January 30, 2025

Meet Sydney Business School, UOW student, Aleksandr Zhiriakov

Student spotlight: Aleksandr Zhiriakov

Alex is a global finance enthusiast with big dreams and a Master of Applied Finance student at the Sydney CBD campus, University of Wollongong. With 11 years of experience in corporate finance, Alex's journey is one of determination and adaptability. Let’s dive into his story!

Tell us about yourself and what brought you back to studying? 

Hi, I’m Alex and I’m from Russia. I’ll be completing my Master of Applied Finance in the upcoming first trimester of 2025. I have a background in corporate finance, focusing on areas like deal advisory and business valuation. Before coming to Australia, I had 11 years of experience in various financial roles, and I even passed Level 1 CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) exam back in 2018. Coming here to study abroad was a big decision for me—I saw it as an opportunity to broaden my horizons and challenge myself in new ways.

What inspired you to pursue your studies at UOW?

Firstly, I’ve always believed that stepping outside your comfort zone is key to growth. In Russia, foreign education isn't as common, so I saw it as an opportunity to gain a global perspective. Secondly, Finance is a field where learning from different economies can truly broaden your understanding.

Finally, the chance to live abroad for the first time was incredibly appealing, and University of Wollongong turned out to be the perfect choice. It offered a balanced, affordable program, and I felt welcomed regardless of my nationality, which was important to me.

How do you balance university and personal life in a new country?

Yes, it is quite challenging. UOW’s recommended study time – 2 hours a week per credit point – can quicky add up! But I’ve learned that life becomes more meaningful when you find that balance. So, my first tip is to not just schedule study time – plan for other things too. Whether it's a hobby, spending time with friends, or just unwinding. Balance is key!

My second tip is to maintain long-term productivity, and for me this means following a healthy lifestyle. I achieve this through regular work outs, healthy eating with supplements, and consistent sleep patterns. For mental health, I practice meditation and journaling.

When things get busy, like at the end of the trimester, I rely on time management techniques. One valuable technique I learned from our senior lecturer, Dr Ivy Zhou, is the Pomodoro Technique, which alternates focused work periods with short breaks to maintain concentration and reduce distractions.

Lastly, a tip that always works. Keep an updated schedule with all your important dates and deadlines. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!

What challenges have you faced as a student, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges for me was realising that my past professional experience, wasn’t applicable in Australia, especially since I don’t have full-time work rights. It was a bit of a shock to find that consulting firms weren’t interested in my volunteering work due to visa restrictions.

It took time to accept that I needed to pivot and explore opportunities outside of my field. I decided to take a forklift driving course and get my license, which has opened new possibilities. This became a powerful reminder that flexibility and adaptability are important in life.

What has been the standout thing you've learned so far in your finance program at UOW?  

I was really surprised by the amazing diversity here at UOW. I’ve met so many incredible people from different countries, and everyone has such unique stories to share. Whether it’s my classmates, tutors, or even the staff, the interactions have been really enriching. Interacting with classmates, tutors, and university staff has been a joy – it’s refreshing to have so many perspectives in one place.

What do you miss most about Russia, and how do you stay connected to your culture while studying abroad?

Since I’m communicating in my second language, I often feel that I can’t express myself as fully as I’d like during class discussions. I really miss the deep, meaningful conversations that were such an important part of my life back home. To stay connected to my culture, I keep in touch with friends and family and listen to podcasts featuring interesting people from Russia.

Tell us your career aspirations after graduation including any opportunities in Australia or back in Russia?

After I graduate, I’m hoping to build on my international experience and seek out opportunities in the Middle East. This Finance Master’s degree will allow me to deepen my expertise in financial analysis and strategy, while equipping me with the advanced skills needed to navigate the complexities of global markets. It will also provide me with the tools to tackle high-level challenges in areas like corporate restructuring and infrastructure advisory, helping me make a meaningful impact in the finance sector.

What’s the best advice you’ve received that you would share with international students?

The best advice I’ve received is simple but powerful: Build connections. It’s important to get involved in as many communities as you can and collaborate with people from different backgrounds. You never know where these connections could take you, or how they can help you in your journey!

Do you have any last friendly words of advice you’d like to give your fellow students?

Don’t give up when things get tough. Challenges are part of the journey, and you will get through them. Trust in yourself and remember that you’re capable of more than you realise. Keep believing in the best, even when it’s hard.