Moscow, Music, and Maths: A Graduate’s Story

© iStock

Petr Garmider, 27, from Uzbekistan, received his master’s degree from HSE University in 2022. Today, he works at one of Russia’s most popular music streaming services, where he develops algorithms that recommend music tracks for users. In his interview with the HSE News Service, Petr shares his experiences as a graduate student and early-career data scientist.

Born and raised in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Petr speaks Russian as his native language. After completing his bachelor's degree in Economics at HSE, he pursued a master's programme in Data Science. Currently, he resides and works in Moscow, Russia.

Petr Garmider

Music in Life and Work

I work as a Data Scientist at Yandex Music, where I help develop the recommendations system. Yandex Music is a platform that provides users with access to music and other audio content from both local and international artists. I focus on creating recommendations that will help each user find the perfect tracks to listen to in real-time, aiming to create the most pleasurable music experience for them.

A friend from my master's programme, who had already been working at Yandex for a year, recommended me for the position

From 2021 to 2023, I worked at Yandex Market as a demand forecasting specialist, optimizing supply to the company's warehouses. In April 2024, I joined the recommendations team at Yandex Music.

As a member of the team, I validate new features and try different neural network architectures and heuristics to provide users with a more personalized and enjoyable experience. In short, my job is to ensure that users get the music they want when they want it.

Personally, I don’t have any particular favourite genre of music. However, I'm fortunate to work for a company that offers perfect suggestions for my playlist!

I always enjoy trying new things. It's exciting and challenging, because you never know if you took the right track or if your approach works and brings additional value. Colleagues at Yandex are known for their responsiveness and willingness to help newcomers adapt. I quickly established relationships with my co-workers, making it easier for me to integrate into the company. As a team player, I feel uncomfortable working alone, and I enjoy collaborating with others.

Last year, my team and I developed a neural network model for demand forecasting, which significantly improved the accuracy of the forecasting process

This allowed the company to make better use of its resources, avoiding unnecessary stockpiling. I was responsible for every step from prototyping to implementation.

Lessons Learnt at HSE University

When I started my master’s studies, I was intimidated by the unknown. I had changed my specialisation and was afraid I wouldn't be able to handle it. However, I soon realised that I had received a strong foundation during my undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Economic Sciences, especially thanks to my interactions with my mentor Boris Demeshev. His guidance and support were crucial during my bachelor's degree, helping me successfully complete my master's and gain new knowledge in computer science. 

I actively use the mathematical tools I learnt at HSE University, such as probability theory, mathematical statistics, and linear algebra

It's no secret that these are essential subjects for future machine learning specialists. The most valuable lesson I learnt at university was that, with enough time and effort, even the most complex and difficult topics can be made as plain as two and two make four.

Alumni Community

I keep in touch with my classmates. Recently, I attended my best friend's wedding in Germany! Over the past three summers, several of us have taken joint vacations and travelled together. I also stay in touch with other friends from HSE.

Without a doubt, the people I met at HSE were one of the most valuable things I gained from my time there

Advice for Students Starting a Career

I don't think there’s anything new to say here: find out what interests you and delve deep into that topic. Don't let your thirst for knowledge fade! Try to get an internship while you're studying, although I couldn't do it myself. This will give you valuable insight into what you personally want to do.

Life in the Capital City

Moscow is a wonderful city in every way, from its public transportation to its restaurants. I have recently been to Europe and can say that Moscow does not fall behind when compared to the capital cities of European countries.

Photo courtesy of Petr Garmider

On weekends, my friends and I like to go out for breakfast at various delicious places in Moscow, then we usually gather at a computer club to play video games, which has become a popular hobby among us. I also visit the gym to improve my physical fitness.

Next Steps

In the near future, I plan to continue growing within my current company and exploring new topics in my field.

I don't have any specific big dreams, but I want to become one of the best professionals in my area. My strategy so far is to be better than I was the day before. Sounds good—and does work!