Aigerim Yerkin

I'm a fourth-year Finance student at KIMEP University, and one thing that I live by is curiosity, that pushes me to try myself in many different fields rather than settle into just one. As the oldest daughter in a big family, I grew up learning to be focused, responsible, and attentive to the needs of others, and I believe that same sense of responsibility is what grounds my curiosity. Alongside my academic path, I've taken small, deliberate steps into different fields: two years as a laboratory assistant at the Institute of Metallurgy and Mining, exploring music and arts, and now leading the support department at Jarqyn, KIMEP's mental health organization. Each step has added a different layer to who I am today. I also spent time helping people navigate the visa process for South Korea, a country I had dreamed of living in for as long as I can remember. That small "side hustle" ended up bringing me closer to my own dream: I later had the opportunity to spend an exchange semester at Sogang University in Seoul, experiencing firsthand the culture and academic environment in one of the best business universities in Korea. Right now, my focus is on finishing my degree with strong results and preparing for the next big step — a master's degree abroad. I see this next stage not just as an academic milestone, but as a continuation of the same principle of mine that has guided me so far: to keep exploring, keep learning, and grow in ways that go beyond a single field or a single country.