RUDN University student shared her experience studying in China and working at a Russian-Chinese trading company

Fourth-year student of the Institute of World Economy and Business of RUDN Snezhana Malysheva proves that international relations require not only theory but also daily practice. The girl has numerous achievements: she is the author of seven scientific articles in Russian, English, and Chinese, a participant in prestigious conferences and prize-winner of Olympiads, and a co-founder of the scientific student society of the Faculty of Economics and IMEB.

We talked with Snezhana and found out how her path into science began, how she became a WED specialist at a Russian-Chinese trading company, and what plans she has for the future.

Why did you choose the direction “International Relations” at IMEP RUDN? What influenced your choice?

I have always been interested in how money, goods, and companies move between countries. And RUDN provides very strong language training and the opportunity to study and build business connections with future partners during training at the country’s very international university, which is very important for an economist-internationalist. I realized that without the Chinese language in the field of foreign economic activity (FEA), one gets nowhere now, so I decided to focus on the Asian direction.

You completed an exchange program at Xiamen University in China. How did you get into this program? And what did this experience give you — both professionally and personally?

In the first year, when I enrolled in the additional education program for Chinese language, the teachers talked about the possibility of internships abroad. Then I really wanted to get into such a program, and my dream came true in the third year after a trip to Beijing to the BRICS conference. I learned about the opportunity fromDarya Valeryevna Nazarova, she directed me toDarya Sergeevna Sokolan, deputy dean for international activities. I compiled a portfolio with assessments and achievements, filled out an application on the Siam University website, and I was accepted. The program matched my profile: I studied world economy and international trade. This experience gave me a lot: I saw the Asian economy from the inside, stopped being afraid of the language, and understood real business processes.

Can you share funny or touching stories that happened during your studies in China?

One of the funniest and warmest stories is the attitude of the Chinese towards foreigners. They really love taking photographs. Moreover, several times it has turned into genuine professional photo sessions. For example, I was just having dinner in a cafe or walking around the city, and local residents, amateur photographers (sometimes even with good cameras), approached me and asked if they could photograph me. Or they asked to take pictures together. Now I have amazing photos from the most beautiful places in Guangzhou and Xiamen, which I probably wouldn’t have taken myself in such quality.The Chinese turned out to be very open and friendly — through such little things you feel like not just a tourist, but a real guest of the country.

You are the author of seven scientific articles in the Tatar language. What were the works dedicated to, and which of the studies are you most proud of?

My articles in most cases are dedicated to foreign trade, the digital agenda in BRICS countries, and Chinese payment systems. The article about Chinese payment systems is probably the most interesting, because during the period of work I described my observations and the convenience of using Chinese payment instruments, including for foreigners. In addition, I have already devoted several publications to a new area of research, which I am actively working on in social networks and in the VK work (final qualification work). This is the export of whey protein.

How do you manage to combine deep scientific work with active practical activities?

No schedule — none at all. Studying — in the morning and during the day, work or conferences — in the evening. So how did your journey into science begin and how did you come to co-found the NSO? I came to science through coursework research in my first year — I had to dig into real numbers and cases. And the idea to create the NSO was born not out of nowhere. I started attending conferences at other universities and noticed: scientific events are often organized by the students themselves — through their own NSO. Then I caught myself thinking: “Why don’t we have this at our faculty?” And I realized I could take on this task myself.We, together with the guys, created a scientific student society at the Faculty of Economics and IMEB, because there was no organization where students from EF and IMEB could calmly discuss research, not be afraid to express their point of view, and think big. I was a co-founder, engaged in organizing work and developing the NSO strategy. Now I have already left the society, but I am proud that it has remained and continues to operate. My main goal then was to make science at IMEB no longer something scary and distant. And, it seems, we succeeded: science has become interesting and accessible to everyone who wants to understand deeper, not just pass an exam.

You have participated in many conferences with scientific reports, including abroad. Which of these events do you remember the most and why?

