Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Novosibirsk State University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The "Management of the Future" conference was held October 23-25 in St. Petersburg, organized by the Graduate School of Management at St. Petersburg State University. This year, 2,300 applications were received, and after a multi-stage selection process, 115 talented students and graduates from across the country participated. NSU was represented by students from the Faculty of Economics (EF)—Alina Churkina, Elizaveta Kirgizova, Daria Kostyuk, Anna Denisova, and Denis Lipinsky.
The selection process consisted of three stages. The first involved completing a questionnaire and screening resumes, and the second involved professional testing with questions on probability theory, logic, mathematics, and economics. The final stage was a video interview, which included six questions assessing motivation, open-mindedness, and adaptability to a rapidly changing environment. Participants were given one minute to comprehend each question and two minutes to answer, after which the system automatically ended the recording.
Throughout the three days of the conference, students interacted with representatives of leading Russian companies, attended lectures, and participated in interactive master classes. One of the "Management of the Future" activities was management debates. Participants were presented with three cases, each with two roles. Two weeks before the conference, students were required to form teams to solve the problems. Elizaveta Kirgizova's team reached the semifinals, and the team including Anna Denisova won the debates and won a unique opportunity to attend a dinner with VTB representatives.
"The case topics varied. The first case asked us to choose a strategy for replacing an outdated IT system: a phased modernization of the existing platform versus a complete replacement with a new one. The second case challenged us to find a balance between security and customer experience—choosing between a strict verification system with maximum security and "invisible" protection that wouldn't interfere with customers. The third case challenged us to determine a strategy for attracting an 18-25-year-old audience: focusing on game mechanics and engagement or on real financial benefits. The management debates were the most engaging format, in my opinion. They allowed us not only to delve into solving real business cases but also to put strategic thinking and argumentation skills into practice. I'm very proud that our team managed to win," shared Anna Denisova, a fourth-year student at the Faculty of Economics and Management at NSU.
NSU students noted that the conference program included useful lectures given by speakers from various fields—from retail and event marketing to consulting and manufacturing. Many presentations focused on regional development and artificial intelligence. Particularly valuable was the fact that the lectures were delivered by practitioners who shared real-life case studies.
Daria Kostyuk, 4th year student of the Faculty of Economics at NSU:
"I especially enjoyed the lecture by ArtLife, the concert creators, as I'm developing my own career in the events industry. I was interested in listening to someone with similar life experiences and interests, so I could further develop my career."
Elizaveta Kirgizova, first-year master's student at the Faculty of Economics and Management of NSU:
"In my opinion, the most useful lecture was about developing five qualities that are beneficial for a career. Among these qualities, the speakers named a sense of belonging and commitment to the company, charisma, righteous fanaticism, strong communication skills, and perseverance."
Alina Churkina, a fourth-year student at the Faculty of Economics and Management of NSU:
The trip to "Management of the Future" turned out to be more than just a conference. It was an opportunity to see modern management from the inside—through real-life cases, lively discussions, and the experiences of those already shaping management practice today.
Conferences like these offer more than just lectures; they also offer an opportunity to meet interesting people with similar interests from all over the country and gain new ideas.
Daria Kostyuk:
"What I remember most were the people—the conference participants. So many people with completely unique life stories, with countless achievements in various fields. Conversations with each of them were captivating and engaging in their own way, as we all have busy lives."
Elizaveta Kirgizova:
"The conference trip was inspiring for me; I gained a lot of insights and made many new connections. Connecting with and becoming part of such a professional and vibrant community was an interesting and rewarding experience!"
Alina Churkina:
— The participants were a special highlight. 115 people from different cities, with varying backgrounds, but equally ambitious and engaged. It's an environment where you can't just "go with the flow"—the pace of communication and the level of discussion constantly push you to think faster, broader, and deeper.
Denis Lipinsky, 3rd year student at the Faculty of Economics at NSU:
"During the conference, I managed to exchange contacts with several dozen of the most talented people, including a theoretical physicist and a chemical engineer. It was very interesting to meet people from a wide range of universities across the country—to see how they live their lives, what their scientific and personal interests are, and how different universities are developing collaboration strategies. And, of course, the opportunity to establish direct contact with HR directors or leaders of large teams at companies that are leaders in their fields was also very valuable!"
The students also noted the special atmosphere of the city and the location where the conference was held.
Alina Churkina:
"The venue—Mikhailovskaya Dacha, the former imperial residence—made a particularly strong impression. The space itself is symbolic: the historic architecture and the modern campus of GSOM SPbU create a sense of a dialogue between times—past, present, and future. In such a setting, the conversation about development and leadership is especially poignant. And, of course, St. Petersburg. A city whose very environment—the autumnal atmosphere, the leisurely pace—inspires thoughtfulness."
Moreover, such events are an opportunity to understand how to develop further, what knowledge and skills to acquire in order to achieve more in your professional activities.
Alina Churkina:
"I came back feeling like I'd experienced a professional 'renewal' in these few days. Not in the sense of inspiration—there was just the right amount of that—but in the sense of clarity: it became clearer which skills are truly important, how quickly the context changes, and how important it is to learn not to adapt, but to be proactive!"
Material prepared by: Varvara Frolkina, NSU press service
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