Valeri Sokolovski

1. What is the attraction of doing research?

Freedom, excitement and a sense of purpose. A career in research gives you the freedom to choose what you want to work on, permitting you to pursue what you believe to be important. Research in finance can be particularly exciting because it’s also often directly applicable to the real world. For me, being able to discover more about how the world works and then grounding it in practical application makes the frustration of frequently being stumped worth it.

2. Why choose SSE if you want to become a researcher? 

SSE inspires its students. The Finance Department at SSE is one of the best in the world and it offers an outstanding graduate program. Graduate students are provided excellent training, support and resources. Additionally, the seminars and conferences hosted at the school allow students to be exposed regularly to those who are at the very top of their profession. SSE not only prepares you thoroughly for a career in research, it motivates you to aim higher. 

3. What is the best thing about SSE if you are a PhD student?

The two things I valued most while at SSE were its location and atmosphere. Not only is the campus set in the heart of a remarkable city, but the very nature of the school is the most nurturing I’ve come across. Even though many of its professors are world-renowned researchers, all highly esteemed in their respective fields, they remain approachable – contributing to SSE’s warm, collegial atmosphere.

4. What characterizes the PhD education at SSE? 

I would have to say the supportive environment. From the attentive, approachable staff to the exceptional resources, SSE provides the ideal environment in which to complete your PhD.