Alexey Partasov

Tell us about your degree - why did you choose it? What elements of the degree inspired you to study it?

Before enrolling in the MSc Management course at Leeds, I finished my BSc Management at the National Research University – Higher School of Economics in Russia (Moscow) and I wanted to widen my knowledge on subject area as well as gain some international experience from peers.

What was the best part of your studies here? What did you enjoy the most?

Apart from great campus infrastructure and a perfect top-end gym, I am truly thankful to the professors and faculty members who helped me gain maximum value from my time spent at Leeds.

What were your career aspirations when you arrived? Do you think the experience and skills you gained here will help/helped you in your future career plans? In what way?

About a year prior to studying at the Business School I started thinking about starting a career in consulting, specifically management consulting. At Leeds University Business School, I had a separate course “Management Consulting” which helped me understand the industry, and Professor Ken Gadd shared his enormous experience, both as professor as well as an active consultant. I believe that personal experience is the best knowledge for students who strive to get into different industries. Professor Ken Gadd showed us what it’s like to be a consultant, the pros and cons of being one, and we solved a few cases – in a nutshell, we observed the topic from a different perspective which helped me in making the final decision of becoming one.

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School? Have there been any notable highlights?

After graduating from Leeds University Business School I took a few months to travel and then applied to the BIG 4 consulting divisions. In a month, I had four different offers from all of them and decided to choose PriceWaterhouseCoopers Consulting Services for Financial Institutions at Strategic and Operational Effectiveness department. In early 2014, our project team cleared the largest Post-Merger-Integration project in Western Europe, so I think I made the best choice.

Where are you currently working, and what is your role?

A year ago, I decided to continue my career in the largest Bank of Russian Federation as Financial Stream Leader. My team manages all financial matters, including budgeting, planning, cash flow, control etc.

What are your ambitions for the future?

My next step is to become an executive and further develop my leadership skills.

Do you think your experience and skills gained here will help you in your future career plans? In what way?

A year spent in Leeds gave me many new friends all around the world and an understanding of global diversity, which is vital for a successful leader.

If you are not from the UK, how was the transition to a foreign country? Did the university offer support or services that you found helpful? Can you offer any advice?

I was offered a student’s dormitory, but I decided to rent an apartment instead.

What was your impression/experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the student union, the City of Leeds and the region itself? What would you recommend to future students?

Leeds has the best facilities ever! The student union offered so many different clubs that you simply cannot choose just one. I would recommend not wasting time at home or browsing the Internet, but socialize as much as possible. Try enrolling to some clubs and be a part of something bigger. 

What would you say is your defining memory of studying here? (eg friendships made, confidence in your abilities, or any single event that you will always remember?) And would you recommend the Business School to others

Autumn / summer time in Hyde Park. I remember students, faculty members, citizens – everybody spends time there, just chilling, resting, playing and reading. I would never forget that calm and relaxing atmosphere. I've already recommended Leeds University Business School to my friends and some have already graduated successfully.