ACADEMY IN FACES

Today we’re going to meet Violetta Goncharova, a third-year student of the Economics Department of Smolensk State Agricultural Academy. She is successfully mastering the curriculum and is ready to share her experience of student life and plans for the future.
Violetta, why did you choose the Economics program? What attracts you to this program?
- I chose Economics because I fell in love with mathematics back in school. Mathematics is an exact science, and I love precision. When it was time to choose where to go, I decided to choose this program, of course, after consulting with my aunt. She has been working as a chief economist at a large enterprise for many years. She explained to me that being an economist is profitable and prestigious, because it is such a broad field! You can go to work anywhere: at least in a bank, at least open your own business.
What personal qualities do you think are most important for an economist?
- It seems to me that an economist needs perseverance, patience and a constant desire to learn something new in the field of economics. The world is constantly changing, and the economy, accordingly, too.
What skills acquired at the Academy do you consider most valuable for your future career?
- Definitely, these are the skills of quickly searching and processing large amounts of information. In the modern world, there is a lot of information, and the ability to filter out what is needed and use it correctly is very important. Also, of course, the skills of solving economic problems are important. I am sure that they will definitely be useful to me in my future work after graduating from the Academy.
What is the most difficult thing about studying for you?
- I love studying. In fact, studying at the Academy does not present any particular difficulties for me. Of course, there are moments that require more time and effort, but overall, I enjoy the learning process.
Have you had any practical experience in agriculture or related fields? If so, tell us about it.
- In my first year, I was sent to Kaliningrad for an internship under “the More Than a Job” program. Although the internship was short, I gained very valuable experience. Chief Economist Oleg Prishlyak spoke in detail about calculating hectares of land for sowing various crops - corn, wheat, barley and others. He also talked about the content and types of equipment that they use for land cultivation and sowing, and taught me how to properly keep accounting records. That practical experience was great and gave me a good idea of the work.
What problems of agriculture do you consider the most urgent from an economic point of view?
- In my opinion, the biggest problem now is the shortage of workers in agriculture. Unfortunately, young people often perceive work in "agriculture" as something irrelevant and unprestigious. But this is not true at all! The shortage of labor negatively affects production volumes, which, in turn, affects inflation and rising prices in stores.
How do you spend your free time? Do you have a hobby?
- I usually spend my free time from studying and working at the Academy with friends. We watch movies, just have heart-to-heart talks. I also really like painting pictures by numbers - it helps me relax and take my mind off everything.
What modern technologies do you think are necessary for the development of agriculture?
- I think that modern technologies such as bioengineering, regenerative agriculture, precise application of nitrogen and various fertilizers to the soil, as well as the use of computer technologies are very much needed in our time.
Tell us about your career plans after graduating from the Academy?
- Although I have a year and a half left to study for a bachelor's degree, I don't yet know how my life will turn out, where I will go, where I will work. However, I am actively developing my career skills now, working at the Academy.
What do you think can attract more young professionals to the agricultural sector?
- In my opinion, it is necessary to create more comfortable conditions for life and work in rural areas. It is also worth paying attention to infrastructure: roads, transport, the Internet and social facilities - all these things should be available to residents of rural areas. In addition, I believe that it is necessary to organize more excursions to rural areas, to show modern agricultural complexes so that young professionals can see that work in agriculture can be in comfortable conditions, using modern technologies, as it is done in modern enterprises.
What advice would you give to applicants who are considering the Economics as their future profession?
- Applicants who are thinking about the Economics should realize that this field, although complex, is truly fascinating. Don't be afraid of challenges and boldly strive for your goal!
Continue the phrase "The Academy for me is ..."
- A piece of my soul.