"That was a real international programme and we were so excited to meet new people from different countries and with different backgrounds"

Maria Dedusheva and Dmitry Dedushev (MIB alumni 2017) on their experience at MIB and future plans.

You both studied at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation before. Why did you choose MIB for your master studies? 

Maria: I was looking for a Marketing focused programme taught in English as I wanted to pursue my career in that area. While Dmitry had a purpose to develop his sales, negotiation and marketing skills, and to acquire the knowledge he could further apply in the banking & finance area where he desired to work. On top of that, both of us were considering only evening classes.

Think back on your first day of classes at MIB. How was it? And how was your last class? 

Dmitry: On the first day, we were surprised by such a real diversity among students that came from the US, France, Italy, Indonesia, China etc. That was a real international programme and we were so excited to meet new people from different countries and with different backgrounds.

Maria: The last class was quite depressing for us, as we made a lot of friends in the programme and it was sad to realize that we won’t be meeting them anymore on a regular basis and some of them will come back to their hometowns. However, our friendship has even strengthened from this time.

What were the most exciting or challenging moments at the MIB program for you? 

Dmitry: The most exciting thing was the way of studying. We had practice-oriented, not tedious theoretical classes. The MIB instructors were representatives of the biggest international companies and shared priceless present-day experience. Economics, finance and especially marketing are the areas that are developing extremely fast, so you have to obtain modern practice in addition to the theoretical knowledge – that’s what we valued a lot in the MIB programme.

Maria: We can’t say that there was something really challenging in the programme – we really liked the way of studying, the people we met there. It was a pleasure for us.

How and when did you meet? Was it hard to study in the MIB program as a couple? 

Dmitry: We met in our 1st year of studying at the Finance University under the Government of Russian Federation. We studied in one group together from 2011 to 2015 and then applied together for the Master’s programme. From time to time it was hard to study side by side, as we were always trying to impose our view on each other and every time each of us was objecting itJ

We would like to congratulate you on your marriage. What are your best wedding memories? 

Maria: Thank you very much! No doubt, happy faces of our friends and family are the best memories that we will keep for a lifetime. It was real happiness to share one of the most important life moments with loved ones. Luckily, the best wedding memories were reflected in our wedding photos.

You now live in Germany. Tell us about your experience. Why did you decide to move? What are your future plans? 

Dmitry: We moved to Frankfurt am Main because I was offered to relocate to VTB Bank Europe as a precious metals trader. It was a hard decision but we always dreamed of trying to live abroad. Staying in Germany gives us a great chance to travel on a regular basis. Normally, we stay in Frankfurt during the weekdays and travel across Europe on holidays. And that's great!

Maria: As for me, I am now improving my German to continue my career in an FMCG company. Previously I worked in the Marketing department of PepsiCo for 2 years.

What would you recommend to our new students in terms of their current studies at MIB and future career? 

Dmitry & Maria: The most important thing that we would recommend is to do what you really like: to work in a place where you desire to work, to do the job you truly love. This is one of the recipes for happiness.