Alfa-Bank opened an IT coworking centre at the HSE Graduate School of Business
The project was implemented by the partners in the concept of phygital — a symbiosis of physical and digital ways of interaction. Mobile modules allow to organise individual and team work. In different furniture configurations, the co-working space accommodates 70-100 workplaces. There is a possibility to have a rest and a cafe. The comfortable, stylish space is equipped with the necessary IT infrastructure for preparing educational and practical business projects and for networking.
the GSB Director
“The HSE Graduate School of Business’ portfolio successfully combines the best Russian bachelor's and master's degree programmes with MBA programmes and corporate training for leaders of the national economy. The GSB is also unique in a large-scale involvement of leading Russian companies in the educational process and research projects. We are very grateful to Alfa-Bank for the initiative to create a co-working space on the GSB campus. It’s an excellent opportunity to develop close co-operation with Russia's largest universal private bank,” said Valery Katkalo, the GSB Director, welcoming the participants of the opening ceremony.
“The HSE University is an outstanding Russian educational institution. Many HSE graduates work at Alfa-Bank, and we are proud of this. Alfa-Bank actively supports fintech education in Russia, and co-operation with the HSE University and the GSB is an example of how synergy can produce the most valuable technological talent. I am confident that Alfa-Bank's space will become a place where not just one but hundreds of bright ideas will be born, and they may change the future of the financial industry,” said Vladimir Verkhoshinsky, Chief Executive Officer of Alfa-Bank, opening the co-working space.
Vladimir Verkhoshinsky's informal dialogue with the GSB students went beyond the planned schedule. The young generation of managers and entrepreneurs were interested in everything. What helped Vladimir to build a successful career? Who he considers his mentor, what books does he recommend to read? What did his education in a famous business school give him? What does he advise students of the HSE Graduate School of Business to focus on?
Of course, the guest was asked how he maintains a balance between work and family, how manages to stay in a good physical shape. And what gives him motivation for constant personal development and helps motivate the huge team of the largest private bank in the country?
There were many questions on professional aspects of banking and fintech, threats and advantages of generative artificial intelligence systems. The authors of the three brightest questions received branded T-shirts and thermal mugs from Alfa-Bank as a present.
According to the students, the opening of the second co-working space at the GSB is a great new opportunity for studying, preparing group projects and networking.
“How great it is that a business leader of such a level responded to my question about recruitment, and said that a school medal and a diploma with honours, especially a medal, are an advantage for him. He said that medallists are often very effective managers — those who can prioritise, find resources and complete tasks themselves. It was not easy for me to study for a gold medal at school, but I did it! It's great that Vladimir motivates us to achieve. And the new co-working space is great! Now you don't have to look for a free classroom, a place in the corridor or go somewhere — we have a cool space with a special atmosphere and all the equipment for studying and project work,” Maria Zinchenko, a 4th year student of the Business Management programme, shared her impression of the meeting and the new space.
At the end of the meeting, the students invited Alfa-Bank's Chief Executive Officer to return to the GSB with a lecture on team management. They also suggested to create a programme or specialisation within the Business Informatics programme. Earlier, Alfa-Bank and the HSE Graduate School of Business signed a bilateral agreement aimed at developing fintech education.