At UniPage, each day brings unique challenges. Our company experiences distinct phases, and my tasks align with the priorities of the current moment. On some days, I allocate time to external development and collaboration with partners. Other days are dedicated entirely to onboarding and training new team members.

The most demanding aspect of my job is assisting new employees with their adaptation process. The very first hours at the office shape their perception of future work within the company. During this critical period, it is essential to provide our new coworkers with undivided attention, ensuring their comfort and confidence. Every person is unique, necessitating an individualized approach from the very beginning. However, some attitudes resonate with everyone: openness, enthusiasm, unwavering support, and genuine delight in welcoming a new team member. Despite having numerous burning tasks, I dedicate myself to the new mentor during these crucial hours, momentarily forgetting all other work matters. By doing so, we increase the likelihood of their long-term commitment to UniPage.

"How do I turn on the massage chair?" and "When can I start consulting clients?"

I moved with my parents from one country to another throughout my childhood, and they always sent me to public schools. Granted, I had to quickly pick up the new language to effectively communicate with my peers. It started at the age of five with English, when I was sent to the Riverdale School in the United States without any knowledge of the language, and ended with learning Serbian in Belgrade.

My path unfolded organically as my passion for languages grew. I actively sought out various courses, attended language schools, and studied at schools around the world. I later delved into tutoring and passed on my knowledge to other people. Many of my first students were my own peers who needed help with exam preparation. During the same period, I passed the TOEFL exam and became interested in education abroad.

One fateful day, one of my students asked if I could help him write a motivation letter. After asking him why he needed it, he explained his wish to study in the United States. Together, we began selecting suitable programs, navigating the Common App, and editing his application and motivation letter. Since then, I have not moved away from the educational field.

Following my experience as a tutor, I became an education manager at my first agency. This position involved overseeing event management and contributing to the overall growth of the company. Step by step, I eventually found my way to UniPage.

My answer is rather straightforward — the United States. While I don't have any favorite universities, there is a preferred category that holds my interest: the Ivy League and other esteemed institutions around the world. I love working with them, because they evoke the same excitement that is somewhat reminiscent of my favorite detective stories.

Unraveling the nuances of their admission criteria becomes the primary task. What qualities do they seek in applicants? What captivates their attention? Why do they pass over an excellent student with a perfect SAT score, but eagerly embrace an individual who earned mediocre grades and took a three-year gap? Analyzing all the information, crafting a compelling application, and finally receiving that seemingly unattainable invitation letter solidifies the belief that our painstaking work was indeed worthwhile.

The team and the people who surround me every day. I am inspired by strong personalities with unique experiences and mindsets. All of them create a safe space in the office — a space where one feels uninhibited to venture, unafraid of making mistakes, and unhesitant to ask for help. This is very important not only for new employees, but also for those who have been working at UniPage for a long time.

I may not recall every country I've had the opportunity to explore, but one thing is certain — I have no intention of stopping my adventures. The first memory that springs to mind is my journey to Italy in 2020, a mere fortnight before the world became aware of Covid. Not only did this trip coincide with my return to Moscow, but it also started with an unexpected encounter on the ski slopes — a collision with another skier. I skied with a broken finger for the following week.
Despite everything, this was one of my most favorite, delicious, and vibrant trips. I can barely convey the overwhelming warmth and nostalgia I feel when reminiscing about Italian pasta, the thrill of gliding down slopes, and the stunning beauty of the Dolomites.

My ultimate rejuvenation comes from exploring new places. Lately, I've made a conscious effort to travel outside of Moscow on weekends, exploring new cities within Russia. On weekdays, I try to go to the pool and do yoga sessions. Sports help me exhale and organize my thoughts. Podcasts also serve as a nice transition from work to leisure — two personal favorites are Crime Junkie and My Favorite Murder.