June is at hand. Traditionally, this is the season of entrance exams, graduations, and the joy of knowing that the long years of cramming and sleepless nights are a thing of the past. Nevertheless, the satisfaction of holding one's college diploma for the first time is, for most of us, tempered somewhat by the growing awareness that the hardest challenges of life are still to come. Chief among the rites of passage looming ahead is the inevitable process of applying for a job. After numerous job interviews in a range of firms and organizations, many graduates find that potential employers aren't particularly impressed with the kind of diploma applicants hold or by the "big name" of the school they attended, but rather with the real, practical knowledge they possess and their ability to apply this knowledge in business practice.

With very few exceptions, we all go through the frightening and often intimidating process of applying for a job. To encourage you in your job-hunt, we are publishing the following interview with Nadya Merkusheva, who graduated from the Russian-American Christian University in May 2002.

Nadya, how difficult was it for you to find a job after receiving your RACU diploma? Do you feel it made a difference to employers that RACU is a Christian University?

I got my present job because of RACU in the first place! One of my classmates was employed by Golden Telecom Company and really proved himself there. When the company expanded, my friend recommended me for one of the new positions, which is how I wound up working here. For the first year, I worked on a probationary basis, and then I was hired as a full-time staff member. As my boss puts it, I fit perfectly into the corporate culture of an American company. I have come to realize that, these days, employers aren't as particular about what diploma you hold; instead, they really care about a candidate's knowledge and ability to utilize it. It's not a secret to anyone that in Russia it is possible simply to buy a higher education diploma, and all major employers are afraid of that. That's why all major employers either consider one's work experience (if there is any), or hire new employees on a probationary basis first. In my case, the hiring choice was between me and a graduate of Moscow State University. They chose me because I know western accounting standards and was familiar with western business culture, in which it's important not just to spend 8 hours at your workplace, but to really get things done, efficiently and with quality.

Could you please tell us more about your work and what exactly you do there?

I work at the representative office of Golden Telecom - the U.S.-based communication company - in the department of corporate finances. I have worked there for three years. My starting position was as an accountant-economist, and gradually I moved up to a position of financial analyst. I like my job, although the workload is quite heavy; oftentimes, I don't leave for home until as late as 8 or 9 in the evening. My work is very dynamic though. This is an American company; our stock is quoted at the NASDAQ stock exchange in the United States. One part of my responsibilities is dealing with international finances, and my working language is English. Very often I make phone calls abroad, communicating with a large number of clients, so I'm constantly in the process of doing something new. All of our employees are expected to demonstrate a high level of professionalism, as well as show some personal initiative. The responsibility is pretty big: if you make mistakes, it has a negative effect on your work as well as on the work of your colleagues and higher-ups. All these factors make my work interesting as well as challenging in a psychological sense.

What are your feelings about the knowledge you received at RACU: does it help you in your work? If yes, in what way?

The knowledge I received at RACU really helps me. Even if I don't know something, I still know how and where to find the information I need. At RACU, I was encouraged to look for answers to questions and resolve problems on my own. This approach has really helped me at my workplace. Coursework at RACU is diverse and broad; this is good, because I know how business works in general, what processes in it are important, and how my work affects the company. And if I need more specific education or deeper-level knowledge of a certain subject, I can acquire it on my own.

Why, out of the many options, did you choose RACU?

Upon graduating from high school in 1998, I began to think about my further education. By that time, I had already accepted Christ as my personal Savior and wanted to serve Him. I liked studying economics and wanted to work in business. In high school I had taken a specialized economics class, and I had often wondered whether it is possible to combine business and Christian standards. Now I believe that it is possible. Our God is the God of everything, and all things are subjected to Him. I prayed that the Lord would help me to find a good university. Purely by accident, I heard about RACU, and I quickly realized that this was going to be my university. I was immediately attracted by the fact that RACU faculty and students are Christians. My family and relatives also endorsed my choice: since it is a Christian school, they were sure I would get help, support and understanding. I truly found all those things here. Another aspect that informed my choice to attend here was the fact that RACU is a Russian-American university. I was drawn to the prospect of studying a foreign language and culture. During the entire time I studied at RACU, I didn't regret my choice once.

What memories do you have of RACU?

Very positive ones. I remember my time at RACU with love and tenderness. For me, it will always be interesting to know how the university is doing and what students are studying there now. I love to revisit the campus once in a while. In addition to the education I received at RACU, I also became stronger in my faith in Jesus Christ, gaining confidence in myself as well as in the power that comes from God. For me, RACU is a school of life, an experience that one completes in order to become real and strong person.

There is an Alumni Association operating at RACU. Could you share with us about that?

The mission of the Alumni Association is to develop and strengthen friendly, business and spiritual ties among RACU graduates. Tasks of the association include organizing meetings for the graduates, holding cultural events for members of the Association, helping graduates to find jobs, and supporting RACU graduates in their professional and socio-cultural experiences. The Association, like at many western universities, was established to help graduates stay in touch with and support each other. So far, we've held several meetings for the graduates; it is always so great to see and have fellowship with each other again.

What are your plans for your education? Do you plan to continue and if so, where?

Yes, I would like to continue my studies. My intention is to obtain professional qualification as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) as well as to earn a Master of Economics degree. I hope that God will bless these aspirations of mine about further education.

We wish you courage and strength! Thank you, Nadya, for finding time in your busy schedule to come by and answer our questions!