VILNIUS TECH alumna A. Mazuole’s passion for AI turned into a profession: meaningful projects in her portfolio

December 5, 2024
As technology and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to dominate, career success stories are becoming inspiring roadmaps for the younger generation as well as seasoned professionals planning a career change. One such story belongs to Akvile Mazuole, an alumna of the Faculty of Business Management at VILNIUS TECH, who entered the complex and rapidly changing world of artificial intelligence and innovation. She aimed to apply her knowledge and create value not only for herself but also for society.

Today, Akvile Mazuole is an active lecturer and business consultant, helping small business owners implement AI solutions in practice, while also educating others on how to apply popular AI solutions in both personal and professional lives.

VILNIUS TECH graduate A. Mazuole shares how she took her first steps in the AI field, which requires constant learning and improvement. Inspirational Akvile’s experience helps current and future professionals understand that success requires not only knowledge but also perseverance, curiosity, and the ability to adapt to the rapidly changing world of technology.

“Artificial intelligence attracted me because it combines creativity and analytical thinking,” recalls Akvile, who first became interested in AI technology during her master’s studies. “I was fascinated by how AI works, how it is created, the potential it holds in solving everyday problems, and how it can change our future.”

A turning point in her career came with the birth of her child, which prompted her to rethink her priorities and provided an opportunity to pursue new goals. “Family circumstances made me pause and think more about my future and what I truly want to achieve in life. I have always dreamt of contributing to education in Lithuania, creating added value for people. Thus, AI, along with training and consulting, allowed me to get closer to that dream and became an inseparable part of my daily life. This led to the creation of the ‘Through the Eyes of Intelligence’ project in 2023, inspired by my understanding that there is still a lack of information and outreach about artificial intelligence in Lithuania. I realized that to foster innovation and improvement, we must start with education and knowledge dissemination. Therefore, the main goal of ‘Through the Eyes of Intelligence’ is to introduce as many people in Lithuania to the possibilities of artificial intelligence, helping them work faster, more efficiently, and create greater added value, so that it becomes a real tool in daily routines and professional activities.”

Akvile states that the first years after her studies were full of challenges, as she had to quickly grasp the subtleties of AI technologies, cope with an intense learning pace, and adapt to working with large amounts of data.

“This required not only knowledge but also the ability to learn quickly, communicate in the social space, and work with new people, projects, as well as well-known brands in Lithuania,” says A. Mazuole. Despite the difficulties, moments of success were particularly motivating. “One of my key achievements was receiving the Artificial Intelligence Certificate from the European Information Technologies Certification Institute (EITCI). This recognition not only expanded my opportunities but also gave me a solid foundation to contribute to education in Lithuania, share knowledge about artificial intelligence, and promote its practical application. It confirmed that my chosen path is meaningful and evidently provides real value to society.”

The knowledge gained during her master’s studies provided a solid foundation and contributed to her successful career start. During her studies in Economic Engineering, she learned how to analyze and interpret large streams of data, which helped her work with AI models. The mathematical and statistical methods learnt during her studies allowed her to better understand how AI functions and optimize its efficiency.

“Equally important were the project management and strategic thinking skills. The practice gained during my studies in solving complex tasks helped me develop the ability to plan clearly, coordinate team actions, and manage large-scale projects. In the AI field, critical thinking and the ability to quickly solve problems are essential skills because decisions must be based on accurate data and rapid analysis,” adds Akvile.

Her master's studies not only provided her with knowledge but also with confidence in her abilities and the opportunity to step into the rapidly changing world of technology. Since the AI world changes not by days, but by hours, what seemed innovative yesterday can become an outdated practice tomorrow.

“Continuous improvement is the key and necessity in this field. I am glad that my master's studies helped me become not only a professional but also a person who confidently seeks new solutions,” she concludes.

She encourages students and young professionals to not only follow new developments but also apply the knowledge they gain in practice. Collaboration with other experts and learning from each other are essential to achieve success in this field.

