The guest of February’s “Rector’s Coffee with a Graduate” was Paweł Surmacz, a graduate of the University of Information Technology and Management in IT, who studied the Internet of Things and Computer Networks. He currently works as an IT specialist at the Municipal Office in Łańcut and also serves as head of the IT department. At the same time, he runs the company HELPO Network.

During a meeting with Dr Barbara Przywara, Vice-Rector for Teaching, and Dr Konrad Szocik, Vice-Rector for Science and International Collaboration, Paweł Surmacz said, among other things, that choosing to study information technology was a natural choice for him, as he had been working in IT infrastructure for years. “The programme allowed me to organise the knowledge I had gained in practice and take a broader look at issues I was familiar with, particularly in the areas of automation, programming and a comprehensive approach to IT systems,” explains Paweł.

Paweł Surmacz recommends studying at UITM

Our graduate chose the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów as his alma mater very consciously. “I wanted to study at a university that combines theory with practice. I was looking for a university where the lecturers have real professional experience and are able to relate the topics discussed to real-life problems,” says Paweł. “The wide range of specialisations and the UITM’s good reputation in the IT community were also big advantages. I saw UITM as a place that really supports professional development, not just a place to get a degree,” he adds.

Paweł applies the knowledge he gained during his studies to both administrative and design work, including planning IT infrastructure, ensuring system security, and implementing and coordinating IT projects. The subjects developing organisational and managerial skills also proved to be of great value during his studies at UITM.

“I would definitely recommend studying at UITM to both those starting their careers and those with years of experience who want to organise or expand their knowledge. For me, studying was more than just earning a degree. It was a period of growth, discussions, sharing experiences, and building relationships that genuinely impact my future career path,” says the UITM graduate.

Who is Paweł Surmacz?

Paweł Surmacz currently works as an IT specialist at the Municipal Office in Łańcut and also serves as head of the IT department. Simultaneously, he runs HELPO Network, a company that offers comprehensive IT services, ranging from IT infrastructure design and maintenance to IT outsourcing and cybersecurity, as well as video surveillance systems and fibre-optic networks. HELPO Network also carries out web projects. “We want to ensure that our clients do not have to divide their IT services between several companies. We provide comprehensive, consistent support for the entire IT environment,” explains Paweł.

“We are currently implementing cybersecurity projects as part of nationwide programmes, as well as modernising network infrastructure in educational institutions and local government units. At the same time, we are working on the preparation of the HELPO Cloud hosting platform, which is currently in the design stage,” he adds.

What is “Rector’s Coffee with a Graduate”?

Rector’s Coffee with a Graduate is a series of meetings between UITM graduates and the Rector’s Office, aimed at maintaining links and collaboration across shared areas, such as workshops for students, student internships, projects, and business partnerships, as well as developing the Alumni Club’s activities.