“Be curious”
A graduate student of the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs Julia Khlebnikova shares her experience about studying in ESCP Europe in London.
My story of entering the ESCP Europe was extremely impetuous. Knowing nothing about the program “Master of European Business” in June 2012, I received an email from NRU HSE informing me that the registration for the program ends in a week.
I decided to challenge myself, and the decision was made just in two days, and I was lucky – I was accepted. Generally speaking, during the previous year I had three main goals – continue my studies, change my job and visit London. Unbelievably ESCP Europe helped me to achieve them all!
The decisive argument for me in favor of the program was the opportunity to study in two countries simultaneously, to gain knowledge in a variety of spheres and experience in international communication, and to spend my internship abroad. The choice of campuses was not random for me. London was a kind of a “dream city”, which I always wanted to visit, and Berlin was a strategic decision. Having spent five years in HSE studying German language and German economy on the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, I, as it happens, after graduating the University paid undeservedly little attention to Germany. And at that time I had a great opportunity to “correct this mistake”. I was determined to get an additional master’s degree in the Higher School of Economics in Berlin. I suppose it is a wonderful opportunity for those who want their future career to be connected particularly with Germany.
I have to admit that tuition fees on this program are not low; still I can definitely say that it is worth it. Every day you are able to see the work that ESCP Europe performs in order students could gain the maximum out of the studies – from the choice of subjects and the quality of the teaching stuff to the career opportunities offered by alumni association and the school itself.
These are some advice for future students: be curious, participate in extra-curricular events, lectures, conferences. CEO of international corporations are often invited to these conferences where they share their invaluable experience. Career activities will help you to define the future profession if you still have some doubts which path to choose. Each sphere, no matter finance, marketing or advertising, are discussed in details, so you have an opportunity to understand as soon as possible which one to choose as a priority.
In addition, of course, you have to remember to explore the country you will live in and its culture. Visit museums, learn new things, meet new people, and communicate. It will not be easy, since the schedule of the ESCP Europe rarely lets you to relax, yet you may wait a long time before you will have the second chance to have a close look at the culture of a foreign country. You feel a little confused at first as there are so many people of different nationalities with different habits, customs and traditions and way of communicating. However, after a while you start to feel that is the only possible way.
Oleg Sergin, News Service of the HSE
Date
6 March
2013