Elbek Erkinboev: The Choice That Led Him into the World of AI

When Elbek Erkinboev was choosing a university in 2021, he faced a difficult decision: enroll in a state university or place his trust in the then-young Central Asian University (formerly Akfa University).

For many, it seemed like a risky choice. The university was only beginning its journey, but Elbek was inspired by its ambition and the opportunity to become part of something new.

He enrolled in the Computer Science program because, like many applicants at the time, he believed that the future belonged to IT.

The first months of study were challenging. Having studied Russian and German at school, Elbek had only a basic knowledge of English. To keep up with the program, he had to improve his language skills quickly.

During this period, the support of his professors played a crucial role. They helped him adapt to the new academic environment and were always ready to explain even the most complex topics.

Over time, Elbek realized that the university offered much more than academic knowledge.

According to him, one of its greatest strengths was the freedom to choose. Students could combine work with their studies, explore different fields, participate in projects, and shape their own educational journey.

The Scholarship system also became a strong source of motivation, rewarding academic performance while fostering healthy competition that closely reflected the realities of a professional environment.

Equally valuable was the university's close connection with industry. Throughout their studies, students visited companies, met industry professionals, participated in educational trips, and secured internships long before graduation.

It was this environment that helped Elbek discover what he truly wanted to do.

Although he enrolled in Computer Science, he soon realized that traditional programming was not the career he wanted to pursue.

"The university gave me a strong foundation. But more importantly, it helped me discover what I was truly passionate about."

Since childhood, Elbek had been drawn to creativity. He enjoyed filming, working with visuals, and creating content. During his third year, he decided to join the university's media center.

He started as an intern, later became an assistant video editor, then a video editor, and eventually an assistant videographer.

At the same time, artificial intelligence was rapidly transforming the creative industry.

A major influence on his career choice was Bakhadir Jumabayev, Head of the CAU Media Center. With his guidance and Elbek's growing interest in emerging technologies, he realized that AI was the field in which he wanted to build his future.

Today, Elbek works as an AI Specialist at Central Asian University.

He creates AI-powered visuals for the university's marketing projects, producing images, videos, and creative concepts using artificial intelligence.

For him, this is far more than just a job.

He continuously explores the global AI creative landscape, studies the work of leading creators, experiments with prompts, and masters new AI tools.

"Work feels like a hobby. I do what I genuinely love, while fully understanding the responsibility that comes with it and always striving to give my best."

Looking back, Elbek believes that sometimes the most important decision is to have the courage to change your original plan.

That is why he encourages future students not to limit themselves to the curriculum. Instead, they should explore different fields, build personal projects, stay curious, and surround themselves with people who inspire growth.

According to him, these are the steps that help you discover work that motivates you every single day.

If he could give one piece of advice to his younger self as a student, it would be:

"Follow what truly excites you, even if it means changing your original plan."