#WEAREHEC: Meet Anna Kopylova, Médias, Arts, et Création Student

With a background working as a PR Manager on projects for the Russian Ministry of culture, discover the story and passions of Anna Kopylova, Médias, Art, et Création student.

Her story

My name is Anna Kopylova, I come from Saint Petersburg, Russia and I am currently a student of the Medias, Art and Création Specialized Master’s degree at HEC Paris. Before joining HEC, I have acquired 6 years of professional experience in the cultural sector, including 3 years as a Public Relations Manager for international cultural events financed by the Russian Ministry of Culture. My previous academic experience includes a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a Master in Art Criticism, both from Saint Petersburg State University.

Her studies

Having acquired an extensive experience working as a Public Relations Manager for international cultural events in Russia, I realized that I wanted to further develop my career at an international level and to work on projects not only in Russia but worldwide. I came to the conclusion that my professional interest lies more in organization and management of the within the cultural industry. My ambition is to work in the Parisian rich cultural environment in one of the globally recognized institutions and I am convinced that the HEC MAC program represents an essential step in the realization of my career. 

I am not a “typical student” of HEC MAC due to the fact that I am the oldest in the cohort (I am 30, whereas the average age in my class is 23) and I have already achieved quite impressive career goals in my home country, working as a PR manager on projects assigned by the Ministry of Culture of Russia, initialized by UNESCO. Despite this, I am convinced to have chosen the right program for me, in regard of my professional project. The specific focus of the HEC MAC on the cultural sector, the power of its alumni network, the possibility to meet the professionals in this sphere in the course of the studies, as well as numerous group projects and cases with the most prominent actors of the sector, provide a solid base for a prominent career in cultural management.

My main surprise when I came to HEC was the diversity of profiles among admitted students. There are people from totally different backgrounds. The personal interests, nationalities, and backgrounds vary a lot! I find it very inspiring that despite the prejudice that despite being a ‘grande école’, anyone can be admitted to HEC, if you are motivated enough.

Her career

I see myself as a cultural manager working in the Parisian rich cultural environment in one of the globally recognized institutions. I am mostly interested in strategic development, and my particular interest lies with contemporary art foundations and museums. Apart from that, due to the 4-month consulting mission I carried out as part of my curriculum at HEC MAC (for one of the renowned photography museums), I have also become interested in strategic consulting.

Her values

I am motivated by ambitious people and projects that surround me; that is why being part of the HEC MAC promotion is very inspiring. I have learned that I am most inspired when I work for projects that leave a significant impact on people, that help them to grow or get better, that inspire them. 

Her hobbies

I am lucky since my main hobby and passion has become my profession. That is why in my free time, I mostly do similar things as at work: I love contemporary art exhibitions and theatre. I am also interested in psychology and Gestalt therapy, which is my second passion, apart from culture. I have obtained a status of a counseling psychologist (in the Gestalt Approach) in 2019, after completing a three-year course in Saint Petersburg Gestalt Institute. I was particularly interested in gender identity issues and the impact of gender stereotypes on our lives, which became the topic of my research work. I was counselling in 2018 and 2019, in parallel to my work as a PR manager, but I have decided to stop my practice since I chose to focus entirely on my career in culture. I believe that this experience sets me apart from others professionally as it strongly impacted my communication skills and my ability to work in a team.