Recent ICEF Graduate Reflects on Experience

Vasily Bogdan, a native of Ukraine who came to Moscow to study at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, recently graduated from the 2-year Master’s programme at the International College of Economics and Finance (ICEF). He recently spoke with the HSE news service about his rich experience in the programme and his plans for the future.

— Why did you decide to study at ICEF? 

— During my last year of studies at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, I became interested in economics and finance. I understood that I wanted to receive professional knowledge in this area. My goal was to enter one of the top universities in Russia in this field, and, undoubtedly the International College of Economics and Finance at the Higher School of Economics is the one.  The MSc programme is both academically rigorous and applied.

— How would you assess your years of study at HSE? Surely, it was hard, but hopefully exciting, interesting and fun and fun as well.

— Studying here was a very consistent attempt to acquire a solid background in economics and finance during only two years. Through this experience, I developed my analytical, problem-solving and time management skills, which helped me to work on complex assignments under strict time constraints.

The programme is quite difficult, but close cooperation between teachers and students helps in successfully overcoming all the difficulties. Being a student at ICEF has made for one of the best memories of my life, giving me a network of loyal friends with whom I had a lot of fun

Since I was a new person in this field, I was highly motivated to study and everything was exciting. The programme is quite difficult, but close cooperation between teachers and students helps in successfully overcoming all the difficulties. Being a student at ICEF has made for one of the best memories of my life, giving me a network of loyal friends with whom I had a lot of fun.   

— What did you not like at all and would change given the possibility?

— In general, everything was at a very good level and I really appreciate everything the ICEF staff have done for me. My only remark is that although there is a wide range of elective courses, I think it would be even better if the number of them increases.

— Apart from the special subjects, what did you learn?

— Last summer, thanks to the ICEF, I had the opportunity to study at the London School of Economics. It was a really great international experience; as an LSE student I had the opportunity to study in the heart of a multicultural city alongside students from all over the world.

Moreover, the International College of Economics and Finance regularly invites foreign professors and exchange students. Not only have I learned how to work together with people from different cultures, I was exposed to a variety of insights and opinions, and formed friendships and networks that span the globe.

— What are your plans going forward?

— I am interested in risk management and hope to find a job in this area at an international bank.