'A Firm Foundation': HSE University–St Petersburg Graduate on His Choice of University and a Career in Big Fintech
In 2026, Kirill Li graduated from the Bachelor's programme 'International Programme in Business and Economics' at HSE University–St Petersburg. During his studies, he undertook an internship in fintech and, as a result, became a digital product manager at Alfa Bank. Read on to find out how to choose your professional sphere and combine studies and work.
We Study for Life
It might sound hackneyed, but since childhood, I wanted to become a banker. By the ninth grade, I'd realised that I was interested in investments and the structure of market processes, so I chose to focus on socio-economic subjects. For university admission, I took state exams in English, advanced mathematics, and social science.
My parents and I started thinking about university choices quite early and attended open days. But it was at the meeting with HSE University–St Petersburg applicants when I immediately realised that it was my university. I liked the professors, the campus, and the approach to education. One phrase got stuck in my memory: 'We study not for school but for life.' On the first day of the admission campaign, we came to HSE University and signed the study agreement.
Persistence Gives Results
At first, studies were hard. I graduated from an ordinary school, so calculus and linear algebra were completely new disciplines for me. But I have never regretted enrolling at HSE University–St Petersburg. Here, I learnt to study and rise to the challenge.
In the second year, I immersed myself more deeply in mathematical disciplines: game theory, methods of optimal solutions, probability theory, and mathematical statistics. Then I realised that I was curious about data analytics and statistics. At the same time, the courses related to management were quite easy for me. Thus, when in the third year we were choosing tracks, I settled on the double-degree programme 'Company Management Based on Data,' which united analytics and management.
The biggest academic achievement for me was the transfer from a fee-paying to a state-funded place. At the beginning, it seemed impossible. But by the end of the first year, I adapted and saw that several acquaintances managed to do it. Then, I set a clear goal, and it took me a year to reach it.
I think that the faith that I wasn't worse than anyone else and hard work helped me. I had to make extra effort in each course and spend hours figuring out topics, and sometimes even attended various professors' seminars twice. And it worked. I made it from the top 100 to the top 10, got excellent marks in all the courses, and in the end got the email about the transfer to a state-funded place.
My Start in Fintech
In the third year, I found out from the university newsletters about an opportunity to undertake an internship at Alfa Bank. The competition in large companies is very high, but I got in. An important role was played by my knowledge and proactive approach shaped during my studies at HSE University–St Petersburg. They helped me to make my first steps in the profession.
Today, I work as a digital product manager at Alfa Bank. My tasks are very diverse: from creating dashboards and holding A/B tests to generating ideas for new custom features and team management. My job perfectly matches my education: I manage a product team and make decisions based on data.
Looking back, I realise that I would have liked to value my student years more. We started to combine work and studies early, so the time at the university flew by almost unnoticed. But this combination of practice and theory gave me a strong start to my career. By the end of the bachelor's programme, I already had two years of experience working in fintech.
A Foundation for a Career
The most valuable thing that HSE University–St Petersburg gave me is people. There is a very high concentration of smart and ambitious people here. In the future, I am planning to develop in the profession, and simultaneously enrol in a master's programme and, after that, perhaps, in a PhD programme.
As I started working during my studies, I had no doubts about further employment. If we talk about my social circle, which primarily consists of my groupmates and HSE graduates from previous years, HSE students achieve great heights in their careers. Lots of them work in major companies, hold leading positions, and never rest on their laurels.
Thus, to those who are now choosing a university, I would recommend making this decision wisely. University is where you will spend the next four years, find friends, have unforgettable experiences from sleepless nights with textbooks, and make a foundation for your further development. I will just advise you to take a closer look at HSE University–St Petersburg.
