"Master’s Programme in STI at HSE has been a major turning point in my career"
One word that sums up my journey in Russia so far is “spectacular”. It can say that “the Master’s Programme in STI at HSE has been a major turning point in my career”. The three main opportunities that the Master’s Programme has provided me are, prospect of an exciting career through a multidisciplinary programme, develop myself as a researcher in field of science, technology and innovation, study in an environment that has global perspective.
The STI programme offers a wide variety of courses which are designed keeping in mind the current trends in the field of STI, providing you with a platform that helps in transition of a university graduate, into an achiever who challenges and designs the future. The courses such as ‘STI policy’, ‘Foresight and Strategic Planning’, ‘Business Model Innovation’ etc. have broadened my horizons in ever dynamic field of innovation and technology by keeping me abreast with all the essential knowledge required by a next generation professional. The programme always gives you that extra edge, which turns everyone in the lecture room give their personal best. Since my fellow students are from different backgrounds and professions, I always get the opportunity to learn about the latest trends in their field during research seminars; even though I come from a technical background and had quite less knowledge about management and economics but the structure of Master’s Programme has removed this shortcoming. Before coming here, I had no idea about how research work is performed, but after getting valuable guidance from my supervisor and faculty, I have become a budding researcher in field of innovation. Here I have gained skills such as developing research plans, writing research materials, creating business and marketing strategies, developing foresight plans etc. With these competencies, I can work as a professional or researcher in different MNC’s government organisations or academic institutions.
Not only this, I am currently involved in research cum internship work at HSE to hone my research skills even further. Now, I have the required expertise to develop critical reports, insights and knowledge from vast resources available in the field of STI, these tasks once seemed extremely difficult to me and the programme gave me the capability to turn my weaknesses into my strengths. It’s true that on an international scene students don’t consider Russia as a top destination for education, even I had the same notions, but after joining the Master’s Programme, my perspective has definitely changed. The double-degree and exchange programme options with top global universities make the programme even more exciting by giving it a global reach.
Living in Russia as an international student comes with lots of benefits. Here, I got the opportunity to make friends from almost every continent in the world. This gave me an opportunity to know about language, culture and cuisine of so many nations that expanded my knowledge about the world. In economic aspect, Russia is quite affordable for students; the education is subsidised for international students and if you have great academic and professional credentials, you can even get a chance to study free of cost like me. Students get discounts in subway, cafes, museums, dormitories and where not, that helps in saving lots of money. Before coming here I had no experience of living in dormitories, thus it was little difficult for me to adjust at first, but my friends at dormitory came as a blessing in disguise; they guided and helped me in registration, opening bank account and even buying groceries which seem small tasks but are quite challenging if you don’t speak Russian. Thus, I can say that living in dormitories with student community is a great way to discover new things and meet exciting people.
It’s true that Russia is very different than my own country India and at first glance might seem cold and quite boring. But if you have the attitude of exploring new things then there is no place better than Russia. Since coming here I feel that Russia is my new home away from the country where I was born. Wherever I go in Moscow, people are always welcoming and excited to meet me and know about my country and culture. This makes me think that Russians know very well how to treat outsiders and make them feel special. My course mates have been very helpful in this regard; they always offer me chance to enjoy typical Russian hospitality. Sometimes, I feel being fortunate of living in such a beautiful city and center of world power, Moscow. The vintage architecture, beautiful boulevards and amazing parks can be found all over the city. Apart from this, Moscow has numerous places to spend leisure time and explore the true Russian lifestyle. Living here has made me understand Russia and its people, about which I knew very less about. Overall, my Russian sojourn has been full of surprises and I am very excited about exploring even more both professionally and personally.
By Shashank Pant