Community

In 2026, Kirill Li graduated from the Bachelor's programme 'International Programme in Business and Economics' at HSE University–St Petersburg. During his studies, he undertook an internship in fintech and, as a result, became a digital product manager at Alfa Bank. Read on to find out how to choose your professional sphere and combine studies and work.

Ihsannudin, from Indonesia, graduated from the GSB Master's Programme 'Electronic Business and Digital Innovations' in 2023. He is the CEO and founder of a tour operator specialising in travel from Indonesia to Russia. The company has organised more than 60 group tours, serving over 1,500 Indonesian travellers. In this interview with the HSE News Service, Ihsannudin shares his insights on building an international business, the importance of a competitive academic environment, and the knowledge and skills essential for becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Warda Tariq, from Pakistan, completed her Master’s in Data Science at HSE University–Moscow in 2024. She is now undertaking a PhD at the Faculty of Computer Science while working remotely as an AI/ML developer. Warda spoke to the HSE News Service about blending theory and practice, what an HSE education provides apart from academic knowledge, and her advice for making the most of university.

Anna Gonzales, a Peruvian graduate of the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at HSE University, completed her Master’s in International Business in 2024. Currently based in Moscow, she works remotely as Marketing Team Lead at Digital Tide, an international IT company. In this interview, Anna reflects on her academic journey at HSE University. From landing her first job as a student to advancing through roles in marketing and technology, Anna shares her insights on cross-cultural collaboration and the lasting value of her HSE education.

Polina Yurova studied integrated communications at HSE University, and later, when she cofounded the EGGSELLENT gastronomic project, she experienced firsthand the importance of bringing people together for everyone's benefit. In this interview with Success Builder, she talks about the evolution of her business, the value of mistakes as a source of unique experience, and the importance of always leaving room for chance events.

Valery Kolesov is a seasoned and accomplished director, screenwriter, and producer. He was also the first student to enrol in the Film Production Programme at the HSE Campus in Perm. We spoke with Valery about his journey into the film industry and why there's no need to fear starting a new career—even if you've never worked in film before.

Amal Saidov is a 2022 graduate of the Bachelor's programme 'Economics'. During his studies, Amal made the most of the opportunities available at HSE University: he participated in an academic mobility programme, spent a year in Spain, got transferred to a state-funded place, and participated in case championships and educational schools. This experience helped him to start a career in the Big Four, work in several countries, and continue his career path at B1 as a senior consultant in the Business Tax Advisory department.

Md Naoshad Jaman Chowdhury, 31, from Dhaka, Bangladesh, obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance and an MBA (International Business) from Dhaka University and graduated from the Master’s Programme in Management and Analytics for Business of HSE University in St Petersburg. Now he works as an HR Analyst at Brain Station 23 PLC, a prominent software company in Bangladesh. Naoshad Jaman talked to the HSE News Service about his career path, the skills he acquired during his studies at HSE University, the challenges he faced while learning Russian, and his plans to become an academic—complete with a big cup of coffee and professor jokes.

Maryann Asemota, from Nigeria, graduate of the Master’s in Science, Technology, and Innovation Management, now works as researcher at the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK). In an interview with the HSE News Service, she shared her experience of working at HSE University, her future plans, and gave some advice on pursuing a career in academia.

Nikolay Bogdanov, 28, from Sofia, Bulgaria, graduated from the Psychology programme of the HSE Faculty of Social Sciences in 2022. Currently, he is based in the Netherlands, where he pursues a master's degree in behavioural sciences at Radboud University and works as a life coach. In an interview with the HSE News Service, Nikolay shares his experience at HSE University, his professional challenges and achievements, as well as the importance of teamwork, persistent curiosity, and self-improvement.

Bhaskar Kayathwal, 26, from India, completed his programme in Master of International Business at HSE University in 2021. Currently, he is responsible for business development at an influencer marketing company. In an interview with the HSE News Service, Bhaskar shares his experience at HSE University, the importance of seizing unexpected opportunities, and the parallels between business development and chess.

Petr Garmider, 27, from Uzbekistan, received his master’s degree from HSE University in 2022. Today, he works at one of Russia’s most popular music streaming services, where he develops algorithms that recommend music tracks for users. In his interview with the HSE News Service, Petr shares his experiences as a graduate student and early-career data scientist.