Meruyert Yessaliyeva, current MAE student, is the first KIMEP University participant has recently obtained her Master Degree in prominent Humboldt University (Berlin, Germany) in the framework of Dual Degree Agreement between KIMEP University and Humboldt University. She is currently on the way to complete her master diploma at KIMEP University.
Our International Office Representative met with Meruyert to share her success story to KIMEP community and all interested candidates in the Dual Degree programs.
Meruyert, what motivated you to apply for Dual Degree Program with Humboldt University?
I had been interested in studying in Germany since my undergraduate studies and I have been excited to discover Dual Degree Program with Humboldt University and KIMEP University. Also, I found this program as an opportunity to improve my skills in quantitative analysis.
What are the main differences between studying process at KIMEP and Humboldt?
The main difference between studies at KIMEP and Humboldt University is that the program in economics at Humboldt University is well connected with business studies. In general, it also reflects how research work in German universities is connected with industry and business. The program at Humboldt University is structured in way, that it implies acquiring strong foundation of quantitative methods of economic analysis and modelling, applied to Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, Public Economics, Management and Organization Theory, Marketing Management, Finance and Accounting, Entrepreneurship. Based on personal preferences students can specialize in one or two spheres.
What was the most challenging for you in studying and living in Germany?
There is a big choice of project based courses, where students acquire practical and communication skills, learn how to work in teams. This depends on the team style of studying, because it is a good way to work on a solid amount of comprehensive homework.
Another feature is that there is no prior registration to courses in German universities. That gives an opportunity to be flexible for students, but it also requires a strong self-discipline. At the end of each semester students register to the final exams that they would like to pass. Interestingly, exams can be taken in two rounds with one month in between.
Can you draw the image, when you achieved your goal and received a diploma, how did you feel at that moment?
The most challenging for me was working on the thesis, it implied a great amount of independent work and self-studying, because I had chosen quite a new method of prediction models. Besides that, learning German language was also a bit challenging. Knowing the language – is an essential part of life in Germany, it opens more perspectives; and it is especially hard when you try to combine learning the language with the university curriculum. But at the end you realize that it all worth it! During graduation ceremony I felt so proud of myself remembering how hard I worked from the very beginning.
What perspectives opened up for your with Humboldt and KIMEP diploma?
Overall, along with very strong theoretical base, studying in German university gives you essential practical experience. Besides that, there is a chance to learn from German working style-and good examples on how organized they are in all spheres.
Thank you KIMEP University for such a great experience of dual degree program! I am so excited to see more and more alumni graduates of this program in the future!
Interviewed by Zhamilya Utarbayeva. International Office