‘Most Subjects Require Skills in Programming Languages Such as R and Python’
Is it possible to study economics and programming at the same time, and more importantly, why is it necessary? Arina Ogurtsova is studying on HSE University’s full-time online Master’s programme in Economic Analysis while also taking the Python Developer course at Yandex Practicum. In their interview, Arina and the staff of the programmes talk about how economics and IT are inseparable and why combining disciplines is useful.
Master Two Specialties at Once
Arina Ogurtsova
— Why did you choose this educational path?
— I am interested in two areas: economics and programming. HSE University’s online Master’s in Economic Analysis allows me to get a full-time higher education remotely without being tied to the campus, so I can simultaneously master another field. Is it convenient to study two specialties in depth at the same time? I can safely say ‘yes!’ After all, in the Economic Analysis programme, most of the subjects require skills for working with programming languages such as R and Python, which I study on the Python Developer course at Yandex Practicum. Students of the online Master’s can choose which language they prefer and operate with it, or use both.
— What online master’s courses are you most interested in?
— For me, the most relevant disciplines are related to econometric analysis, in particular econometrics, time series and panel data analysis. However, despite my interest in econometric modelling, I have always been keen on macroeconomics as well. My project work is related to macroeconomic modelling. Speaking about project activities, mentor Elena Vakulenko’s seminar ‘Instrumental Methods in Economics’ turned out to be very useful. I was able to hone my skills at writing research papers.
If you don’t understand something, you can contact the track mentors. They have helped me many times to resolve controversial issues, decide on the choice of project, and advise me on the disciplines that are most important to me. Each teacher not only provides knowledge, but also engages your interest with their unique presentation of the material. Personal communication is excellent. Everyone is interested in helping the students, and our educational dynamics are important to them.
— How did you choose the subject?
— It was not an easy task, but I managed to do it. And not only did I find an exciting area to work in, but, more importantly, I became a member of the academic community. HSE University is known not only for its good specialists, but also for its friendly community of ambitious and enthusiastic people. This is exactly what I was looking for when I applied. Our community is brimming with scientific interest, knowledge, and the individual experience of its members.
In HSE University’s Centre for Productivity Studies, I deal with the topic of potential GDP. I like the way the work process is organised. I have the chance to always be in touch with Academic Supervisor Ilya Voskoboynikov—not only via email, but also via individual online consultations.
— What advice would you give to prospective students of the programme?
— If you wish to get practical skills above all else, learn how to independently conduct research, and implement complex but interesting tasks in it, then this programme is definitely for you. Within my bachelor’s programme in economics, I received extensive theoretical knowledge, which is why practical work is a priority to me in my master’s programme. Find tasks that interest you and enjoy working on them!
The HSE Online YouTube channel features a video podcast on ‘Who are Econometricians, What do they do? How to find time for study, work and family?’.
Yandex Practicum as a Base for HSE University’s Master’s Programme
Elena Vakulenko
In the Practicum courses, students solve tasks that imitate the problems and conditions of real work projects, and in the online Master’s programme they learn to conduct research on their own. ‘Studying at Yandex Practicum gives applicants of the programme an opportunity to receive additional training in higher mathematics. This is especially relevant to applicants with a background in humanities or those who studied a long time ago and have forgotten the details of mathematical disciplines,’ explains Elena Vakulenko, Academic Supervisor of the online Master’s programme in Economic Analysis.
The remote learning format makes it possible to study two specialties in depth at once, but the workload is high. To motivate other students to repeat Arina’s experience, HSE University offers a 10% discount for applicants to the Master’s programme in Economic Analysis to everyone who takes the Mathematics for Data Analysis course at Yandex Practicum.
Valeria Solodovnikova
The staff of Practicum believe that online courses are an excellent base for mastering HSE University’s master’s programmes. ‘We are grateful to HSE University for appreciating our educational expertise. Our programmes have different goals and learning formats, but together they will help students gain a diverse range of knowledge and broaden their horizons,’ commented Valeria Solodovnikova, head of the product group at the Yandex Practicum backend faculty.
Learn more about online bachelor’s and master’s programmes offered at HSE University in its course catalogue. To keep up to date with the latest news, join HSE Online’s groups on Telegram and VK.