ICEF Master's Programme in Financial Economics Hosted Its Open Day
Мaxim Nikitin, MSc Programme Academic Supervisor and Deputy Director at ICEF, spoke about the history of ICEF, its mission and core values underlying the Master’s Programme in Financial Economics. Presenting the curriculum, Professor Nikitin said, “The programme design draws on a unique blend of theoretical and hands-on courses in economics and finance, with modules on data management and programming now forming its integral part. Developed jointly with the London School of Economics and Political Science, this programme combines the best of Russian scholarly traditions with the best of the British post-graduate education. It is taught in English, offering international exposure and exchange opportunities with some of the world’s top schools, and has maintained, for six years in a row, a place among 100 best finance programs according to the QS Business Masters Rankings in Finance.”
The programme has trained over 400 people who are currently employed by leading corporations in Russia and internationally – a powerful, close-knit community of graduates with members all around the world.
The Open Day had as invited guests two graduates. They told their career stories and what employment opportunities there are for graduates of ICEF.
Anna Tikhonova, member of the ICEF master’s class of 2016, Vice President, Asset Management for Corporate Securities at the US-based investment manager Arena Investors
Anna shared how her chosen career unfolded after completing her master’s studies at ICEF. It all started with a summer internship at Citi after her first year of studies, which led to a full-time job Anna started after her second year. Her two years in Citibank Russia were followed by six years in the bank’s office in London. Six months ago Anna joined the London Office of Arena Investors. According to Anna, the best way to jumpstart a career is by starting a job within your chosen field and identifying your best-fit path from within the professional community you joined.
Anna Tikhonova said, “ICEF was my catalyst for growth. What you learn here is not only theories and skills, you learn how to think better. That’s the most important thing. In my workplace, when I first entered it, there was plenty of tasks to cope with and deadlines to meet, and the reason why I coped just perfectly was ICEF.” Anna also said that the career paths for graduates of ICEF Master’s Programme in Financial Economics aren’t limited solely to banking and financing institutions, giving as example FinTech, where ICEF graduates are sought-after candidates with all the skills needed for success.
Anatoly Potashov, member of the ICEF master’s class of 2014, Investment Director at Gleden Invest, Visiting Lecturer of ICEF
Anatoly Potashov completed his master’s studies ten years ago but stays connected to his alma mater. After working in Dubai, Anatoly returned to Moscow and now combines his role as investment director at Gleden Invest with teaching at ICEF in capacity of a visiting lecturer.
Anatoly’s employment history includes Rostec Business Development, Citi, Sberbank, Dubai Holding Investments, among other corporations. He joined Gleden Invest in 2024, describing investment banking as his dream career he wanted to get in from his first day in ICEF. At various points in his career, Anatoly worked with pharmaceutical industry, timber sector, and more. Working hard and studying hard is what he experienced first-hand and considers a necessity at the beginning of one’s career journey. Anatoly fully agreed with Anna Tikhonova that early exposure to the world of jobs is essential. “Life isn’t meant to be lived in one place. There’s plenty of career opportunities arising all over the world,” said Anatoly. He chose as topic of his presentation alternative investment.
Contributing to the session were also the programme’s current students – Veronika Livintseva (who did her bachelor’s at HSE), Suren Anosov (Southern Federal University), Sofia Sobina (Tomsk State University) and Danila Karapsin (Financial University). Each of them provided their own experience of how the programme helps unlock researcher aptitude and creative talents for career success.
Veronika Livintseva shared her college admission experience, advising the prospective students to join as many events for applicants as possible. She particularly mentioned the Winter School and Your Project – the competitions granting winners tuition-free education in ICEF.
“ICEF showcases how its programme can empower new students to achieve their academic and professional goals from their first day here, and what it takes to succeed as its student. Facing common tasks, tough deadlines and huge amounts of information to digest, the students soon come together to help one another with, for instance, theorems,” said Veronika.
The ICEF Open Day was more than just an information event. Alongside the presentation of curriculum, the prospective students gained clarity on the process of learning and how ICEF stands out as a college that communicates knowledge, teaches students to be better thinkers, and empowers them to create communities of highly educated, motivated people.
