Master's in 5 Countries in Just 2 Years: Global Business Programme

Julien Keyser was the first international student enrolled on HSE's Global Business Master's programme. Although the road to the Global Business programme was not straightforward, once enrolled, Julien embraced all the opportunities available for Global Business students. In this interview we have talked to Julien about his semester abroad at NHH (Horwegian School of Economics).

We already published an article on how Julien made his decision to join the Global Business programme. He first applied back in 2015 but did not manage to collect all the enrolment documents on time. We were happy that the year after he contacted us again saying he still wanted to participate. Julien successfully joined the programme and in 2018 along with his Russian peers he successfully presented his Master's Thesis and graduated from HSE! During his studies Julien managed to study in four countries and do an internship in a fifth one.

I have not seen this level of flexibility at any other university: I spent the first year in Russia, Austria and Italy, during the second year I went on mobility to Norway and then did an internship in France. 

Julien Matias Keyser
Global Business graduate (2016 intake)

— How did you make the decision to go on further academic mobility during the 2nd year of your Global Business studies? 

I am always keen to discover new places and culture. Plus, I personally feel that studies are the right moment to do it. Indeed, the Master is the last step before the start of a settled professional life and therefore a chance to seize.

— Why Norway, how did you choose the University?

I wanted to experience Scandinavia for a long time. I always heard that the quality of life here is special, the life smoother and the people kind. Things that I think I can confirm now. Being a hiking fan, Norway is a must-do. You can verify it by checking the pictures.

Plus, Norwegian School of Economics is a renowned school with a certain focus on the energy industry, in which I aim to work at the end of my studies.

— How difficult was the application process? How competitive did you feel the selection process was? 

The application process is well organized and simple. You simply have to upload a series of academic documents and a motivation letter. I recommend to put effort in this, I felt that the selection committee is particularly interested in the student's motivations. I don't know how competitive the selection process is, I know that there are only few places available but not how many applications are submitted for NHH (althought these figures can be checked on HSE's website for the most asked partner schools and universities) 

— What is particular about studying in Norway? What did you like the most?

Everything is perfectly organized. The quality of the education and the activities offered besides school are unique. What I like the most was the class called "Global Business Venturing", where student groups must develop a business idea. In the end, we pitched the idea to a committee of renowned business actors, as we would to a venture capital firm. Plus, every week we had talks by guest lecturers. For instance, the head of technology banking from Morgan Stanley spoke about IPO's and M&As.

 

— What would you recommend to other HSE students willing to go on academic mobility abroad? 

 Not to hesitate, I genuinely believe that it can only be beneficial. Plus I feel that what is learnt besides school in exchange is as important as the class contents!

Please bear mind that the programme accepts applications from international candidates till July 15, 2020! All the details regarding application are given here. If you wish to join the Global Business programme, do not hesitate to contact the programme supervisor.