‘When I Got Out of the Airport and Felt the Cold, I Was Like, “Oh, Welcome to Moscow”’

Ndubuisi Johnbosco Ezenwa

Photo courtesy of Ndubuisi Johnbosco Ezenwa

Ndubuisi Johnbosco Ezenwa, 28, is a recent graduate of the Master’s in Strategic Corporate Finance at the HSE University Faculty of Economic Sciences. In 2023, he won first place in the Finance category of the Student Research Paper Competition (SRPS) for his paper ‘Impact of the Target Firm's ESG Rating on the Bid Premium Paid in M&A Transactions.’ Although he returned to Nigeria in July 2023, Ndubuisi still has plenty to share about his time at HSE University in Moscow. Read on to learn why he recommends HSE University to anyone looking to seek out new knowledge.

Rigorous Teaching and Learning

I got my bachelor's degree from Alex Ekwueme Federal University in my home country of Nigeria. In 2020, I enrolled in the Master's in Strategic Corporate Finance at HSE University.

My time at HSE University was transformative, enlightening, and enriching. The academic environment not only enriched my theoretical understanding of finance, but also provided avenues for hands-on learning experiences that were instrumental in bridging the gap between theory and real-world applications.

The curriculum exposed me to financial disciplines that were new to me: advanced business valuation, advanced corporate finance, forensics, financial modelling, sustainable finance, and many others

I also appreciate how the programme was structured, with a blend of economics and finance subjects. I was excited about the opportunity to learn from industry leaders from top consulting firms like KPMG, who were involved in some of the courses, and I was passionate about the microeconomic components of economies and financial issues. As part of my master’s programme, I took a course in sustainable finance, and I have become interested in how sustainability considerations can be integrated into all aspects of the world economy.

I was inspired by the dedication of my lecturers, particularly my thesis supervisor, Prof. Svetlana Grigorieva, whose wealth of expertise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and sustainability helped in shaping my research to reflect global best practice in finance. I am also grateful to professors Veronika Belousova and Nikolai Chichkanov, whose guidance during my term paper in the spring of 2022 helped improve my academic writing skills. My Macroeconomics professor, Andrei Dementiev, demonstrated ample knowledge in macroeconomics, delivered effective lectures, and always integrated at least one Nobel Prize theory in macroeconomics into every topic. Student–faculty engagement not only paved way for academic collaboration, but also fostered professional mentorship.

The master’s programme was taught entirely in English: all lectures were in English, the professors spoke English, and everything was clear and understandable

Living in Moscow

Living in Moscow was a new experience for me—it was my first time living abroad. I lived in a student dormitory. Living there, I enjoyed the ability to appreciate other people's cultures. I made friends from Russia, Ghana, Armenia, Tajikistan, and other countries.

Ndubuisi Johnbosco Ezenwa

Photo courtesy of Ndubuisi Johnbosco Ezenwa

Moscow has a rich Russian tradition and a lot of beautiful architecture. I enjoyed listening to people talk during day-to-day activities, like going to get groceries or taking the metro. I enjoyed seeing the patriotic nature of Russian-speaking people, as well as the protective nature of everyone around their communities.

I miss the friends I made in Moscow. A couple of Russian-speaking colleagues and I were always solving problems together, and I miss being in the classroom.

Beyond the classroom, I had the opportunity to collaborate on projects and network with some of the brightest minds around the world, who have now become amazing friends!

The Moscow weather was a new experience for me as well. In my country, we don't have such extreme weather conditions. When I got out of the airport in Moscow, it was a different feeling for me. But I had a winter jacket, so, when I felt the cold, I was like, ‘oh, welcome to Moscow’. I put on my jacket and I went on.

Life after Graduation

I currently work in FinTech, as a business development manager at a payment service company in Nigeria. My role includes integrating payment systems with new providers, working on different projects, and collaborating with new partners. A lot of technical stuff is involved: financial technology, integrating different payment solutions, card solutions, and bank transfer solutions.

HSE University taught me multitasking and time management. Studying at HSE University will always keep you on your toes. You always have multiple assignments to complete and deadlines to meet, so you need to know how to manage your time.

I'm grateful for the soft skills I learned at HSE. They’ve been helpful in my current job, because I’m able to plan and work with a strict timeline to deliver on all of my tasks

It was easy to find a job at home. In Nigeria, employers appreciate the international exposure that you have. Studying at one of Russia's best universities, on a course that is really in high demand, is a big deal to them.

My personal experience at HSE University has been instrumental in shaping me into a well-rounded finance academic. The knowledge in research and the practical skills gained during my studies have equipped me for success both academically and professionally, and I am eager to contribute meaningfully to the field of finance!

I definitely recommend studying at HSE University. If you want to get the best knowledge, to appreciate knowledge in its rough form, try HSE. Because there, you're going to see something different from what you already know.