Vladislav Chukhrov (Владислав Чухров) is a successful graduate of South Ural State University, currently working as a Special Projects Support Expert at the ANO “Russia – Land of Opportunity” in Moscow. He credits his love for his profession and his rapid career advancement to the SUSU professors who have fostered his passion for media and the ability to be result-oriented. In the interview for the university’s website, Vlad recalls his student years, shares the secrets of his professional development, and offers advice to future applicants.
–Vladislav, tell us about yourself. What was your major at SUSU? Where do you work right now? And how has your life unfolded?
–I studied at the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications because I had dreamed of working in media since early childhood. Once I saw the 10th floor of SUSU’s main building, I firmly decided I would apply only here. From the first day of my studies, I had the opportunity to learn all the intricacies of my future profession through practice. After classes, my classmate and I would run to SUSU-TV and spend hours there until the evening. It was there that we learnt how to create news stories, work on camera, find story subjects, and edit videos. During my years of study, I produced hundreds of reports, hosted hundreds of newscasts, and participated in the filming of major documentaries. I fell in love with the university so much that I stayed to work there even after graduation. A year later, I was drafted into the army.
After my military service, I found a job as a correspondent at the region's largest media holding. A year later, I was promoted to editor, and another year and a half later, I was promoted to editor-in-chief. I credit my rapid career advancement to my professors. They fostered my love for the profession and—by their own example—proved daily how interesting and multifaceted our field is. Currently, I work for the federal educational program New Media Workshop in Moscow—one of the flagship projects of the ANO ‘Russia – Land of Opportunity’. But every year, I try to visit my home university at least once to personally thank my dear mentors.
–What were your expectations about studying at SUSU and were they met?
–Honestly, I expected to gain fundamental knowledge, but reality exceeded all predictions. SUSU provided me with not only theory, but also invaluable practical experience. We worked in real newsrooms, filmed real news stories, interacted with the story subjects—all this happened from our first year. And most importantly, I was surrounded by people who lived and breathed journalism and were passionate about the shared mission. Therefore, I can confidently say that my expectations weren't just met—they evolved into opportunities on a much larger scale.
–What was the most interesting and memorable thing for you while studying at the university?
–My most vivid memory is our television studio, SUSU-TV. I probably spent more time there than in the classrooms. It was a place of power, a creative laboratory where ideas were born and character was built. We worked late into the night, edited episodes by morning, and learnt how to work both on and off camera. There I learnt the meaning of teamwork and mutual support. Also, of course, filming documentaries is a whole other level, when you delve deeply into a topic and tell stories that touch the viewer.
–What are you particularly proud of that you have accomplished while studying?
–I am proud that my team and I created hundreds of high-quality news stories and newscasts that aired and were interesting to viewers. But perhaps what I am most proud of is the fact that I stayed in the profession and continue to do what I love. Many of my university classmates also work in media, and we still keep in touch. This means that the university has shaped not just specialists, but a true professional community.
–What skills gained at university do you apply at work or in current projects?
–All of them! The skills of working with information, finding story subjects, structuring materials, and communicating with the audience are the foundation I gained at SUSU. But the most important skills are those of quick adaptation, learning new things, and not being afraid to experiment. At the New Media Workshop, we work with modern formats, artificial intelligence, and digital tools, and the university habit of staying sharp and constantly evolving is very helpful.
–How did the university influence your life after graduation?
–SUSU is my alma mater, my professional starting point, and my foundation. Here I found my calling, my mentors, and my friends. The university taught me to think critically, take responsibility, and not be afraid of challenging tasks. And, most importantly, it gave me the confidence that I could achieve success in the capital and work at the federal level. I consider myself a part of the big SUSU family, and I always speak fondly of it in any city and to any audience.
–What would you wish for future graduates and those who are just planning to connect their lives with SUSU?
–First, do not be afraid to try, make mistakes, and try again. University is the perfect place for experimentation. Here you'll be supported and guided. Second, look for like-minded people and create projects together. Team spirit and mutual support produce incredible results. And third, love what you do. This very feeling will help you to overcome difficulties and move forward. And to those who are still choosing a university, I say: come to SUSU. Here you will learn not just a profession—here you will learn to be the best.
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