Back to Student Life with Alena Kerosinskaya: A UvA Alumni Interview

Alena Kerosinskaya, a 2019 graduate of UvA’s MSc in Business Administration program, has gained experience across a variety of fields and is currently working in FinTech. I first came across her work on UvA’s website, and her inspiring story motivated me to reach out to her. She kindly agreed to meet, and I had the opportunity to ask about her student experience at UvA, her early career, and topics ranging from the challenges many students face to her own “I made it” moment.

Do you remember your first days at UvA? What were your first impressions?

By the time I hit UvA, I’d already survived five years in Amsterdam and a stint at RuG, so I had my "local legs." But even with that experience, those first days are always a whirlwind. It wasn’t about finding the nearest Albert Heijn; it was about the people. I remember feeling overwhelmed, not by the city, but by the sheer volume of new connections. You realize very quickly that these aren't just classmates, these are the people who will be in your professional circle for the next decade.

Were you part of any student association? If you had to start your own student association, what would it be about?

Honestly, I was already working while doing my Master’s, so my "association" was my job! But looking back, I’d love to have started an Entrepreneurial Hub. I think we need more spaces where students can pitch wild ideas and get honest peer reviews without the fear of being unprofessional. 

Especially for the expat community, I’d include a knowledge center. Navigating the legalities of starting a business in the Netherlands can feel like a maze. I’d want to foster that spirit of building something your own, rather than just prepping everyone to fit into a pre-defined corporate box.

Student years can be overwhelming. Did you experience any stress or anxiety during your studies? If so, is there anything you would recommend to current students?

(Laughs) The program itself was actually quite balanced, but I am my own toughest boss. During the thesis period, I lived by a militant schedule. I functioned almost exclusively on energy drinks and Lebanese Sajeria wraps from the place around the corner. I was getting satisfaction from being on track, even if I was vibrating from the caffeine. It’s a period you have to mentally prepare for. I treated my thesis like a project delivery. It was stressful, sure, but seeing those daily milestones checked off gave me a weird sense of peace.

When you look back on your student years and early career, is there anything you would do differently? What would you tell Alena in her first year at university?

I’d tell her: "Stop trying to be done with it." We often view university as a hurdle to clear so we can start "real life." But learning is a luxury. Once you enter the workforce, you are treated as a source of knowledge; people expect you to produce, not absorb. Even if your future company has a training budget, your brain shifts gears. Take the time now to enrich your skills. Be a sponge while you still have the luxury of time.

What was your “I made it” moment?

When I had a full-time contract signed before I even had the physical diploma in my hand. UvA carries a weight that speaks for itself in the industry. Even though I had prior experience, the Master’s gave me a massive boost in confidence and a more structured way of thinking. That was the moment I realized I wasn’t just looking for a job - I was starting a career.

You have a very busy work schedule. How do you manage your work-life balance? Have you ever felt burned out?

There were periods where my work-life balance was a total disaster, specifically in a boutique consultancy. If you’re picturing the glamorous life from Suits, let me stop you right there - it’s mostly just working at 110% capacity for 60% of your waking hours. It was a hard school that upgraded my performance, but it also taught me that I’d rather be part of a company’s long-term success than just an outside advisor.

To grow fast without burning out early on, I actually moved companies fairly often to gain seniority. Having reached that level now, I’ve shifted my focus toward longevity, staying with a company long enough to see the strategic seeds I’ve planted grow into tangible results. Today, my balance is much healthier. I use work-from-home days to skip the commute and reclaim time for the gym or Pilates. My latest obsession is Padel. It's the ultimate cardio and the perfect way to smash away any lingering work tension.

Is there something you would like to say to your readers?

Being a responsible student gets you the interview, but being flexible doubles your success. Focus on being a great communicator. At the end of the day, managers hire people they actually want to spend eight hours a day with. Your CV gets you through the door, but your social skills and your ability to step out of your comfort zone are what get you the seat at the table.

Photo from Kerosinskaya's graduation in 2019