Building a Career at CAU: Rustam Anvarov’s Journey from Medical School to Professional Life

In 2019, Rustam Anvarov joined Central Asian University as a member of its very first student cohort. Six years later, he returned to CAU not as a student, but as a Medical Supply Specialist in the Procurement Department.

His story is about how the university environment, professional knowledge, and skills gained during his studies can become a strong foundation for a career after graduation.

In 2019, Rustam chose CAU because, at the time, it was the only option in Uzbekistan that allowed him to study medicine in English.

His interest in the profession had developed even before university. Rustam had studied at a medical college and already knew that he wanted to build his future in healthcare. Studying at CAU allowed him to continue on this path, gaining professional knowledge in line with international standards and learning from specialists with international experience.

However, after graduating from the Medical School, his career path took him beyond traditional clinical practice.

Today, Rustam works in the Procurement Department as a Medical Supply Specialist. His responsibilities include researching and evaluating medical equipment, services, and suppliers, including international ones, as well as studying the market and comparing different options.

His main goal is to ensure that the university receives the resources it needs while balancing several key factors: price, quality, delivery timelines, and terms of the deal.

“The most interesting part is the initial process of searching and exploring the market. Critical thinking and attention to detail are especially important at this stage,” says Rustam.

Although Rustam’s current role differs from the professional path he initially envisioned, many of the skills he developed at CAU continue to support him in his work. These include the ability to prioritize tasks effectively, think critically, and work as part of a team.

According to Rustam, CAU created an environment and structure that helped prepare him for the professional world and provided a strong foundation for further development in different fields. He also highlights the importance of early exposure to the professional environment. In his view, gaining practical experience while studying helps graduates feel more confident as they enter the workplace.

The transition into professional life came with its own challenges. At first, many of the tasks Rustam faced were completely new to him. Training, support, and guidance from more experienced colleagues helped him overcome these challenges. Over time, new responsibilities became part of his professional experience, while he gained a deeper understanding of how to apply his knowledge in practice.

Today, what inspires Rustam most is the opportunity to work as part of a team and contribute to the university’s development through his everyday work.

“I am inspired by the opportunity to achieve remarkable results through my daily work and teamwork, and to contribute to our university reaching new heights on the global stage,” he says.

Rustam’s main advice to students is simple: don’t be afraid of making mistakes and keep trying new things. He recommends having a clear plan, setting priorities, and avoiding tasks that do not bring meaningful results.

He also emphasizes the importance of building professional connections. Even while studying, students can meet new people, connect with potential employers, find mentors, and build relationships with future partners.

“Learn your craft, make the most of what your professors teach you, and go beyond it. All the opportunities to do so are there,” Rustam says.

Looking back on his university years, Rustam would tell his younger self one simple thing:

“These six years will pass one way or another, and nothing can stop that. It’s up to you to decide how you spend them.”

For Rustam, those six years were about more than studying at the Medical School. They helped shape the professional skills, mindset, and experience that continue to support his career today.

His story is a reminder that a career path does not always follow a straight line. Sometimes, the knowledge and skills gained at university become the foundation for a new direction and new opportunities.