On February 14, GSOM SPbU hosted a Launch event to kick off the new cohort’s journey in the Strategy and Consulting educational track, implemented by GSOM SPbU in collaboration with Yakov and Partners. Over the course of three semesters, the new group of Master in Management (MiM) students will delve into a comprehensive curriculum designed to meet the current demands of the modern business environment.

Admission to Strategy and Consulting track is highly competitive - students undergo a rigorous three-stage selection process and only the top 15 out of all applicants become participants of the program.

Strategy and Consulting track of Master in Management program was developed as part of a long-term collaboration between the Graduate School of Management and Yakov and Partners, a leader in strategic consulting and the sole successor of the "Big Three" in Russia. The program aims to train international-level professionals for the Russian consulting market, who will drive qualitative transformations in domestic companies.

"The educational track Strategy and Consulting of Master in Management program is a unique synthesis of industry leaders' expertise and academic excellence. Through the collaboration of Yakov and Partners and the Graduate School of Management at St. Petersburg State University, we have created a program that not only addresses the challenges of modern business but also shapes future leaders capable of systemic thinking, making data-driven decisions, and building effective communication strategies," says Yulia Aray, Academic Director of MiM program at GSOM SPbU.

The official program began with an engaging lecture by Yannis Christodoulou, Associate Professor at GSOM SPbU and Academic Director of Strategy and Consulting track of MIM program. After the lecture, he shared his impressions:

"We are very proud to recruit our next generation of Strategy and Consulting students after a very successful first run. These are top quality candidates reflecting the highest competence level and the great ethos of GSOM students. Along with guidance and practice through Yakov and Partners, we believe that these students will transform in top consultants and business leaders”

Following the lecture, Dmitry Angarov, a partner at Yakov and Partners, delivered a Masterclass in Leadership. Drawing from his extensive experience in the field, the speaker shared valuable insights into the qualities and skills required to excel in leadership roles within the consulting industry.

The formal program of the day was concluded with final presentations from students for the course Global Leadership.

In the evening, an informal gathering brought all the participants together. The event provided an excellent opportunity for relaxed networking, experience sharing, and building professional networks.

"The official opening of the track left me amazed by its warmth, vibrancy, and the openness of Yakov and Partners colleagues to share their experience and expertise with us! It wasn’t just an ordinary event — it was the space full of opportunities: incredible connections, deep insights, and my personal challenge — presenting our cohort in English as a host for the very first time!

Every second of that evening reminded me that stepping outside of my comfort zone is the path to growth, new achievements, and incredible discoveries — both personal and professional," shared Arina Martynova, a student of Strategy and Consulting track.

GALLERY