‘HSE Rewards Effort, Discipline, and Critical Thinking’: Graduate from Ghana on His Career in Russia and Two Master’s Diplomas

Alexander Yao Ganyo Ahiekpor arrived in St Petersburg in 2018 to study in the HSE University master’s programme ‘Management and Analytics for Business’. After graduation, he decided to continue his studies and enrolled in a second master’s programme ‘International Business’, to further expand his academic and professional expertise. Today, Alexander works in the Russian fintech company and continues to build his career in Russia. In this interview, he shares his experience of adapting to a new cultural environment and reflects on how his studies at HSE University-St Petersburg shaped his professional path.

HSE University–St Petersburg | Vladimir Aleksandrov

— Could you share your background with us? What inspired you to choose this particular area of study?

— I grew up in Ghana, in the coastal city of Takoradi, in an environment where education was seen not merely as a personal achievement, but as a collective responsibility. Learning was expected to translate into competence, service, and tangible contribution to society.

From an early age, I was exposed—both formally and informally—to how institutions function beyond their visible outcomes. My mother, a trader and businesswoman, often involved me in conversations about procurement processes, logistics decisions, and the practical realities of managing resources. Through her work, I observed how managerial decisions extend far beyond balance sheets, shaping outcomes for customers, communities, and organisations alike.

These early experiences sparked a lasting interest in processes rather than outcomes alone. I wanted to understand how systems are designed, how resources are allocated, how performance is measured, and how strategy moves from concept to execution. Later academic exposure and practical experience in procurement, public-sector administration, and data collection further deepened this curiosity. Over time, it became clear that my interests lay at the intersection of management, analytics, and real-world decision-making—an area where structure meets uncertainty and informed judgment carries real consequences.

— How did you first learn about HSE University? Why did you opt for the St Petersburg campus?

— My first encounter with HSE University came through a personal connection. A close friend and former schoolmate reconnected with me while pursuing a fully funded master’s degree in Finance at HSE University. What began as casual conversations soon developed into deeper discussions about academic culture, analytical rigor, and the university’s approach to education. His experience encouraged me to explore HSE more seriously.

As I reviewed HSE’s academic programmes, research output, and international rankings, several aspects stood out. Beyond its status as one of Russia’s leading universities, HSE University demonstrated a strong emphasis on analytics, applied economics, and evidence-based decision-making. At a time when many institutions were still operating within traditional frameworks, HSE was clearly positioning itself at the intersection of data, management, and real-world application. This focus resonated strongly with my academic goals.

Choosing HSE University-St Petersburg was a deliberate decision. My research showed that St Petersburg offers a unique environment where intellectual tradition, cultural depth, and academic seriousness coexist. As an international student, I was looking for a setting that would challenge me academically while also broadening my perspective beyond the classroom. St Petersburg provided both discipline and inspiration, becoming an integral part of my educational journey.

— What motivated you to pursue your master’s studies abroad, and why did you choose Russia specifically?

— My decision to pursue a master’s degree abroad was driven by the belief that meaningful professional growth requires exposure to different academic traditions and institutional cultures. In an interconnected world, leadership demands not only technical expertise, but also cross-cultural intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to operate confidently within unfamiliar systems.

Russia was not the most obvious choice, and that was precisely its appeal. I was intentionally seeking an environment that would push me beyond comfort and familiarity, one that demanded resilience, independence, and adaptability. Studying in Russia meant engaging with an academic tradition that values depth, discipline, and intellectual seriousness.

Even during the application process, this became clear. The volume and rigor of the required documentation were demanding, but rather than discouraging me, they reinforced my desire to study in a system that values accountability and self-direction. Over time, I came to see Russia as an academically rigorous and often underestimated environment—one capable of reshaping how I think, learn, and operate professionally. This mindset ultimately led me to pursue not one, but two master’s programmes at HSE University.

— What programmes did you study in, and what were your impressions of the studies?

— I completed two master’s programmes at HSE University-St Petersburg, each corresponding to a different stage of my intellectual and professional development. My first programme, ‘Management and Analytics for Business’, marked a turning point in how I approached problem-solving and decision-making.

At that stage, my goal was to build a structured analytical foundation that would allow me to assess organisational and business challenges through data rather than intuition alone. The programme delivered precisely that. Its curriculum covered areas ranging from customer and human resource analytics to quantitative decision-making based on statistical methods. I learned how to translate raw data into actionable insights—and, equally important, how to ask better questions.

HSE’s teaching style required a high level of intellectual independence. Students were rewarded not for cramming, but for structured reasoning, critical engagement, and the ability to defend conclusions logically and persuasively. Group projects and presentations were rigorous exercises in both understanding and collaboration.

A key takeaway from this programme was its applied nature. Case studies were treated as real business dilemmas rather than academic abstractions, and many professors brought direct industry or research experience into the classroom. The underlying message was consistent: analytical tools are only effective when applied thoughtfully, with a clear understanding of context and limitations. This perspective continues to shape my professional work.

— Why did you decide to pursue a second master’s degree? Why did you choose ‘International Business’?