“Every person I work with becomes my teacher. The exchange of ideas and discussions is an invaluable tool for growth both professionally and personally,” she says, referring to this constant learning journey as a necessity for achieving professional and personal success. “Science and innovation are the driving forces that inspire progress and the pursuit of more. Without them, you simply cannot survive in this field.”

For those considering a career in AI, Akvile advises: it’s important not to be afraid of making mistakes and experimenting, to remain curious and bold, because every mistake is a valuable lesson that helps you improve and grow, and every challenge will not only develop your knowledge but also give you more confidence in your abilities.

She also encourages never to lose curiousity and to continuously look for opportunities to learn, but stresses that jumping too quickly between subjects can lead to chaos and hinder the consolidation of existing skills.

“The most important things are perseverance and self-belief. In the field of artificial intelligence, constant curiousity is essential because this world changes incredibly quickly, and the knowledge you gain today may lay the foundation for new discoveries tomorrow. Also, don’t start learning something new until you’ve practically applied the knowledge you already have. Theoretical knowledge is only valuable when it becomes a tool for solving real problems,” says VILNIUS TECH alumna Akvile Mazuole.

Galerija

Related news

From biological bridges to living facades: how civil engineers are reshaping cities
From biological bridges to living facades: how civil engineers are reshaping cities
Modern buildings are no longer made of concrete and steel alone. Biology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable technologies are becoming an integral part of construction, transforming the way cities are designed and built. As technology advances and environmental awareness grows, civil engineers are developing innovative materials and construction methods that are more sustainable, durable, and environmentally responsible. One of these innovators is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ronaldas Jakubovskis, a researcher at the Faculty of Civil Engineering at VILNIUS TECH, whose work is helping shape the future of urban environments. Turning Research into Real-World Structures Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ronaldas Jakubovskis serves as a Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Innovative Building Structures, where his work focuses on developing advanced structural solutions through experimental testing, laboratory research, and numerical modelling. However, innovation rarely begins with a completely new idea. According to Dr. Jakubovskis, much of the research process is dedicated to analysing existing materials and construction technologies to understand how they can be improved. [caption id="attachment_88679" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Ronaldas Jakubovskis[/caption] „The most rewarding moment is when years of laboratory research become a real structure that can be built and experienced in a natural environment,“ he says. Although he works in academia, Dr. Jakubovskis sees himself primarily as a civil engineer supporting other civil engineers. While structural designers and project managers oversee the overall design of buildings and infrastructure – determining layouts, dimensions, and cost-effective construction solutions – researchers provide the specialised expertise needed to develop new materials and solve complex engineering challenges. „Practising engineers often don't have enough time to investigate highly specialised solutions or explore entirely new materials – that's where we come in. Sometimes we analyse complex structural behaviour through numerical modelling, and sometimes we investigate how emerging materials can be applied in construction. In my opinion, research engineers don't quite fit the traditional stereotype of scientists wearing white lab coats or solving abstract equations all day. Our work is highly practical—we often design, manufacture, and physically test new structural systems ourselves.“ Engineering That Leaves a Visible Legacy Among the projects he is most proud of is the Biological Bridge installed at the Kairėnai Botanical Garden, as well as the Living Concrete wall currently being developed for the rooftop of the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre. Both projects demonstrate how engineering can merge sustainability, science, and architectural design. „These projects represent the culmination of years of laboratory work and numerical modelling. They are demonstration structures that show what is possible when innovative materials meet advanced engineering. I also value their aesthetic qualities. Designing complex organic forms allows you to feel a little like a sculptor creating a work of art.