Is it possible to be an investment expert, a certified psychologist, and know the ins and outs of business consulting, fashion, and golf at the same time? Yes, it is — if you happen to be Alina Monosova. Read on to learn how a girl who dreamed of working on television became an executive in a construction company and a successful businesswoman.

Childhood and Education: from School Challenges to MGIMO

Alina Monosova was born on February 13, 1990 and became the second child in the family. The girl spent her childhood and teenage years in Moscow’s Sokolniki district. Here she took her first steps, went to preschool, and attended the famous “school with an observatory.” Speaking of, this was the alma mater of the entire Monosov family — Alina’s father and older brother once studied at School No. 315 too.

Some time later, Alina transferred to another educational institution, starting a new year at Premier Private School. She stayed here for only one year. The four-hour commute to school (2 hours each way) was too difficult for the young girl. The final solution was the bilingual Moscow Economic School (MES), where Alina studied until graduation.

She had many options for where to go next and what to do with her future life. Her father insisted on the construction field, while her mother suggested that she find something to her liking. Alina herself, who dreamed of television throughout her teen years, opted for MGIMO. As a result, her biography was marked with new victories:

• getting a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Business Administration;
• studying at the International Institute of Management and completing a master’s degree;
• studying Global Management as an international student at Regent’s University London.

Alina has the warmest memories of her university days. She says, “I love MGIMO with all my heart! You know, when you meet MGIMO graduates, it’s like a brotherhood, the connection is on another level.” However, it was time to take the next step in life — towards the career. This is where the future businesswoman was faced with a search for her true calling, difficult choices, and new horizons.

Career: from Channel One to the World of Construction Investments

While still at MGIMO, the determined young woman managed to fulfill her childhood dream of working on television. Alina Monosova got a job in the commercial department at Channel One and… was disappointed. This is how she reflects on her time there, “People, games, projects — it was not for me and there was no fun in it.” After her first and not the best career experience, Alina went to study in London.

Global Management program, fresh knowledge and experiences, and new connections with people from different countries inspired the young woman. Alina decided to rely on the degree she received at MGIMO. Her return to Moscow became the first step towards her career in business administration and management.

Alina Monosova began her professional journey in the marketing and sales department at Moskapstroy-TN. The company was an expert in construction and investment projects in the real estate market. Alina worked here for 10 years, during which she managed to:

• rise to the position of vice president at Moskapstroy-TN;
• become a sought-after investment specialist;
• gain extensive experience working with commercial real estate and partial investment projects.

This is how the businesswoman recalls her days in the company, “A wonderful team, interesting projects, and most importantly, good teachers.” However, when the opportunities for growth had been exhausted, she did not rest on her laurels but set out to soar to new heights. Her next summit was the position of investment director at SKAMA Group, a commercial real estate management company.

Psychology: Passion with a Capital P

Alina Monosova is a determined person who is not afraid to take risks, learn new things, and constantly improve herself. A diploma in psychology from Moscow State University was a great help in her career. What is remarkable is that Alina pursued her new education goals while being busy with her work at SKAMA Group, thus having to deal with a double workload.

“I dived into psychology because of some problems of my own and then just stayed there,” says the businesswoman. “And I’m still working on improving my knowledge in this field.” And this is true. It is confirmed by numerous diplomas the most prestigious universities in Moscow and certificates, which she obtained through advanced training programs and courses.

She also mastered the first stage of Gestalt therapy and completed a coach-specific program according to the ICF standards (International Coach Federation). Alina Monosova stays strong in the pursuit of new goals. She is currently studying for a master’s degree in Health Psychology.

Future Plans, Personal Projects, and Hobbies

Despite her great interest in psychology, Alina does not intend to leave the real estate investment field. “To be honest, I am more of a business-oriented person,” she admits. When asked about the reasons for getting a new degree, she replies, “I wanted to improve myself and satisfy my eternal thirst for knowledge.”

She finally made the decision to prioritize her business activities when she left the OdnaVolna project. The authors of the project — Alina and her colleague — provided individual counseling, conducted transformational games, and delivered training sessions based on an integrative approach.

However, after receiving a major job offer, the businesswoman realized that it would not be possible for her to combine two careers. She had to choose one or the other. Today, OdnaVolna is a closed chapter in Alina’s life. However, she does not wish to abandon her passion and continues to study psychology, but now she is doing it mostly to “improve herself and understand the world better.”

Aside from psychology, Alina is also interested in golf and blogging (she has a channel on the Telegram platform). She uses her own mini-media outlet to talk about the fashion industry and share stylish looks and photographs from her travels.