Master’s Programme in Financial Economics Welcomes New Students

© ICEF

ICEF team of Master’s Programme in Financial Economics has welcomed its new cohort of students at the Freshers' Day – the opportunity for students to meet their teachers, programme counsellors and seniors in an informal setting to learn what to expect from their years as students.

On September 1, the Master's Programme in Financial Economics gathered its new students for the orientation session.

The opening speech was given by Maxim Nikitin, Programme Academic Supervisor. He promised the students two challengingly exciting years, wishing them to take their studies seriously and still have time to enjoy life.

Maxim futher gave an overview of modules, sessions, examinations and courses to be taken during the period of study. “Our programme is quite challenging, and there’s much hard work ahead with lots of lectures and homework. Your home assignments are an important part of your progress. They may feel like a real struggle but they involve teamwork and you will certainly have us to support and help you in all possible ways,” emphasized Maxim.

Maxim mentioned further that despite the programme’s primary focus on academic skills, a lot of attention will be given to soft skills and, particularly, problem solving and task setting. The students can be sure they will be able to challenge their potential to achieve more. Maxim also explained how students will be able to use their knowledge in their future job search and why ICEF is seen by the employers as trustworthy. “To many employers the word “ICEF” on your resume is an indication that you have the qualities making you a valuable asset to the company,” said Maxim.

The next to welcome the first-year students and share their experience were the senior peers. Grigory Kuzmin began by referring to ICEF as “a place where you will learn to learn.” “If you think it’s going to be easy here, you are wrong. ICEF is about self-studying. Lectures and seminars are designed only to help you to improve your capabilities, while the major bulk of work will have to be done on your own,” he added. Grigory also spoke about if it’s possible to combine master’s study with work, concluding finally that “it can be extremely challenging, even impossible, especially in your first year.”

Alexey Kipriyanov, who teaches bachelor’s courses at ICEF, spoke about the academic load, admitting that his best experience at ICEF is that of research. Alexey encouraged the new students to communicate more closely with their research supervisors, read more scientific articles on their chosen topics and enter into discussions and debates with teachers.

“Your degree from ICEF will get you a great job,” said Yuliana Loginova. “The learning process is, indeed, challenging, but be sure that you will be provided with strong support when you meet with your professors during office hours. Don’t hesitate to seek support also from the Academic Office, you will find them very supportive. I know I can always contact them in chat to get advice. ICEF generally is a very close-knit community who cheer on each other’s progress and where the alumni are a great source of advice on matters such as job search, interviews and employers,” Juliana shared her observations.

Timur Kalyaev shared his experience as an international student and what difficulties can be encountered by students with mathematics background while learning Economics.

Information was given also on the student exchange opportunity with LUISS and the double-degree programme that involves defending theses here and in Rome. The senior students then went on to answer questions in an informal setting.  

In 2022, Master’s Programme in Financial Economics enrolled 43 students, of whom 10 got the highest score, 100 out 100, at the admission tests.

The newly admitted students come from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Ghana and Nigeria. While most of them did their bachelor’s at HSE, there are students with degrees from Moscow State University, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, HSE, NSU, RANEPA, among others.