Rustam Khusnullin
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Egger
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
After Exeter I married my girlfriend and fellow Exeter student Ralina Akhmentzyanova, now Khusnullina.
Career-wise, I stayed in Finance, mostly in industrial companies, and still enjoy it.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I did not arrive into Finance straight away after university – my undergraduate degree was in Engineering, and I tried that for some time.
But I always liked to be in Finance that’s why I chose it, starting with Deloitte in a junior role in audit, then Internal Audit in industry, then the Investment department of a company. Only then, Exeter, and a full transition into Finance.
What I enjoy most about my work is the people I meet and work with everyday or occasionally.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
I enjoyed the whole experience a lot, but the level of self-study (which I was not prepared for at the time) struck me in a negative way – I did not pass one of the subjects/courses in first semester.
What did you most enjoy about studying here?
Motivating teaching staff (Lecturers/Professors), and meetings with alumni from companies ready to share experience. I remember there was one from Mizuho, one from Royal Bank of Canada and others. That was great.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
For many reasons, starting form University’s rankings and ratings to its location.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
I think the degree and the whole university experience, gave me the initial knowledge and understanding of what or how to build on it, you choose what you do with it further in your life. It really can become a spark enlightening your path.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Absorb as much as you can there, I mean absorb literally everything — your studies, new connections/friends, new opportunities/ experiences the University brings to you. And share back if you feel you can.
