From economics to nuclear physics, Yulia Shishkova, Finance Coordinator at Rakuten Symphony Germany has a story of unexpected turns, incredible people, and finding destiny in every step.
Tell us about your journey to Rakuten Symphony.
My journey with Rakuten Symphony Deutschland (RSDE) began in February 2023, marking a new chapter in a career that, much like a complex symphony, has had many movements. My first degree was in economics, a world of markets and theories that I explored at St. Petersburg State University.
For over a decade, I found my professional home at Grishko, a global dance and ballet brand, celebrated from Japan to New York. There, I led international expansion projects and managed the intricate dance of rebranding to re-enter the demanding US market. This experience taught how the worlds of finance, intricate business processes, and profound cultural identity are deeply interconnected and influence one another.
An unexpected intellectual curiosity led me down a completely different path. I pursued a second degree, this time in nuclear physics engineering at a leading Moscow University. This was a profound shift that gifted me a more structured, analytical way of thinking, subtly nudging me closer to the tech world. This newfound analytical rigor became a powerful tool, which I soon applied to finance, fuelling my passion for refining and optimizing every process.
In 2022, I made the life-altering decision to move to Germany. I navigated the complexities of securing a Blue Card, relocated my children across borders, and successfully onboarded at RSDE. For me, this wasn't just a testament to resilience and adaptability; it was a profound lesson in trust – trust in life's unfolding, in the kindness of others, and in the boundless possibilities that emerge when you dare to take that courageous first step.
What has been the highlight of your time at Rakuten Symphony?
The consistent highlight of my time here has undoubtedly been the people. Early in my journey, during the challenging handover from the client to our team, I faced a steep learning curve with new processes and systems. Yet, I was surrounded by colleagues who were not only exceptionally professional but also incredibly warm, responsive, and, I would even say, truly 'gold-hearted'.
They truly live the Rakuten Shugi principles, especially 'Always improve, always advance'. This spirit makes every challenge feel like a shared mission and inspires to keep striving forward.
What also motivates me deeply are complicated and interesting tasks – the kind that require both creativity and analytical thinking. The most exciting and rewarding moment is seeing the result of your work, knowing that what you’ve built or solved truly makes a difference. That energy keeps me moving and motivates me to go further.
What are you hobbies?
Outside of work I enjoy being active and spending time with my loved ones. I love rollerblading and ice skating with my daughter, fitness classes like yoga (yoga in hammocks is my favourite), trampoline jumping and Zumba. I am also passionate about cultural experiences - discovering new cities, visiting theatres and museums.
These moments give me balance and strength to recharge. They remind me that life is not only about work, which is of course an important part of our lives, but also about joy, discovery and inspiration.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My typical day is a dynamic blend of work, family, and continuous learning. Professionally, I focus on finance operations and process improvements, constantly evaluating how I can enhance the efficiency of my responsibilities. Exploring various tools like Power BI and enrolling in courses curated by the Rakuten L&D teams are key elements of my learning roadmap, as I'm committed to further growth in this direction.
I devote a portion of my evening to my studies at FOM University. Continuous learning is a part of who I am – it is both a hobby and way to make myself a better version of who I was yesterday. It gives me fresh perspectives and keeps me moving forward.
What inspires you in your work and personal life?
I am truly inspired by the people around me – my children, who motivate me to grow and learn new things, and my colleagues who share their wisdom and professionalism. Growth for me is not only about skills, but also about heart.
I feel lucky to be surrounded by great people I can learn from every day. I try to keep my eyes open and learn not only work-related things, but also an optimistic attitude toward life - seeing opportunities and space for improvement both in professional area and in my personal journey through this word. My goal is always to be a little better than I was yesterday.
I also find immense inspiration in the Rakuten Shugi Principles, which serve as guiding lights throughout our working days in the office.
What advice would you give to new joiners at Rakuten Symphony?
Rakuten Symphony is a place, full of opportunities. Don’t miss them!
My advice would be:
Make your Rakuten journey colourful, fill it with courage and passion and contribute to make things better and more meaningful. Do it for yourself, and for the world around you.
