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Looking for opportunities besides studying in Russia? Elena Mezentseva, graduate of the Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature (2017), manager in international education at the Quartier Latin (Paris-Moscow), shares her vision of turning University years into future prospects and career.

Interviewer: How did your professional prospects grow after graduating from Perm State University?

Elena: After completing a bachelor’s degree at PSU, I continued my master’s studies at the University of Grenoble-Alpes, France, with whom our Department of Linguistics and Translation has had a long-time partnership. My home bachelor’s degree as a linguist and translator made it possible to study other related disciplines, like science du langage, langues étrangères appliquées, communication multilingue. So, I chose to do a master’s degree in langues, littératures et civilizations étrangères et régionales in études russes. Studying at PSU and the University of Grenoble-Alpes encouraged my passion for academic mobility. Not only did I regard this only as an opportunity to study abroad and host for foreign students back home, I also became interested in the logistics and preparations involved, acquiring to the adaptation of foreign students.

The academic internships in France for bachelor’s degree and mobility projects implemented in master’s degree defined my professional ambitions and outcomes. After completing my master’s degree, I started working remotely for the Quartier Latin company, assisting with training and settling in France.

Int.: Do you believe the knowledge gained at PSU became useful for your future?

Elena: Apart fromspecific knowledge of translation, theory of foreign languages and intercultural communication, the study at PSU helped me acquire general skills of critical thinking, data search and public speaking – making it possible to successfully pass a master’s course in France. Until today, I am applying these competencies at communicating with foreign students, running international business correspondence, and doing my duties as an interpreter and a translator.

As information becomes quickly irrelevant in a changing world, the knowledge gained during the University years prove to be most comprehensive and timeless.

Int.: Could you, please, share some vivid memories of your student years?

Elena: There have been plenty ofbright and memorable moments, since the very first year! These, of course, include training courses in Grenoble and Paris, which had become pivot points for me. I also recollect our University’s centennial celebration, when the campus turned into one whole festival town, full of live performances, happenings and art spaces.

Yet, perhaps, the most important event, or change was meeting my wonderful classmates, with whom we became real friends, as well as bright teachers, whose advice and guidance helps me a lot, until today!

Int.: What could you wish the future University applicants?

Elena: The student years is a unique time that gives a lot of new friends, knowledge and perspectives. Make sure you use every opportunity possible, and show your own initiative in that search, too. Do participate in exchange programs, scientific conferences, extracurricular activities, as this will allow you to meet different people, broaden your horizons and shape your goals. While still a student, try to put into practice what you have learned, as this will add value to your CV. May your student years be interesting, rewarding and exciting! And, be sure that joining the Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature, you will find yourself in a large academic family, a source for support and professional confidence, indeed!

Interview source (in Russian): Department of Linguistics and Translation, Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature, PSU