Anastasia Rozenson, ICEF Student, Holder of Econometrics Universiade Prize 2025
About joining the Econometrics Universiade
Anastasia, congratulations on winning the prize from the Econometrics Universiade! What led you to join this contest and which part of it seemed most exciting and challenging?
I first learned about the Universiade from my econometrics teacher, Oleg Zamkov. It immediately got me interested as an opportunity to test my knowledge outside of usual academic environment and by competing with people from other schools. The most challenging part of it was switching to Russian when writing the solutions to the problems. At ICEF, we explore and learn to apply econometric terms using solely English.
What helped you prepare for the contest? Did you use any non-standard sources or approaches?
I reviewed the tasks from previous years. They prompted the topics and the types of problems to expect at this year’s Universiade. Once I gained a clear idea of theme, I looked through my old notes and homework I did earlier.
This is what I normally do also to prepare for my ICEF exams. I find this approach effective. And I try to do all sorts of problems. This cultivates the in-depth understanding of which concepts or lines of reasoning fit and which don’t, and how to calibrate analysis according to conditions given – instead of just memorizing formulas and methods.
Why econometrics? What attracted you to it?
Apart from Econometrics, which is obviously an important course, a huge role was played by Advanced Statistics that I took a year earlier. It was this course that gave me a profound understanding of using matrices to estimate model parameters. No Universiade goes without a task involving multiple independent variables, so from this perspective my skills proved highly useful.
Also, an important part of my grounding in econometrics was laid by the Statistics classes in my first year, when I first discovered linear regression and how to estimate it.
About research and ICEF Academia
You completed the course of ICEF Academia. Can you tell more about its contents?
It includes Advanced Statistics that I mentioned earlier. ICEF Academia is a two-part course. Part One offers a detailed study into stochastic processes and special features of applying statistical methods in finance, while Part Two represents an excellent introduction to Econometrics and had helped me to prepare for going deeper into this discipline and for the Universiade.
Do you already have ideas or topics to explore as part of your bachelor’s thesis?
I’m planning to go forward with the topic I have started recently – the impact of artificial intelligence on economic growth. I aim to develop a theoretical model of economic growth that would be inclusive of this new achievement of technological progress. The conceptual framework of my study sets itself apart by viewing current intellectualization within systems as fundamentally distinct from all previous know-hows, when any new technology came down to nothing more than enhancing the performance of a process or equipment.
How does your research work benefit you in the study of your core curriculum? What skills are you honing?
My research work allows me to apply my knowledge not only in problem-solving, but also to correctly formulate problems. One important skill I’m trying to hone is critical thinking. By carefully analyzing model assumptions and considering diverse perspectives on a problem, I am learning to avoid confirmation bias. For example, a study into the effects of artificial intelligence requires the understanding of both economic and tech side of its functioning, as well as of its potential.
About the summer school and extra academic activities
Anastasia, you have been to SWUFE Summer School in China’s Chengdu. What theme was it dedicated to?
The Summer School was dedicated to the management practices adopted in the Eastern and the Western cultures. It included a series of lectures, some involving teamwork to prepare mini presentations, as a core activity, as well as Chinese classes and vibrant cultural immersion with multiple tours to experience the Chinese culture. One of them took us to the Panda Base in Chengdu, Sichuan. And we also had the chance to taste the Chinese national cuisine and its various dishes.
About personal interests and study-life balance
ICEF is famous for its high-paced learning. How do you manage to balance your academic load with other commitments?
My first year in ICEF was the most challenging in this respect, with intense class schedule and extra seminars to attend for better assimilation of material. However, as classroom instruction reduced in the second year, I approached my third year with more time and flexibility for self-directed learning. Now I can balance my course load with other commitments more effectively.
Do you have any passions or hobbies that help you regain mental and physical strength after studying?
Sports, especially jogging. They are my best way to promote relaxation and energy restoration after long study sessions. Sometimes during workouts I listen to course materials, but most times I listen to the music — it is my most restorative practice.
What would you advise to our first-year students who seek to excel in studies and do courses like ICEF Academia or academic contests?
My most important advice is embark on your tasks and projects early. By doing so, you ensure you can leave them alone when you’re stuck and return to them with a fresh mind. My other piece of advice is don’t be afraid to try yourself in various activities and projects. Try them in your early days in ICEF and take optional courses that suit your interests. This is how you can discover where your true inspiration lies.