Our Alumni a Year after Graduation

The first graduation ceremony for the double-degree Master’s programme in Big Data Systems and Information Systems Management took place one year ago. We met our first graduates, Sebastian Kollmann and Daniela Sefzig, for an interview. They talked to us about how they spent this year.

• Dear Sebastian and Daniela, could you tell us about your decision to apply for the program (what pushed you to apply)?
• Sebastian: I chose the Big Data programme at HSE for a variety of different reasons. First, after my semester abroad beforehand I knew that I needed to visit more foreign countries and that I needed to and wanted to gain more international experience. Second, more and more companies (e.g. the company where I did my internship in Data Mining and Business Analysis ) were launching branches and focalized in Eastern Europe and/or Russia when I applied, therefore it was a great opportunity to connect studying and gaining experience together. Third, due to the programme being held in English I improved my language skills, which is always a good thing.
• Daniela: The offer from the university was interesting. Besides, I got a scholarship. Furthermore, I was very curious about Moscow.
• Was it difficult to study?
• Daniela: No. The content was well prepared and presented in an appropriate way. And, since we studied business informatics before, we had foreknowledge in some of the courses which we were able to draw on.
• What high point from your student live do you remember most of all?
• Sebastian: I really liked that our classmates accorded us a warmly welcome and made social activities also beyond university and course work, showed us some cultural things and integrated us in the community. Other positive points were the (mostly) interesting guest lectures from different companies and also good contacts within the industry, especially from Mr. Komarov.
• Daniela:The friendly and warm friendship at university, dormitory and the citizens of Moscow.
• Are you in contact with your former HSE classmates and BDS professors or HSE staff?
• Sebastian: I am still in touch with some of our classmates and enjoy having international friends.
• Daniela:Unfortunately, because of limited time, I am currently not in close contact. After I finish my study in Scotland there will be more time. But I am also in contact with several students from the dormitory.
• Is your current position connected to Big Data or Business Informatics sphere? 
• Sebastian: My current position is closely related to Business Informatics and Big Data as I am working as a consultant in the area of data warehousing and enterprise architecture. I suppose that the participation in the Big Data Systems programme will help me on my ongoing career path as Big Data is an emerging domain and there is always need for professionals. Furthermore, the broad overview and general approach to the Big Data landscape helped me in finding my job and I am delighted to engage in the combination of traditional DWH approaches with the growing Big Data ecosystem and tools.
• Daniela: Although it is not directly connected to my position, I am using Big Data technology every day in my daily business. It helps me to analyze and measure user behavior to strengthen the services I am working on. The use of the technology taught enhances learning from existing projects to improve planning for new projects and to identify risks in an very early state.
• What will you advise our new applicants?
• Sebastian: If you are planning to apply for the Big Data Systems programme: go for it! Be open-minded and enjoy the “clash of cultures”. You will not regret it - neither privately nor professionally.
• Daniela: Take the chance to get a solid education in a stunning city. There are uncountable highlights and so many things to discover that Moscow never gets boring. Last but not the least, a study abroad is always a huge benefit on a CV and makes you stand out in the crowd.
• Was it possible to combine work with study?
• Daniela: Yes, because of evening classes I was able to work 25 hours per week.
• Please share the details about your career after BDS graduation.
• Daniela: Afterwards, my responsibilities got enlarged. As the head of a software team I am responsible for the development of several tools for Europe, Asia, Africa and soon for North-America. The study helped me to improve and highlight the results of my work according to the business objectives and to convince decision makers to provide further support. For personal improvement I am going to do an MBA in Scotland.