You can always go beyond
MIB graduate Vadim Ryzhov on how his life changed after studies
Vadim, what is your job ?
I work for a big American chemical manufacturing company, the “FMC Corporation”. Initially I was in charge of local and international shipments. After half a year, I received a promotion into sales planning and forecasting (Demand Planner). I was responsible for Russia and the CIS countries when I applied to the MIB program. Three years after, I was promoted from country specialist to subregional level manager and currently, I am Lead of Planning Team in CIS and West Balkans. The synergy of studying in the MIB and the company’s footprint in Europe enabled such a fast track promotion into an international arena.
What attracted you to the MIB program?
Upon receiving my bachelor's degree, it became clear that I was lacking some knowledge in international business activities. I had acquaintances who, being graduates of the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs (FWEIA), applied for this program.
I also told my employer about the MIB. He supported me, especially when he learned that the program has a good reputation and a high QS World University Business Masters ranking - this is always a very good signal for business people and large companies where talent management is developed.
What was it like – trying to combine your full-time job and studying?
Studying did not interfere with my work as all classes took place in the evening, and the building is located in the very center of Moscow. This is a unique program in terms of combining with work; it even contributes to a more effective time management. When you know that you need to finish work on time and be in time for your classes, it tones you up. The first year was the most intense. The disciplines fit very well into the profile of my work. A basic set of courses in the first year of study will be very useful regardless of the industry the student works in: whether it be marketing, management or finance.
Is there are any particular course or teaching instructor that stands out for you?
The amazing feature of the program is that it is a harmonious system, where each course, as part of the general mechanism, complements others. I enjoyed Accounting, Financial management and Economics very much, even though I did not like either mathematics-related sciences or finance very much before.
It seems to me that it drives students very much when they know that their teacher did not just write a paper on the topic and then came to class to go over it. But professors, being practitioners, really know what they are talking about, because they do it at work daily.
You can always go beyond the scope of the problem discussed in class and ask a question that worries you in your specific area. You could even come later to your employer with a ready-made solution generated together with the MIB community. Teachers are always ready for discussion, are interested in facts from other industries, and are excited to share their experience.
How did it feel when you realized you were approved for the mobility program?
My classmates were very interested in the mobility and double degree opportunities. I did not have any intentions to go abroad because I had a job, and I thought it was difficult to break away for about six months. Nonetheless, I decided to participate and passed!
I went to the University of Luxembourg. My employer gave me an opportunity to work remotely as part of the rotation to other regions. Most of my functional managers were from Europe and the vast majority of our production sites were in Europe. So this was a kind of step towards future development. And it was indeed.
What was your impression of studying abroad?
Thanks to completing the entire first year of the MIB in Moscow, the semester at the University of Luxembourg flowed smoothly and naturally. I didn't have any shock, stress, or breakdown. It was quite comfortable for me to join a foreign university.
The knowledge we acquired in the 1st year of MIB: basic managerial functions, ability to present projects, consulting skills and of course the fact that the MIB is entirely in English – all this contributed to my successful semester abroad. The semester in Luxembourg was also very helpful in building networks with local managers and teaching practitioners.
Now that you’ve gone through this program, what are your future plans?
When you find yourself in a community that drives you to develop further and further, you want to give back. Therefore, in addition to my main work, I would like to return to the program in the capacity of academic advisor and teaching practitioner. I have some actual experience and business insights that I would like to share with students who strive to succeed internationally.
How to choose the right management program?
For a person working or dreaming of working in an international company, this program can become a real social lift. It is not enough just to be a good manager. For a manager in any country in the world, communication skills and emotional intelligence are paramount. These qualities can be developed by communicating with experienced people, with practitioners who not only show well-shaped Power Point presentations, but really give that information support, which the already employed people seek out a degree for.
What would you say to someone considering the MIB program?
Can one live out their life without the master’s degree? Sure, can. But as for me, I certainly would not have been able to “reach out” to the people whom I now do business with had I not received the high-end managerial skills from the MIB. It is very difficult to show your best professional self. It is even more difficult to do this on the international market, in a foreign language.
The synergy effect of studying management and foundations of international relations and simultaneously working in an international company turns out to be amazing. My career continues to grow quite rapidly after graduation. I regularly get promotions at work, my employers trust me more authority. I do not know of any other similar program in Russia that could provide such opportunities.
Can you share any “tips” on how to be considered for the program ?
First of all, I advise to develop a “consulting way of thinking”. It is something that anyone can do, regardless of their primary background – learn how to convey and analyze information, how to develop and test hypotheses, how to present data and yourself promptly.
To make a more conscious choice of the program, it is better to come visit the program headquarters with already formulated questions and concerns. Try yourself in some positions, understand the issues you are facing, and come with the goal of solving these issues with the help of training.
It is important not to stop where you are at, ask questions and be active. Do not be afraid to go beyond.