‘HSE Offers a Wealth of Opportunities, but It’s up to You to Take Advantage of Them’

Zhou Jinyu (centre)

Photo courtesy of Zhou Jinyu

Zhou Jinyu is a third-year student of the Bachelor’s programme ‘Data Science and Business Analytics’ at the Faculty of Computer Science at HSE University. She talked to the HSE News Service about studying on the double-degree programme, her career prospects, her attitude to artificial intelligence, and why it’s important to step out of your comfort zone.

— Tell us about your educational background.

— I graduated from a Russian state school after completing 11 grades. Since I’ve been living in Russia since my birth, it felt natural to continue my academic journey here.

Russia has a strong tradition in mathematics and computer science, which aligns perfectly with my interests

Additionally, studying in Russia allowed me to stay close to the culture and language I’ve grown accustomed to.

— What motivated you to study this specific programme at HSE University?

— In high school, I heard a lot about HSE as one of the top universities in Russia. A close friend of mine was among the first graduates of the Data Science and Business Analytics programme, and her positive experiences greatly influenced my decision. Attending the Faculty of Computer Science’s open day and listening to a lecture by our academic supervisor, Tamara Voznesenskaya, also influenced my choice. A potential future with this major motivated me to go there.

Plus, it is a double-degree programme, so all our courses are taught in English, which has been a great opportunity to study in an international environment while being in Russia. I should say that rather than being treated like a foreigner, in most cases I felt like a regular local student, with all the same opportunities.

— What do you find unique about the academic environment at HSE University? 

— What stands out most about HSE is its emphasis on practical application.

The university provides various opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real problems, whether through internships or research projects

Additionally, the faculty is incredibly supportive, and if you have the drive and capabilities, there are always channels to explore your interests further.

— Which courses and professors have been particularly inspiring or impactful for you?

— One of the most impactful professors for me has been Sergey Shershakov, who taught our C++ course. Not only did he make programming engaging, but he also introduced me to the field of process mining, which has become a real milestone in my educational journey. Another inspiring figure is Evgeny Dashkov, who taught Discrete Mathematics. His enthusiasm for the subject made even the most complex topics enjoyable and accessible. Other professors were also extremely impactful, all very passionate and dedicated to their subjects.

— What do you think about artificial intelligence?

— AI is absolutely a trend, and it’s fascinating to see how it’s evolving.

I use AI in various ways, from generating ideas for presentations to getting recommendations for places to visit or even quick reminders about formulas and functions

I don’t see myself competing with AI; I see it as a tool that can provide some ideas or hints in some cases. The key is to leverage AI to enhance our capabilities rather than view it as a rival.

Photo courtesy of Zhou Jinyu

— Have you participated in any academic conferences or other events?

— I attended several workshops conducted on our campus. The most memorable workshop I attended was one on music recommendation systems. We delved into the algorithms used to process and generate music, as well as how recommendations are tailored to individual users. It was inspiring to see how data science can be applied in creative and innovative ways, and it motivated me to explore similar applications in my own studies.

— What are your plans after graduating from HSE University?

— After graduating, I am planning to pursue a master’s degree, possibly abroad, to further expand my knowledge and experience. Ultimately, I want to work in a role where I can apply data science to solve real-world problems, whether that’s in Russia, China, or elsewhere.

I’m open to exploring opportunities in different countries, as I believe it’s important to gain a global perspective in today’s interconnected world

— How do you see your degree contributing to your future career path?

— My degree in Data Science and Business Analytics equips me with a unique combination of technical and analytical skills that are highly valued in today’s job market. I know that the problem-solving and data-driven decision-making skills I’ve gained will be invaluable in any industry. The programme’s emphasis on practical applications has also prepared me to hit the ground running in any professional setting.

— What advice would you give to international students who are considering studying in Russia or at HSE University?

— My advice would be to embrace the experience fully. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, whether it’s by learning the language, participating in extracurricular activities, or making local friends. HSE offers a wealth of opportunities, but it’s up to you to take advantage of them.

Photo courtesy of Zhou Jinyu

— How can international students make the most of their experience in Russia?

— I think language is very important in this aspect. You don’t have to speak at a professional level before arriving in Russia, but learning something would definitely be beneficial for improving your academic experience here, even if your programme is in English.

Russian students, especially at HSE, are really friendly and open to any culture, so talking to them is a really good idea to start

While it’s possible to get by with English, especially at HSE, knowing Russian is essential for fully immersing yourself in the culture and daily life. It’s not just about to telling the cashier how many bags you want; it’s also about understanding the nuances of the culture and building deeper connections with people.

— How do you network with other students and professionals in Russia?

— Networking with students often happens through group projects and assignments. Discussing solutions and problem-solving strategies is a great way to build connections and learn from others. With professionals, I’ve found that attending lectures, workshops, and internships are excellent opportunities to make contacts.

HSE hosts various career fairs and networking events, which are invaluable for building professional relationships

— What are your favourite places in Moscow? What would you show to visitors?

— Some of my favourite places in Moscow include Gorky Park and Red Square. I’d definitely take visitors to these iconic spots, as well as to some lesser-known gems like some small souvenir shops in the centre of the city and the Moscow Metro stations, which are like underground palaces. I also love exploring the city’s many cafes and restaurants, which offer a mix of traditional Russian and international cuisine.

— What do you like to do in your free time?

— I really love music, especially playing musical instruments, such as piano or guitar. Now I also enjoy doing puzzles and skating in the winters.

— Do you have a life motto? What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned while studying at HSE University?

— Actually, I have never had a phrase for it, but I believe ‘Do your best and don’t regret’ is the principle that I adhere to. The most important lesson I’ve learned is the value of collaboration and open-mindedness.

HSE has taught me that the best solutions often come from working with others and considering different perspectives

There is nothing that doesn’t have a solution. If you can’t find the solution, then find another brain and try together. Then, you will see that nothing is impossible.