Mukharlamov's trilemma

 

Let your problems turn back for us!

In 2008 before graduating from the HSE International College of Economics and Finance Vladimir Mukharlamov faced a serious dilemma. Well, honestly speaking, a trilemma.  Nothing awful, just day-to-day troubles.  Vladimir overcame it successfully despite some obstacles.  Let’s start with the background… 

In 2004 Vladimir entered the HSE International College of Economics and Finance as a winner of the all-Russia Economics Olympiad for intermediate school-students. As the second stage overall winner he was awarded with a grant to study at the HSE International College for Economics. He was ranked as one of the best students during his time at the college.

In 2006 Vladimir received a Letter of Gratitude from London University for particular achievements in their external exams.  About 30 students of the more than 9000 who study in this manner receive this kind of letter every year. But in this case, he had obtained the maximum marks possible (100 points from 100 possible) in two subjects simultaneously, i.e. Mathematics of the first stage, Mathematics of the second stage.  In 2007 he was honored with a London University prize for special achievements in external exams (only four awards are given annually to students studying in the London University External program). During his university studies Vladimir Mukharlamov received a mark lower then “1st class honours” level only once. In 2006-2007 he was honored with an Oxford Foundation grant.

Vladimir started his academic activity during his first course. In April 2006 he gave a presentation at the potential and future leaders Forum Conference “Russia 20 years ahead” and his paper was published in the Conference  review. In 2007 Vladimir won the HSE student  competition in the  “Economics” category and his paper was published in the “ICEF best students’ work collection-2007”. Vladimir presented his paper at the VIII International Scientific Conference “Economic modernization and social Development” and it was included in the Conference collection.

Other pieces by Vladimir were published in the “Modern science and education miscellany” magazine, in the internet version of  “Political Studies” magazine and in the Internet periodical GAAP.RU “Accounting and reporting theory and practice”.

In 2007 Vladimir was nominated for a “Golden Vyshka” award in the “Academic achievements” category. In 2008 Vladimir was acknowledged as the best ICEF graduate.

After receiving his ICEF Bachelor degree Vladimir applied for masters programmes in several leading universities including Cambridge, Oxford and the London School of Economics. British universities are well known for their scarce studying grants and other student support tools. But, in spite of this, Vladimir was placed with a heavy burden of choice because all three revered academic institutions offered him grants for his studies and living expenses. Vladimir’s situation was truly difficult. Which to choose? Probably, the LSE masters programme in finance? Or the same programme in Cambridge? Or possibly it might be better to be enrolled in the Oxford University programme in Financial economics. But the most important thing -  the decision must be taken immediately since the universities were demanding an answer.

Vladimir’s situation was  difficult. But everything was settled in a sudden way. Vladimir received the London University External Study Award acknowledging him as the best London University external graduate in the World.

ICEF students academic achievements had been recognized before: every year, ICEF students receive prizes and Gratitude letters. There are more than 80 awards in the ICEF collection. Two ICEF graduates received the Gerstenberg award as the best London University graduates in economics, finance and management. But Vladimir became the first ICEF graduate to receive an External Study Award.

So Vladimir made his choice without thinking twice. Let us wish him good luck and hope he faces some more challenging trilemmas of this kind.