years: even then he won tournaments among adult and youth teams, participated in regional competitions. There is less time for sports now – the duties of a manager require maximum involvement. But the habit of an active lifestyle and the ability to work in a team, developed on the sports field, also help in professional activities.
His hobbies include hunting and fishing. These activities came from childhood: Alexander hails from the village of Asu-Bulak in the Ulan region, where the forest stretched for many kilometers around the military unit in which his parents served.
"My brother and I spent all our free time outdoors, and hunting became a natural activity for us," he recalls.
In winter, he prefers fishing more often, and in summer he helps his parents in the garden and always goes out into nature. Moreover, our hero prefers to rest not in comfortable hotels and houses, but with a tent in order to feel complete privacy with nature.
– Now, even in this, I try to keep up with the times: modern tents have become much lighter and more convenient. For me, this is the best vacation – to be alone with nature and gain strength," says Alexander.
Life principles and advice for young people
Alexander is sure that the main quality of a leader is responsibility, and success can only be achieved through dedication and continuous development.
He advises young specialists not to stop there.:
– Now there are many directions in digitalization and programming. You can't expect everything to work out right away – you have to learn, read, figure it out. If you understand the general logic, then any new knowledge is easier," he believes.
The example of Alexander Shushkanov clearly shows that being a leader means not only setting the direction, but also constantly learning and changing yourself. Such people become a reference point for young professionals, showing that any professional achievement begins with diligence and readiness for new knowledge.