“I knew what a strong and talented community GSB brings together, and I wanted to be part of it again” — an interview with student Nikita Voronkov
On Admission
— Tell us a bit about yourself.
— Hi! I’m Nikita, a student in the Strategic Management: Investments and Consulting master’s program. I also graduated from HSE GSB — my bachelor’s degree was in Business Administration. Currently, I work at Avito in the Central Strategy team. We’re responsible for large-scale horizontal projects that involve all verticals — in other words, we help shape Avito’s mid- and long-term corporate vision.
— Why did you choose this master’s program?
— Apart from HSE, I was also considering the Master in Management program at St. Petersburg State University. I believe these two universities provide the best training for strategists in Russia. Ultimately, I chose my alma mater because I liked the faculty and course structure more. Plus, I already knew what a strong and talented community GSB brings together, and I wanted to be part of it again.
— What expectations did you have before starting the program? Have they been met?
— I wanted to dive deeper into the process of developing strategies at various levels and gain insights for my work in the strategy department. I think I’ve achieved that, thanks to responsive professors and talented teammates.
On Studying at GSB
— Which courses or projects have been the most useful and interesting for you?
— I’d say Alexey Belyakov’s courses: Strategic Analysis and Thinking and Functional Strategies. One of my goals for this program was to learn from the personal and professional experiences of specific instructors.
— Have you faced any challenges during your studies, and how did you overcome them?
— Even though most classes are in the evening, combining a master’s degree with work — especially in a high-intensity Big Tech environment — is still tough. That said, I believe it’s important to gain both academic and hands-on experience, so I try to manage both as best I can. We have just as many projects as in the bachelor’s program, but they really help deepen theoretical understanding and develop valuable skills.
— Does the program help you build skills necessary for career or business growth?
— Absolutely! Theoretical insights are easy to apply in practice, and teamwork gives you a taste of what it’s like to be a manager under pressure and tight deadlines. That experience is definitely going to help me as I grow into more senior roles.
— Have you participated in research, projects, case competitions, or anything similar?
— During my time at HSE, I’ve taken part in many case competitions — McKinsey and HSE Case Club, Changellenge, and even international ones like the Hong Kong International Case Competition, which I got into thanks to HSE. These experiences taught me how to pitch ideas quickly and clearly, create compelling slides, and handle tough questions with confidence.
— Have you participated in an international academic mobility program?
— Yes, during my bachelor’s studies. I spent a semester at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. It was a great opportunity to make friends, work in an English-speaking environment, and step out of my comfort zone. The academic level was solid, and I have no regrets at all.
— What do you like most about studying at HSE GSB?
— GSB is all about the people. I’ve met friends, close peers, and mentors here — people I truly look up to. I’m sure this network will benefit me more than once in the future. I also appreciate the high quality of education and the practical approach: after my bachelor’s degree, I ended up doing exactly the same kind of work that I studied at GSB.
On Future Plans
— What are your plans after completing the master’s program?
— I’ll keep working in large companies and may switch to entrepreneurship in the next 5–7 years.
— How does the program help you expand your professional network?
— I’m surrounded by talented people I’m in regular contact with. The program brings together the best minds from across the country and beyond, and working on projects really helps us get to know each other.
Advice for Applicants
— What advice would you give to future students of this program?
— Stay in touch with your classmates. Right now, most of you are interns and junior analysts — but at your next reunion, you might be looking at a future board of directors. :)
Focus on what really matters. You won’t be able to learn everything perfectly, so choose the subjects that are most valuable to you.
Even though it can be tough, try to combine your studies with work. Applying what you learn in practice will help you absorb the material much more effectively.