HSE Student Wins Next Generation Women Leaders Award

Every year, global management consultancy McKinsey & Company holds a competition for Next Generation Women Leaders. This year, 54 talented individuals from across the world have been selected to take part in the contest, four of whom are from Russia.

Daria Kirova, 1st year student on the World Economy MA programme at the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, was one of the participants, she received an award for her project on generations and the transfer of local knowledge in Russia's oil and gas sector.

The McKinsey scholarship is intended for inspired and talented individuals, who inspire others to make new achievements and change the world around them. In order to receive the award, you need to submit an application, CV and motivational letter about your project, and attend an interview with an HR manager and a company consultant.

For anyone keen to win a scholarship – the project presentation is the key requirement. When implemented, it should contribute to improving the economy, business climate, or just make people’s live better and more interesting. The project can be a scientific initiative, business start-up, or a volunteer, charity, or educational initiative.
Winners not only receive financial support to develop their projects (2,000 Euro), but also benefit from a valuable mentoring programme with a company representative and access to exclusive McKinsey events.

Daria recommends that those who have any doubts about submitting an application next year should remember what famous discoverer James Cook said: ‘Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again.’ The selection process is an exciting journey and an opportunity to look at your own development trajectory in a new light thanks to interaction with experts from McKinsey, Daria says.