IT families: Aslan Dukanbay and Usen Zhumagulov

Aslan Dukenbay, city — Astana, software engineer, Instagram

Usen Zhumagulov, city — Astana, circuit engineer

About Us

Aslan. I work as a Software Engineer in the Sergek Patrol team at Sergek Group.

Usen. I am an engineer in the engineering department of Sergek Group, specializing in circuit design, as a Circuit Engineer.

How We Entered the IT Field

Aslan. We are from the city of Ayagoz in the East Kazakhstan Region. In 2011, our family moved to Astana, where I attended School-Lyceum No. 48. Since childhood, I found exact sciences such as mathematics and physics easy to grasp. After school, I enrolled in Moscow State University (MSU) majoring in Mathematics. At the university, we had programming courses, which helped me master C++ and Python and build a strong mathematical foundation. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I continued my studies in the master’s program at MSU.

During my studies, I realized that it is important for me to create in-demand products that work thanks to my knowledge and efforts. Moreover, IT specialists are currently in high demand. That is how I decided to become a programmer.

My journey in IT began in 2021–2022, during my first year of master’s studies. My first job was as a Data Engineer at the headquarters of Sberbank in Moscow, where I used Python and Bash. There, I also became familiar with backend, frontend, computer networks, and other areas. In 2023, I returned to Astana and joined Sergek in May.

At first, it was challenging because the project requires broad knowledge. In addition to programming, we work with mathematics, physics, radars, cameras, GPS devices, computer networks, and microprocessors. Over two years, I gained extensive experience and currently hold the position of Middle Software Engineer 2. My work involves writing code that takes into account mathematical and physical models and interacts with additional devices.

Usen. By education, I am a telecommunications specialist—I graduated from the Institute of Telecommunications in Almaty. I went through the entire career path from line worker to chief engineer: I worked as an electromechanic, mechanic, and senior mechanic. I was involved in installing telephone exchanges and laying multi-channel communication equipment for state farms and district centers. Essentially, my work has always been close to IT.

In 2020, I officially entered the IT field, but in fact, from 2016 to 2020, I helped the Sergek team: I designed enclosures for cameras, developed device placement schemes, and provided support whenever needed. Later, I joined Sergek permanently.

Joint Projects or Initiatives in IT

Aslan. We both work on the Sergek Patrol project. If a radar, camera, or microprocessor fails, engineers assist with repairs. There are cases when a problem seems to be software-related, but the code is fine—in such situations, my father and his colleagues check the power supply and circuit design.

My father always gives me valuable advice on work. If something doesn’t work, I can be confident that he will find a solution. He knows his field down to the smallest details, and I appreciate that.

Usen. Aslan is a young specialist, and I try to guide him. I give practical advice: how to build relationships with management, be fair, and perform work accurately and responsibly. In Sergek Patrol, we check power supplies and circuit design, and we consult not only on IT matters but also on organizational issues.

Recommendations for a Happy Family Life

Aslan and Usen. The main thing is to maintain a balance between work and personal life. Here are several recommendations:

— it is important not to blur the boundaries between work and family. Even if one family member works in the office and the other works remotely, it is necessary to find time for communication
— in IT families, conversations often revolve around technology, but it is important to develop personal interests to maintain balance

— working in the same field helps support each other and learn new technologies together

— if children are interested in IT, it is important to give them freedom of choice and not limit them only to this field

— disagreements and competition may arise in the professional environment, but the main thing is to remain calm and discuss issues constructively

— with remote work, everyone needs a personal workspace, a clear schedule for work and rest

— work is important, but the main thing is care and respect in the family.

If you maintain balance and support each other, you can be happy both in work and in family life.

How IT Families Differ from Others

Aslan and Usen. In our home, we discuss not only household issues but also complex technological topics. We constantly learn from each other and share experience. IT specialists think analytically, so even household tasks are solved systematically. Technology develops rapidly, and we are always in the process of learning.

We discuss work issues at home, but we observe boundaries: we keep commercial information confidential and use complex terms in conversation to avoid revealing project details.

Ultimately, an IT family is not just a shared interest in technology, but a lifestyle in which work, learning, and support go hand in hand.