'The second degree from LUISS definitely contributed to my professional success'

First alumnus of the double degree program between MIB at HSE and MIM at LUISS, Sergey Tsoller, has shared his invaluable experience of studying in Rome

Current job: P&G, Associate Brand Manager
Prior education: State University of Management, Russia; Pforzheim University, Germany
Professional areas of interest: Marketing 
Languages proficient in: Russian, English, German, Italian (basics)

Sergey, could you please share your life story with us?

I am originally from Orenburg, Russia, and I came to Moscow to pursue my bachelor’s degree. Learning foreign languages had never been my priority at that time as I was convinced I would go back to my home town after graduation and start my job and my life there. However, I soon discovered that there was an opportunity to study abroad in Germany, and I decided to take it. Of course I had to study vigorously for the IELTS exam, but I brushed up on my English and participated in the double degree program with Pforzheim University. This experience changed me forever. I realized that the world was so much more than the life I had previously envisioned for myself; that there were so many wonderful opportunities I couldn’t help but explore. The MIB program at HSE was the only program that met all my demands: practical orientation, instruction in English and multiple opportunities to study abroad. I realized in my first year of studies that I wanted to pursue a double degree and after consulting the MIB study office I was convinced I wanted to go to Rome. 

What was your motivation to pursue a double degree? Why did you choose LUISS?

I knew I would use one of the exchange opportunities offered by the MIB in my second year. I did not see that much difference between an exchange semester abroad and a double degree other than the master thesis defense, so naturally it made more sense to pursue a double degree. I read many reviews about LUISS University, I really liked the course offerings; and, of course, Italy and Rome in particular is a place that everybody would want to visit at least once, and given that I had never been to Italy before, all came together to form my decision. 

And how did you find your experience of studying and living in Rome?

My journey to Rome began well ahead of my actual arrival with my search for a place to stay, which was not easy. When I arrived my first impression was “wow, the campus looks fantastic!” The university is located in a picturesque 19th-century villa with an adjacent park; there is almost any student group, activity or club imaginable – from gardening [LUISS has its own garden where students can cultivate their own vegetables, fruits and flowers] to a language café where no one speaks their native language, to high-tech rooms that host prominent LUISS guest speakers such as Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook and many more. Everything is very convenient: rooms are very modern and spacious, you can walk around campus and relax in the park and even watch parrots pecking pomegranate seeds - this was very exciting to see at a university! Needless to say, the ancient city of Rome is one of the world’s cultural heritage sites, so there is always something to explore. There was enough time after studies to explore Rome and travel.

In which aspects is the program at LUISS different from the MIB?

I would say in Italy in general, and likewise at LUISS, the courses are more theory-oriented. Just like in the MIB, most instructors are practitioners, but they focus mainly on the theoretical part of their subjects. Hence the large size of groups – there were about 100 people in my group alone! Classes also met in almost exclusively lecture-format.Also we had fewer group projects within the LUISS courses than we had in the MIB. What courses and instructors did you appreciate the most and why?
I find it hard to single out any particular course or instructor, as the quality of all courses was good. I liked some instructor’s approaches and can say that each course had certain unique highlights. Organizational Design was a completely new course to me. The information we received in this course did not mirror anything I had previously learned, so it was very interesting. Markets, Regulations and Law was an entirely case-based course, which I also enjoyed.

What are the most important and useful skills you have acquired while being a LUISS student?

Communication skills! Any international experience is first and foremost about communication; this is something you can never stop learning or improving. Being able to submerge in an atmosphere filled with completely different people who perceive things differently than you, and especially working with those people makes you so much more flexible and willing to compromise. Through communication you develop incredible self-awareness and suddenly begin to realize what your passions truly are, what path you want to take. This kind of acquired emotional intelligence is key to one’s overall success.

Sergey, could you share with us your brightest memories from LUISS?

I will try to be original with my answer to this question. (laughs) I absolutely love to travel and I used to think that Germany was the transportation center of Europe. Now I know that it is Rome. Rome is the place you want to be if you like air travel. Rome has two international airports which host almost any airline imaginable, from budget airlines to full-service national carriers. They fly everywhere and one can find the cheapest flights possible – I had never before imagined one can travel to Africa for only €20! I have discovered about 12 new countries while living in Rome. The value for money is absolutely incredible. 

Did obtaining a second master’s degree from LUISS help your chances of securing a desired job? What are your plans for the future?

My current manager would still not admit why he picked me out of all the applicants! (laughs) He is originally from Rome, which is a very funny coincidence. The second degree from LUISS definitely contributed to my professional success, but I would rather say that my career growth came from the combination of several factors: the knowledge and experience I received in the MIB, my previous international experience, and my time in Rome. My interests are with marketing and I am planning to stay in this area in the future.

Sergey, are you a different person today after completing your year abroad?

The entire international experience, from Germany to Rome, has changed my life. Like I have already mentioned, I had originally been planning to return to my hometown, and now my horizon lies far beyond Moscow and even one country! The opportunities are really endless, everything depends on you. 
What were your expectations prior to entering the Double degree program and were they met?
My expectations were not met, but in a positive way! Everything turned out to be very different from what I had envisioned myself. I can’t be happier about my experience; I simply imagined Rome, LUISS and the program differently before my trip.

What would you change?

I would add more Italian language hours as what we learned wasn’t sufficient enough to communicate with people in the streets and at stores. I know it is not relevant to this year’s and future MIB double degree students, but we did not choose a specialization. My specialization was more related to finance, which was good; however I would also have liked to take courses from other specializations to diversify my curriculum. I know now it’s possible.And last but not least, I wish I had taken many more pictures on the LUISS campus! (laughs)

What would you say to prospective DD students?

Plan to travel a lot! Make the most of this opportunity. Don’t think that the residence permit [permesso di soggiorno] inhibits your ability to leave and reenter Italy. Your residence permit will take a very long time to obtain, and is in no way associated with your eligibility to travel.
Spare no time looking for accommodation in Rome; it is very hard and many landlords try to trick you. I started looking six months ahead of my planned arrival time. There is no single database for all places listed for rent, so I recommend trying different sources like uniplaces, airbnb, an of course using LUISS resources. 
Renting a car is not a good idea in Rome; a scooter would be the best alternative. I suggest using public transport. Make sure you can navigate the public transport system somewhat before embarking on a journey as it can be tricky to use.
If you still decide to rent a car or a scooter, make sure you obtain an international edition of your home country’s driver’s license. Despite the fact that the new format domestic Russian driver’s license is valid in Italy, local police are not aware of it yet and your encounter with them will likely result in large fines. 
And most importantly, be flexible and push your interests! Don’t be shy, ask questions; there are plenty of services the university has to offer, and the LUISS staff are very helpful.