‘The main thing about the ICEF Bachelor’s programme is that it gives you the opportunity to think.’
Had you always thought about continuing your studies overseas, or did this idea appear during your studies?
Initially, I planned to continue my studies with a Master’s at HSE in Moscow, but, after attending an event for EDHEC Business School, organized by Keystone, I changed my plans. I was attracted by the fact that this school was rated No. 1 by The Financial Times in 2017. After looking at the list of subjects and getting in contact with EDHEC representatives, I decided in favour of pursuing an MSc in Financial Markets. The option to study in France became a priority for me, since it would be very rare to find a Master’s programme in Russia that would offer such a wide choice of applied courses, while also instilling those practical skills necessary for pursuing a successful career in a given field. ICEF has an agreement with EDHEC, whereby graduates of the ICEF Bachelor’s programme can receive a discount of up to 50% for Master’s studies at EDHEC. Furthermore, there’s the Eiffel Scholarship, which is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students in France. And this was a key factor for me, and, undoubtedly, it had an influence on my final decision.
How does this scholarship work? What does one need to do to receive it?
In order to get the Eiffel Scholarship, an applicant must not be a French citizen, and they should submit an application to a French academic institution, as well as present their portfolio. This portfolio should consist of one’s CV, an essay, answers to a series of questions, your transcript, a confirmation and recommendation from one’s place of work or study, as well as a list of achievements in various spheres. Before applying for the scholarship, your portfolio is checked by the university in France, where you are applying to study, and if the academic institution thinks you would represent it well, it will submit your application for this scholarship on your behalf.
The Eiffel Scholarship comes to EUR 1,181 after taxes. This scholarship also includes a free flight to France, simplification of the visa process (without an interview at the visa centre) and assistance with several key official documents.
In addition to applying to EDHEC, what other options did you consider?
The Financial Markets programme at EDHEC was the most interesting area for me at the time. So, I didn’t look into other universities and programmes. This was, of course, owing to the fact that EDHEC has its own representative office in Russia, which can provide support during the entire application process, consult on any issue, and help you with documents and preparing for your interviews, as well as assist you with your trip to France. The school’s approach to graduate students makes them even more attractive. Even after making an application, a representative of the school will stay in contact with you and invite you to various events where you can meet with future students and alumni.
What did you know about the Master’s programme and what is it like to study there?
Even before filing my application, I was able to talk with people, who, like me, chose EDHEC after finishing their studies at ICEF. From them, I found out that the Master’s programme I had chosen was not easy and a lot more complex than the Bachelor’s programme, but all of the subjects are nonetheless very intriguing. Many of the people I talked to mentioned the excellent work of the EDHEC Career Centre, which is ready at all times to help people apply for any vacancy and organize meetings with representatives of potential employers. I can add that even now, before my arrival in Nice, I receive messages with advice from the Career Centre, since vacancies for summer internships and positions for graduates are already open in many countries for next year.
The Master’s programme starts on August 28 and reaches its conclusion at the end of May 2019. After this, the academic plan foresees an internship or going straight to work. Now I am in Moscow, doing an internship at a bank. I plan to fly there by the time studies start.
What do you want to get out of your studies?
Foreign universities, first and foremost, help people get acquainted with the entire world and offer unique experiences. The business school’s academic plan differs from Russian educational institutions as it allows students to focus on practical issues and not get overly immersed in theory, if one feels that it’s not entirely necessary. Many alumni have encountered a problem in that, despite having an extremely large amount of knowledge, which they received in university, they find it difficult to apply such knowledge in their day-to-day work. The business school offers a solution to this very problem.
In regards to the start of your education, why did you select ICEF for your Bachelor’s programme?
In school, I didn’t really have a clear idea of what I wanted to do in life. So, one could say that I most likely chose ICEF without thinking about it much. I found out about the programme from acquaintances and my parents, so, they, in a lot of ways, influenced my choice. Thankfully, it was exactly what’s interesting to me and where my heart is.
What was the hardest part of studying at ICEF? What do you remember best of all?
The first year was the most difficult for me. Since I didn’t know much about economics, and only possessed the most modest mathematical knowledge, it was quite difficult for me to keep up with those students who had graduated from specialized schools and taken part in Olympiads. Nevertheless, I worked hard and was able to get through alright. It’s difficult to highlight the one most memorable thing, since every day at ICEF is unique.
What is special about the Bachelor’s programme at ICEF for you and the students who study there?
The main thing about the Bachelor’s programme is that it gives you the opportunity to think and reflect. ICEF gives tough assignments, and everyone, through finding solutions to such problems, has an opportunity to improve themselves. This is reflected in the character of its students, who become more stress resilient and begin to understand that nothing is impossible. Furthermore, the majority of people who study at ICEF are very driven. They have a clear idea of what they want and how to get it. This is what makes it different from other programmes.
Would you like to continue your academic career in the future? If not, where would you like to work and in what position?
I have several ideas about how to develop my future. At present, I would like to finish my Master’s degree successfully and then work in finance. At the same time, I wouldn’t rule out that I might want to return to the academic world and try my hand as a researcher or instructor. One should never be afraid of changing one’s field of activity, since that might be the only way to find one’s true calling.
Sofya Urmancheeva, for ICEF HSE