"The program meets market demands: we study what is needed at work today and will be needed tomorrow" — an interview with student Maksim Kabanov
On admission
— Tell us a little about yourself.
— I am a second-year Master's student in the B2C Business Management: Technology and Innovation program (formerly Retail Management). I previously completed the Bachelor's program Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics at the HSE Graduate School of Business. Currently, I combine work with study; I work at LAB Industries (formerly Henkel) and serve as a Junior Key Account Manager (JKAM).
— Why did you choose this particular Master’s program?
— I chose the B2C Business Management: Technologies and Innovations Master’s program at the HSE Graduate School of Business because it ideally combines a practical focus with a strong academic foundation. Even during my undergraduate studies in Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics, I was convinced of the high level of teaching, the in-depth study materials, and the career opportunities GSB offers. I wanted to continue my education in a familiar but more specialized environment, with a focus on one of the most dynamically developing sectors — retail. I didn’t consider any other universities or programs.
— What expectations did you have before starting the program, and were they met?
— Before starting the B2C Business Management: Technologies and Innovations program, I expected to gain a deeper understanding of strategic management in retail, to study real business cases, and to meet industry representatives. I also hoped the program would combine academic knowledge with practical skills that are in demand on the market. My expectations were fully met. The program is indeed structured to provide not only theoretical foundations but also a large number of practical tasks, group projects, and meetings with industry experts. It was especially valuable that many instructors have real retail experience and therefore share genuine business insights. I was extremely satisfied with the program, and I’m truly sorry it ended so quickly.
On studying in the program
— Which courses and projects were the most useful and interesting for you?
— I can’t highlight any one course specifically, as all of them contributed to forming a comprehensive understanding of retail. So I would say that all the courses were very useful and interesting for me.
— Did you face any difficulties during your studies, and how did you overcome them?
— Yes, there were difficulties. One of the main challenges for me was balancing work and study, especially during exam periods and major project deadlines. Sometimes I had to study at night to deliver quality work while also fulfilling job responsibilities. But effective time management and planning skills helped me overcome all the challenges.
— Does studying in the program help develop skills necessary for career or business growth?
— Yes, the program significantly helps develop the skills required for career growth. The focus is on the practical application of knowledge: we learn to analyze the market, develop business strategies, work with operational indicators, manage projects and teams.
— Did you participate in any research, projects, competitions, case championships, etc.?
— Unfortunately, I haven’t been very involved in research recently due to limited time. But during my undergraduate studies at HSE, I actively participated in various case championships and even achieved high results, which helped me successfully enroll in this Master’s program.
— How helpful is the practical component of the program?
— The practical component plays a huge role. Internships, projects with real companies, and solving business cases allow us not just to study theory, but to see how it works in real-life conditions. This helps better understand the market, employer requirements, and which skills to develop.
— What do you like most about studying at the HSE Graduate School of Business?
— What I like most about studying at GSB is that it truly creates a strong professional environment. This is reflected in the quality of the faculty, the approach to teaching, and the group atmosphere. The program is always relevant to market needs: we study what is necessary for work today and will be needed tomorrow.
It’s especially valuable that the learning process is not limited to lectures — there’s a lot of practice, real cases, and interaction with businesses. Plus, GSB provides a powerful network that opens up opportunities for career growth and new projects. This combination of quality education, practical orientation, and a community of like-minded people makes studying especially valuable for me.
On plans after graduation
— What are your plans after completing the Master’s program?
— After graduation, I plan to continue developing in the retail sector. I’m already working in the industry and want to use the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired to move into positions with greater managerial responsibility. In the future, I’m interested in contributing to the development of large retail chains or launching my own project in the retail field.
— How does the program help you grow your professional network?
— First, many of my classmates already work at major companies or are building careers in retail and related industries — this is a great opportunity for sharing experience and collaborating on future projects. Second, thanks to master classes, practical projects, and internships, we directly interact with representatives of leading companies. This not only helps us better understand the market but also allows us to build professional connections that can be useful for job searches, career development, or launching our own initiatives.
Advice for prospective students
— What advice would you give to future students of this program?
— I would advise future students to get actively involved in the process from the very beginning: don’t limit yourself to just attending classes — take part in projects, internships, and career events. The more practice and real cases you gain during your studies, the easier it will be to build a career later on.
And most importantly, don’t be afraid to take action and don’t be afraid to make mistakes — mistakes and challenges make you stronger.