If you’ve ever organized a campus event or ever needed to stop by the Student Affairs office, chances are you know her name — and where her office is. But beyond the meetings and paperwork, who is she outside the role?
In this Q&A, the Executive Director of Student Affairs at KIMEP University, Korlan Akramova, shares more about her path, her connection to the university and the person behind the position.
Q: Could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your current position at KIMEP University?
A: My name is Korlana Akramova, and I currently serve as executive director for Student Affairs. This is a temporary role for me. The primary staff member in this position, Aray Kuderbayeva, is currently studying in the United States, and during her absence I am serving in her place.
Q: What was your initial motivation when you began working at KIMEP?
A: I was invited to join this (Student Affairs) department in late August 2023, just as the semester had begun. Aug. 21st was my first day. My interest and love for students, however, goes back much further, likely to my teaching period at KIMEP many years ago. I have always enjoyed being around students and watching how generations grow and develop over time.
What has always interested me most is understanding what influences their development — where they get information, how they use it and what ultimately shapes them as individuals. The process of personal formation is especially visible in a university environment. For that reason, working with the younger generation has always been meaningful to me.
Q: Could you tell us more about your first day working at KIMEP?
A: I remember it very clearly. My first day was in May 2004. I had just completed my master’s degree at KIMEP. I enrolled in the bachelor’s program in 1999, graduated in 2003 and immediately entered the master’s program.
At that time, a fast-track option had just been introduced, allowing students to complete a master’s degree in one year. Many bachelor’s graduates, including myself, took advantage of that opportunity, and by 2004 we had completed our master’s degrees.
Shortly before graduation, around April or early May, the Public Administration Department, which was part of the CSS College, offered an internship program. The head of the program offered me a position as internship program coordinator in public administration. I worked in that role for about a year and a half before transitioning to a teaching assistant position with a professor. I remained in that role for about a year before leaving for the United Kingdom under the Bolashak scholarship to pursue a second master’s degree.
I enrolled at the University of Birmingham, which had previously partnered with KIMEP to help establish the public administration program. I completed my second master’s degree there in one year. After returning from the United Kingdom, I stayed at KIMEP and taught in the public administration program for five years, both as part of my Bolashak commitment and in line with my professional goals.
Q: How has your overall journey at KIMEP developed?
A: My life has been closely connected with KIMEP. I enrolled here at age 14, entering the bachelor’s program in 1999. In 2006–07, I left to pursue graduate studies in the United Kingdom. After that, I worked at another university for about 10 years, from 2013 to 2023. Now, I have returned to KIMEP.
For me, KIMEP is truly my alma mater. It is my second home and has been an important part of my life since my youth.
Q: What was the most challenging period of your work here?
A: There was not just one challenging period. The most difficult stages were the initial transitions into new roles. When I first began working as an internship program coordinator, it took about six months to understand the field, fully integrate into the role and begin contributing effectively.
Another transition came when I moved from an administrative role into teaching. That shift from an administrative to an academic position was significant. While not necessarily difficult, it was a challenging and formative period, especially during the first year of teaching.
Similarly, when I returned to KIMEP in 2023 and began working in Student Affairs, the first several months were intensive. It was a different professional area from my previous work, and adjusting to it required time and effort.
Q: What does KIMEP mean to you beyond your professional career?
A: This is probably my favorite question so far, because KIMEP represents more than my professional life. It is part of my family’s history. Before KIMEP was established, a party school was located here, and my father studied there in the 1970s.
Our family’s life has long been connected to this area — the intersection of Abay and Satpayev, formerly Lenin and now Dostyk and Valikhanov Street. In that sense, KIMEP is not only my educational environment but something that feels almost generational.
Beyond academics and work, KIMEP represents friendships, warmth and shared experiences. Many of the strongest relationships in my life began here and continue today.
KIMEP gives students more than a diploma or academic knowledge. It provides a lasting foundation. For example, I was part of the university’s first undergraduate intake and graduating class. We are still in active contact and have a WhatsApp group where we share updates, news and even job opportunities. It remains a strong and connected community.
Q: What advice would you give current students who want to make the most of their student experience at KIMEP?
A: It may sound basic, but students should fully engage in student life while maintaining academic focus. Every student enters university with a different personality and perspective. Some focus primarily on academics, while others focus more on student life and activities.
To gain the full benefit of the university experience, balance is essential. Academic success is the primary purpose of attending university, but student life also plays an important role in personal and professional development.
Participation in student organizations, events, exchange programs, internships and conferences provides valuable experience and connections. These connections often become important professional relationships in the future. Such experiences help build the foundation for a successful career.
Q: What is something students may not realize about your work?
A: Much of our work involves administrative responsibilities that are not visible to students. While students see events and activities, a significant portion of our work involves documentation, approvals and coordination.
We are responsible for maintaining policies, supporting student organizations and ensuring procedures are followed. This administrative work makes student activities possible.
Another important responsibility is the disciplinary committee process. This requires careful review of documentation, evidence and witness statements. These decisions are made with great care, as they directly affect students.
Our goal is to ensure fairness and accuracy in every case.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add as a final remark?
A: Since returning to KIMEP in 2023, I have observed an exceptional generation of students. They are active, curious and engaged. They have access to information in ways previous generations did not, and this has influenced their development.
At the same time, they remain sincere and supportive of one another. I see strong friendships and a sense of unity among students, which is very encouraging.
I hope this generation achieves great success and that each student has a bright and promising future ahead.