The trip to Beijing was unforgettableBRICS Research International Forum.This was my first acquaintance with China. The atmosphere, scale, and level of speakers impressed me. I got acquainted with participants from all over the world, we exchanged contacts, and discussed research during breaks. It was there that I finally realized that I want to work specifically with Asia and the BRICS economy.

Is that why you were a member of the organizing committee of MGIMO BRICS PROJECT LAB III and the head of the “Energy” track in 2024? What did this experience give you?

Yes, I was a member of the organizing committee and headed the “Energetika” track in 2024. I was also fortunate to be a participant in this unusual track, where our team set ourselves the task of developing a new financial instrument — an energy exchange within the BRICS association. Our track became the winner of the laboratory. We were also able to submit our project for consideration to the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation and to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Alekseevich Ryabkov.If we talk about the MGIMO BRICS PROJECT LAB III, there I was engaged in writing official invitation letters to experts from the Ministry of Energy, the Government of Moscow, Gazprom, and Lukoil, as well as organizing the stay of experts at the event. We fully organized the project: from applications to the final session. This gave me experience in managing an international team. Now the project is complete, but the skills remain.

You are also a prize-winner of the RUDN-ON Olympiad. Tell us about the competition and what skills helped you to win?

RUDN-ONA — interesting olympiad, I —winner of the “Innovative Management” direction, scored 91/100. I can say that there was strong competition in the direction, the task was dedicated to artificial intelligence in the field of tourism, it was necessary to quickly write a business plan and project content for the implementation of AI in a travel agency, to evaluate the prospects of using an AI agent. Although I am not studying in the field related to AI and tourism, I coped excellently thanks to my erudition and outlook. I have a good memory, developed logic and, most importantly, economic thinking.It was precisely thanks to these skills that I described the application of AI in tourism from an economic perspective, which helped me secure a runner-up position.

You are currently working as a VED specialist in a Russian-Chinese trading company, continuing your studies in the fourth year. How did you find this job? And what challenges did you face at the very beginning of your career path?

The labor market is very unstable right now, and finding a job even in my specialty turned out to be not easy. I tried hard for a long time, sent out resumes, attended interviews, and received refusals. There were moments when I felt discouraged. But I understood that without initial real experience, it would be difficult to move forward. As a result, the key role was played precisely by the skills I gained at RUDN and through various projects around it: knowledge of English and Chinese languages, understanding of the international economy, experience in negotiations, and working in a team.It was important for the employer that I not only studied theory but also participated in conferences, organized projects, and wrote articles in the Chinese language. At first, of course, it was difficult. Many terms that are not commonly found in textbooks, real contracts, customs, logistics. I had to quickly learn to understand document flow and negotiate with Chinese partners without the right to make mistakes. But it was precisely RUDN that gave me a foundation on which I could rely, and the rest was a matter of practice and my diligence.

What exactly is included in your responsibilities? Can you give an example of a real task you have solved at work?

My duties include full support of the deal: correspondence with suppliers in Chinese and English, preparation of transaction documents, control of payments and logistics, accounting in 1C. For example, I myself found a new factory in China, held negotiations, agreed on all terms, and put it on a regular supply schedule. I preliminarily calculated the market demand for this product, and the offer turned out to be in demand. Now we have a stable new supplier, which means an expanded assortment and more favorable conditions for the company. You also develop a blog about Russian food exports.

Why did you choose this particular niche? What goals do you set for your blog and what results have you already achieved?

My blog about Russian food product exports is a continuation of my diploma and coursework. I became very interested in the direction of deep milk processing and consider it promising in the near future. The main goal that I pursue in my blog is to inform young researchers about modern trends in Russian business and opportunities for the development of Russian exports.

Are you planning to continue your studies in graduate school?

Master’s degree is a serious step, and I only have to make a choice. I am considering RUDN, the direction is most likely world economy and international trade. And it is pleasant that the additional points I earned by becoming a prize-winner at the RUDN-ON Olympiad will help me when entering my alma mater.