— After completing my first master’s degree, I realised that while I had developed strong analytical skills, I wanted to better understand how these tools operate within complex international environments shaped by regulation, culture, and geopolitics. This motivation led me back to HSE University-St Petersburg to pursue a second master’s programme, ‘International Business’ (currently—‘International Business in the Asia-Pacific Region’).

The programme expanded my perspective beyond analytics to include global strategy, international trade, supply chain management, and cross-border operations. It offered a holistic view of how multinational organisations function in dynamic and uncertain environments. Particularly valuable was its emphasis on complexity—international business is rarely linear, and the curriculum reflected this through applied projects and case studies focused on risk, uncertainty, and strategic decision-making.

Together, the two programmes formed a coherent intellectual framework. One provided depth in analytical thinking, while the other offered breadth in global operational understanding. Combined, they prepared me to work effectively in complex international professional settings.

— How would you describe the academic environment and teaching style at HSE University-St Petersburg?

— HSE’s academic culture is defined by intellectual rigor and honesty. Students are encouraged to challenge ideas, but always through evidence, structured reasoning, and disciplined argumentation. This approach fosters not only technical competence, but also intellectual maturity.

Several professors had a lasting impact on my development, particularly those who emphasised reasoning over rote learning. Faculty members such as Max Lapin, Angel Barajas, Maxim Storchevoy, Natalia Volkova, Liudmilla Veselova, Tatiana Grischenko, Evgeny Antipov and Romnie Littrell consistently encouraged students to think beyond course content and engage with broader questions of decision-making under uncertainty.

One of the main challenges I faced was managing the intensity of the coursework. The programmes demanded sustained focus, strong time management, and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities. Developing structured routines, collaborating closely with peers, and learning to prioritise effectively helped me overcome these challenges. In retrospect, this intensity became a catalyst for growth, reinforcing the value of discipline and accountability.

— As an international student from Ghana, how was your adaptation to life in Russia and in St Petersburg?

— Life in Russia required significant adjustment. Language posed the most immediate challenge, followed by climate and cultural differences. Initially, even everyday tasks demanded heightened effort and attentiveness. Over time, these challenges became opportunities for learning.

Developing functional proficiency in Russian proved essential. Enrolling in a language course facilitated deeper integration both academically and socially. St Petersburg itself played a central role in shaping my experience. Its intellectual atmosphere, cultural institutions, and academic traditions created an environment conducive to focused study and personal growth.

My student life combined intense academic engagement with moments of exploration and reflection alongside peers from diverse backgrounds. What I valued most was the diversity within HSE’s international community. Classroom discussions were enriched by students from different countries and professional experiences, while the city itself became an extension of learning beyond the university.

— What was your life at HSE University-St Petersburg like beyond the classroom?

— My experience at HSE extended beyond academics into leadership and community engagement. I believe leadership is developed through service, and I actively sought opportunities to contribute to the student community. Group projects often evolved into lasting professional and personal connections.

Serving as President of the National Union of Ghana Students in Russia in St Petersburg was a defining part of my journey. The role involved representing students, mediating concerns, and collaborating with institutions—requiring diplomacy, accountability, and strategic thinking that continue to inform my professional life.

In parallel, my role as an International Student Ambassador at HSE University-St Petersburg allowed me to support incoming students and contribute to the university’s internationalisation efforts. These experiences reinforced my belief that education is not only about personal advancement, but also about supporting others through shared challenges.

— How did your transition from university to the Russian job market take place?

— My transition into the Russian job market was gradual and intentional. During my studies, I pursued internships and applied projects with organisations such as ‘Cbonds Financial Information’, ‘Sveza Group’, and various consulting initiatives in procurement, international business, teaching assistance, and digital transformation. These experiences helped bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.

After graduation, I chose to remain in Russia, having identified opportunities aligned with my skills and long-term interests. Entering the fintech and financial education sector allowed me to combine analytics, communication, and client-focused problem-solving.

Today, I work as a Senior Financial Analyst and Client Education Specialist, where I develop market insights, design and deliver financial education programmes for thousands of retail traders, and contribute to product and educational strategy. The analytical rigor and structured thinking developed at HSE remain central to my work. As the university’s motto reminds us, we study not for school, but for life.

— How has your perspective on Russia changed since you first arrived?

— When I first arrived, my perspective was shaped by curiosity and uncertainty, influenced largely by external narratives. Through lived experience, it has become more nuanced. I have come to see Russia as a country of intellectual depth, cultural richness, and professional opportunity for those willing to engage seriously and commit to long-term growth. It rewards effort, discipline, and critical thinking.

— What advice would you give to prospective international students considering studying in Russia?

— My advice is simple: approach the experience with openness, resilience, and commitment. Learning the language is particularly important, as it facilitates integration and expands both academic and professional opportunities.

Choosing the right institution is equally critical. At HSE University, students encounter academic rigor, international exposure, and strong opportunities for applied learning. Success depends on a willingness to meet these standards. I encourage students to take ownership of their experience, build networks, and view education as a platform for long-term growth.

My journey from Ghana to HSE University-St Petersburg and into a professional career has been shaped by curiosity, discipline, and a belief in the transformative power of education. HSE did not simply prepare me for a job—it prepared me to think globally, act responsibly, and lead with clarity in complex environments. For that, I remain deeply grateful. This journey is far from over. In many ways, it is just beginning.