Career Story: Murad Bagliev, Rosneft

June 01, 2017

Professional MBA Energy Management student

What stages in your life have had the greatest impact on you and why?

Two things have had a great impact on me. First and foremost, I used to live in different countries for quite a long period of time. I consider these parts of my life as milestones. Each culture left a mark on me, which, I believe, made my mindset multicultural.

Second - challenges which thereby shaped me and put me into new positions.

Did you originally want to pursue a different career? If so, what made you change your plans?

Well, I never thought that I would be involved in oil & gas industry. Our initial plans and dreams often change. Life is more unpredictable than we expect. When I was a boy, I used to dream of exploring exotic countries.

How and why did you come to work for Rosneft?

I was already working in the energy sector when suddenly I received a proposal to join Rosneft. I got the opportunity to do the same job, but on a much higher level; and now I’m privileged to work for the world’s biggest publicly-listed oil & gas company.

What has changed in your career as a result of your MBA program?

Of course, the MBA degree by itself cannot guarantee career success. However, the WU Vienna's Energy Management MBA certainly provides the proper basis for a career move. During the program I obtained a deep, theoretical understanding of the current global problems and processes. Deeper insights into energy markets, strategy, finance, operations, marketing, and negotiation skills were pivotal for me in my career. The exchanging of opinions and experience with my classmates was also very useful.

Considering my current job, I was especially looking for an energy-oriented business program. The faculty was impressive, and the WU administration was very effective. So, at the end, I’m completely satisfied with my MBA studies. The degree will definitely help me in my future career.

What was your biggest professional/personal success?

I do love my job and all the previous ones. I’m happy with my diplomas and degrees. I hope that I can regard all of them as my success. But I consider my family as the biggest achievement in my live. This is my main motivation! I want my parents, my wife and children to be proud of me.

I’m also happy to have many friends. I found some of them in Vienna!

What are your goals for the coming year?

I want to expand my team so that we will be able to take over more responsibilities than we currently do. In general, I’d like to be a head of the oil & gas enterprise.

What do you consider a “great luxury”?

Stay healthy, have time for my family, feel inspired by my job.

What was the last book you really enjoyed?

The Road by Cormac McCarthy. How fragile our civilization is. How hard it’s to remain a human.

How would you characterize your philosophy of leadership?

Leadership should be based on knowledge and experience. The leader should be able to listen to smart advice.

How do you recharge your batteries when you are not pursuing your demanding career?

By mobilizing inner resources.

If you could change places with anyone for a day, who would it be?

My father in his student days.

Why would you recommend the MBA Energy Management of the WU Executive Academy?

As I mentioned, at WU you may find a very high level of faculty, perfect administration, which are all conditions for successful studies. And finally, the best education for the money.

I enjoyed the lessons, especially the financial courses, and those on strategy, marketing, and leadership.

And also, the extremely well organized educational process! And this is all in Vienna!!