Everything is Possible

Thuong Cao - a Vietnamese girl in her third year, shares her challenges in HSE’s one of the most difficult majors.

Thuong Cao (Joyce) is a students from Vietnam studying for a bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics at HSE University. She is one of the few foreigners in this major and face the issue of language barrier. I only had one year of the Russian language preparatory studies to start my full-fledged bachelor's degree program. 

To commence with, I will share some useful information that we need to equip ourselves with when preparing to study this major.

This field of study also offers scholarships for students to apply: Russian government and HSE scholarships and tuition fee waivers available. Personally, I applied for a Russian government scholarship. I am fully funded for my tuition fees and receive a monthly allowance of about 1800 rubles to cover the cost of the dormitory. In addition, I also received a scholarship from the Vietnamese government to finance living expenses and insurance to study in Russia.

The curriculum will be taught bilingual: English - Russian (in fact, 90% of the subjects are in Russian, and only 4-5 subjects are taught in English). Most of the teachers in the department know English and are always ready to facilitate the use of English for speeches, presentations, essays, and so on if students are hard-working and have the spirit of effort.

In this major, 90% of the subjects are blocked marks (ie, the exam must pass the score required by the teacher, the teacher usually requires 61% of the exam to pass the subject, usually 61% is blocked in the exam, specialized subjects ie Logistics, the rest is 40% or 50%). In particular, some teachers will have their scale for each subject's grading scale.

Students will have to write a course paper (курсовая работа) from the first year. This type of assignment will be written in groups instead of individually like other faculties, but the workload will be huge as it is a large project, directly working with the university's partner company. In return, the applicability of the project will be very high, maybe later it will be practical in practice. At the end of the stage will have to defend before the panel (4-5 people), the number of questions is unlimited.

In terms of learning, the logistics department focuses on developing teamwork skills, so 90% of the subjects have to work in groups. The number of projects is evenly distributed among the subjects, there will be some subjects with large projects that require a lot of work. The 1st and 2nd-year curriculum mainly revolves around the general subjects that complement the main program and the main subjects of management. Year 3 and year 4 will major in Logistics and Business Analytics. The number of subjects each semester is relatively large. In particular, faculty members are very enthusiastic with students but quite strict. In particular, most of the subjects are practical, highly applicable, and useful for future employment. 

Studying logistics effectively requires a systematic and organized approach. Here are some tips to help you study logistics well:

1. Understand the Basics: Begin by gaining a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of logistics. Familiarize yourself with key terms, supply chain processes, transportation modes, inventory management, warehousing, and distribution.
2. Create a Study Plan: Develop a study plan that outlines the topics you need to cover and allocates time for each. Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks to maintain focus and avoid information overload.
3. Utilize Various Resources: Make use of different learning resources to enhance your understanding. This can include textbooks, online articles, academic journals, case studies, videos, and online courses. Seek out reputable sources and explore multiple perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding.
4. Take Notes: While studying, actively take notes to reinforce your learning. Summarize key points, highlight important details, and create visual aids like diagrams or mind maps. Organizing your notes will make it easier to review and recall information later.
5. Practice with Real-world Examples: Apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios and case studies. Analyze how different companies or industries have implemented logistics strategies and consider the challenges they faced. This practical approach will help you develop problem-solving skills and understand the application of logistics concepts.
6. Engage in Group Discussions: Join study groups or engage in discussions with classmates or professionals in the field of logistics. Sharing ideas, asking questions, and debating different perspectives can deepen your understanding and expose you to alternative viewpoints.
7. Test Yourself: Regularly assess your knowledge and progress through quizzes, practice exams, or self-tests. This will help identify areas that require further review and reinforce what you have learned. Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers to gain additional insights.
8. Seek Industry Exposure: Whenever possible, seek opportunities to gain practical exposure to the logistics industry. Internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering in logistics-related roles can provide valuable hands-on experience and help you connect theory with practice.
9. Stay Updated: Logistics is a dynamic field, so it's important to stay updated on industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. Follow industry publications, join professional associations, and participate in conferences or webinars to keep abreast of the latest developments.
10. Practice Time Management: Efficiently managing your time is crucial to ensure effective studying. Prioritize your tasks, eliminate distractions, and create a conducive study environment. Avoid cramming and allow regular breaks to prevent burnout.

Remember, studying logistics effectively requires a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. By following these tips and maintaining a consistent study routine, you'll be well on your way to mastering the subject. I hope that you can better understand my field of study and are interested in participating in this program at HSE University. This major is a modern, up-to-date, and highly applicable curriculum for the logistics field in the future. Apply to HSE University!

Text by

Hoang Dang