In this interview, Olzhas and Bektur, distinguished alumni of the DTM program, reflect on their career trajectories before and after their participation in the program. They share insights into how DTM has influenced their professional growth and shaped their roles as executives in various sports federations in Kazakhstan. Their journey includes impactful experiences such as their recent visit to South Korea, where they engaged with the DTM community and discussed future collaborations. As they continue to excel in their fields, Olzhas and Bektur emphasize the importance of networking, setting ambitious goals, and cherishing the invaluable connections forged through the DTM program. They express optimism for the program’s ongoing development and eagerly anticipate opportunities for international collaboration in the world of sports management.
- Please introduce yourself briefly.
Olzhas: I am the first DTM batch alumnus. Currently I work as the Executive Director of Kazakhstan Ice Skating Union and Secretary General of Kazakhstan Taekwondo Federation.
Bektur: I am the 8th batch DTM alumnus. I work as the Sports Director in Kazakhstan Skating Union and starting a new project as an executive director in Kazakhstan Triathlon Federation.
- What did you do before DTM and what did you pursue after the DTM Program?
Olzhas: I used to be a taekwondoin in national youth categories. I had a chance to exchange experience with Korean athletes. Later I started working in Korean Culture Center in Kazakhstan. That is where I found out about the DTM program and became the first batch student from Kazakhstan. After the graduation I started working as a Sports Manager in Kazakhstan Taekwondo Federation. From 2016 to 2022 I worked as a Senior Sports Manager and the Head of Winter Olympic Sports Division on the NOC.
Bektur: I worked in of sports nutrition companies during my studies in the university in Kazakhstan. After finishing a master program in Spain, I started working in the NOC in 2016. I used to be a Sports Manager and later became the Head of the Summer Olympic Sports Division of the NOC.
Olzhas introduced me to the DTM program and I became the 8th batch student. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 I was one of the students who could not reach Seoul and made it online.
- How did DTM affect your career you are doing now?
The program definitely made us better as sports managers and persons. The knowledge, experience and the friendship with the classmates all over the world is priceless. As the years go by we keep meeting DTM alumni everywhere we go and that definitely helps. You get the feeling of meeting a family member.
- What brought you to Korea earlier in 2023 and the roles you had?
We came to Korea in 2023 from the Kazakhstan Skating Union to support our team in World Short-Track Speed Skating Championship in Seoul. It must be said that it was a good season – previously we successfully hosted two Short Track Speed Skating World Cup stages. Moreover, our skater Denis Nikisha became the number one athlete in overall season ranking in 500 meters distance.
- How was your trip to Korea and the roundtable?
Olzhas: It was great to visit the campus one more time after so many years. We were happy to find some time to visit the SNU and meet the DTM family. We were lucky to meet Dr. Kang who kindly found time in his busy schedule and gave us a couple of great advices.
Bektur: The trip was special for me because it was my first visit to SNU and I was making it as the alumnus. It was great to meet the DTM staff in person. We tried to share the knowledge and experience in sports industry in the roundtable with DTM students. The feedback from the DTM family was great. Currently we are working on developing the Sports Management course for students in Kazakhstan. The DTM have taught us to aim high. So maybe someday we could come back to SNU as lecturers for the DTM program.
- What are some future plans or achievements you would like to share?
We are working in sports federations and contributing to the development of the sports in our country. Apart from everything else that should be called the most important one.
Also, Kazakhstan Skating Union was honored as the best sports federation in Kazakhstan in 2022. The NOC and the DTM was a precious experience and we will be always grateful for it. We keep on setting goals and developing our careers in sports federations
- What was the most memorable thing while you were a DTM student?
Olzhas: The whole experience of my DTM journey was a great experience. I had a chance to meet people all over the world and we are still friends today. The DTM staff, the professors had a significant impact on my career development.
Bektur: I had to find time to work and study at the same time. I don’t think I will ever forget coming to the office at 5 a.m. to attend the first lecture of the day and then switching to work mode. I am still amazed that you can actually become friends with people via internet.
- What would you advise for the current students in DTM and future Students?
Work smart, do not forget to meet people and socialize because the DTM family is getting bigger every year and you will meet DTM alumni all over the world in the future.
- Freely write your thoughts or experiences after the DTM program.
We hope that the DTM program will continue to develop for many years and we will have chances to make joint international projects.
By DTM & Olzhas Besbayev (1st Batch), Bektur Kiyatbay (8th Batch)
