Feedback from the "AgroKebety" project participants on the course of lectures by Credit Agricole experts

1. How do you assess such integration of business in the academic process?

Integration of the business to the academic process is indispensable for all participants. Students gain invaluable experience and study professional case of applying theoretical basis in real-life practice of doing business. Businesses profit from greater consumer loyalty, reputational gains, shaping a “future customer” and eventually receiving qualified workforce.

2. In your opinion, what information was the most useful and applicable? The kind that students couldn’t learn from an academic teacher.

In general, it is difficult for me to isolate the most valuable or practical information. The value of this course lies primarily in practical experience and case studies of real projects with actual enterprises and banking approach to assessment of their activities. All modules of the course are interconnected, as without knowing the basics of preparing financial reporting it is difficult to grasp creation of a production program and forecasting, base indicators that an analyst takes into account when making a decision on financing. From my perspective, the highlight of this project is the fact that it was produced by the bank that specializes in the agribusiness and has a dedicated unit engaged in analytics and work with agricultural companies. I do not exaggerate when I say that no bank would be able to prepare this course for agrarian students as well as Credit Agricole employees have done. Profound understanding of agribusiness work specifics is ingrained in every training module.

1. What are your general impressions of the course?

I always welcome the opportunity to learn from true professionals. It is invaluable that Credit Agricole experts manage to take the time out of their busy schedule to share their experience with us. Our impressions of the speakers are beyond favourable! The study material has proven to be engaging and useful in practice, even though I never dealt with agro-finance before. Even the complicated topics were clearly presented in an accessible language; some concepts were explained repeatedly to promote better understanding of the material. I would like to express special gratitude to the lecturers for such approach.

2. What specifically did you find useful and what acquired skills can you use at work?

Practical courses have proven to be the most beneficial for me as they enabled me to apply the information we learned in practice, which is always more effective than purely theoretical studying.

I am sure that basic accounting, such as Cash Flow, balances, F2 and others will come in handy at work. Also, the information on how the agrarian business is financed, what the bank pays attention to and what the key prerequisites for obtaining financing are will definitely be useful for successful start-up of my own business.

On the other hand, who knows, I might pursue work in finance in the future and will listen to all the lectures multiple times (smiley)

3. What did you like and what didn't you like? Did you come across any challenges? 

It is hard for me to select just one best topic, as each of them is important and necessary for understanding of the whole picture.

Study of technology maps proved difficult for me and I keep working on it. However, I am always prepared for the new challenges and complicated tasks as they motivate me to expand my knowledge and skills, look for additional information, use different approaches. It has a positive effect on my professional growth.

1. What are your general impressions of the course?

Generally speaking, my impressions of the course by Credit Agricole are very positive.

2. What specifically did you find useful and what acquired skills can you use at work?

In my opinion, this course will be beneficial both for students and for working people. Many practical materials are relevant and can be used at work. It was interesting to learn information about the balance of an enterprise and its components, about the bank lending programs. Also, learning about creation technological map of a farm/company was very useful. This experience will be valuable both for agronomists and future company managers of various levels. I really appreciated that the information was presented in a clear and accessible manner. I sincerely thank lecturers and organizers of the course!