“ Looking ahead, Dr. Jakubovskis believes his greatest achievements are still to come. His long-term vision is to create buildings with façades intentionally designed to be colonised by living organisms, allowing them to interact naturally with their environment while providing ecological and functional benefits. [caption id="attachment_88005" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Ronaldas Jakubovskis[/caption] „We are currently developing larger demonstration projects, seeking research funding, and expanding international collaborations. I believe that within the next five years, we'll be able to stand in front of one of these buildings and say: this is a significant achievement.“ A Profession That Will Still Matter in 100 Years For Dr. Jakubovskis, choosing civil engineering was an easy decision. Since childhood, he enjoyed watching buildings rise from the ground and observing construction sites and heavy machinery. „You don't need extraordinary dreams to become a civil engineer. If you want to build, you become an engineer. It's not like travelling to space or conducting research in Antarctica.“ What motivates him most is the opportunity to create structures that remain valuable for decades – or even centuries. „Every civil engineer feels proud when driving past a bridge or building they helped design, and they will always point it out to everyone in the car,“ he says with a smile. His own career began in structural design after completing his third year of university. He later pursued doctoral studies focusing on the cracking behaviour and deformation of reinforced concrete structures before returning to industry. Eventually, an invitation to rejoin VILNIUS TECH brought him back to academia. „I came back, and today I'm doing exactly what I truly enjoy.“ Advice for Future Engineers As both a researcher and lecturer at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Dr. Jakubovskis emphasises that a university education is essential for anyone pursuing a career in civil engineering. „It would be extremely difficult to master this profession through self-study alone. Should you begin with theoretical mechanics, mechanics of materials, or structural mechanics? University programmes are carefully designed so that knowledge develops step by step, preparing graduates to become highly qualified professionals.“ He also offers practical advice to prospective students: „Don't be afraid of mechanics, physics, or mathematics. Every semester, identify a few key subjects, understand them thoroughly, and make sure you truly master them. Once those foundations are in place, everything else builds naturally.“ Industry Investing in Future Engineers Preparing the next generation of civil engineers is a shared responsibility between universities and industry. As digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies continue to reshape construction, employers increasingly recognise the importance of investing in future talent. The Faculty of Civil Engineering at VILNIUS TECH enjoys long-standing partnerships with the Lithuanian Builders Association (LSA) and the Lithuanian Association of Civil Engineers (LSIS), both of which actively support education and professional development. The Faculty's industry partners – including Hanner, Gilesta, and Alvora – offer scholarships to first-year Civil Engineering students, helping talented young people begin their studies. Other partners, such as Naresta, PST Group, HSC Baltic, and numerous construction companies, contribute by delivering guest lectures, presenting real-life projects, and inviting students to construction sites, where they gain first-hand experience of modern engineering practice. These close collaborations ensure that VILNIUS TECH programmes remain aligned with industry needs while providing students with practical knowledge, professional skills, and valuable connections long before graduation. Learn more about Civil Engineering studies at VILNIUS TECH and discover how you can help shape the cities of tomorrow.
More
Discover JSTOR: Explore Scholarly Journals and Primary Sources
Discover JSTOR: Explore Scholarly Journals and Primary Sources
With exams behind you and more time available for independent exploration, we invite you to take advantage of VILNIUS TECH’s subscribed database, the JSTOR Archival Journals and Primary Sources Collection. This collection offers not only scholarly articles but also original historical documents, images, primary sources, manuscripts, plant specimens, cultural heritage objects, and other unique materials. JSTOR also provides access to more than 4,000 academic journals covering a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, politics, psychology, economics, business, life sciences, natural sciences, the arts, and more. By combining scholarly articles and primary sources on a single platform, JSTOR makes it easier to discover new research perspectives, uncover unexpected connections across disciplines, and enrich both study and research activities. What can you discover in JSTOR? Nineteenth-century pamphlets on technological innovations and social change. Historical letters, speeches, and documents. Millions of plant specimens from around the world. Photographs, maps, and 3D models of cultural heritage objects. Works of art, posters, and historical photographs. More than 4,000 academic journals across a wide range of disciplines. Access is available from VILNIUS TECH computer network or via VPN. As a security measure, two-factor authentication is additionally required (i.e. verification from mobile device app or by call).
More