Karina CHEVHUZ, a graduate of the Department of International Economic Relations at the SumDU BiEM Institute, has recently taken an honorary position as an economic counselor at the Japanese Embassy in Ukraine. In this interview, Karina tells us about her professional path, challenges in new position and the SumDU role in her formation.

How did you find out about the opportunity to work at the Japanese Embassy? What attracted you to this job?

I found out very simply – on the Embassy website, or rather from their Facebook. I was actively monitoring vacancies at the time, and probably the easiest and most effective way is to check the official resources of the embassies of countries you are interested in. What attracted me was that it seemed like a logical continuation of my career. I had done an internship in Japan, knew the Japanese mentality and already had certain skills.

Why did you choose the specialty “International Economic Relations”?

Since grade 11, I have dreamed of working in an embassy. I really wanted to enter the International Economic Relations program, because I had a great interest and saw prospects. I managed to enter the economic cybernetics program. At the same time, I studied International Relations to close the gestalt and the desire to get an education in international economic relations.

Recall the vivid memories of student life at SumDU

The most valuable memories are the Golden Integral and the Director, Teacher and Me. Although we did not study full-time for a while due to the pandemic, these events left the warmest memories. I still watch videos of that period and fondly remember those times and friends.

What knowledge gained at the university has become the most valuable in the professional field?

First of all, structured thinking, which economic cybernetics taught me. And international economics gave me an understanding of global international processes. I learned to be flexible in many areas, to take responsibility and to look for several solutions to one problem.

What role did academic mobility play in your development?

To say that it was direct would be an understatement. It all started with mobility. That is when my attitudes broke down. I realized that if I could go to Japan, then nothing was impossible for me anymore. It changed my thinking. After my internship at the embassy, I removed even more blocks, because I also got my dream internship. There was a change in my thinking. I realized that if you really want something, everything will happen. You just have to make an effort.

What were your first steps after graduating from SumDU on the way to this position?

I did my Master’s degree both at SumDU and in Japan, and my career started with a Japanese internship. After graduation, I gave myself time to think about what I wanted. For me, it was not about money, but about the long-term perspective. I tried not to lose my skills, followed the news and continued to develop. Later, I started an active job search, and I am happy with the result.

What are your main responsibilities as an economic advisor?

First of all, I support Japanese diplomats in their work in Ukraine: analytics, report preparation, interpretation and translation, and meeting organization. Our task is to create conditions for diplomats to fully focus on development of relations between Japan and Ukraine.

What challenges have you faced in your new position?

This is my first job, so at first it was difficult to understand how to behave at official meetings. But my knowledge from the Master’s program helped, because we were taught this there. So, this experience gave me confidence. At one time, I was a secretary in the student directorate. And from those days, I still have communication skills: networking, introducing myself. I still have the knowledge, it does not go away, but the background from the university helped me to develop soft skills.

What advice would you give to current SumDU students?

Our coordinator in Japan always repeated: “Knock on every door”. This is the main advice. I understood it like no one else. After all, my internship at the Ukrainian Embassy was due to my initiative and inner call. You should not be afraid to express yourself. You should also not be afraid of rejections, as there can be many of them on the way. If it did not work out here, it will definitely work out there, and it will be even better. Maybe not the first, second, or even tenth time, but it will work out for sure.