Student spotlight: Stepan Sharkov

Stepan Sharkov is graduating this year with a degree in computer science and a minor in economics. During his time at Stanford, he completed two internships through the Global Studies Internship Program in France and Japan, participated in CS + Social Good, and was an SIB mentor at the Bechtel International Center, where he supported incoming international students with their transition to life at Stanford and in the U.S. through mentorship. Next year, he will be continuing his studies at Stanford, earning a co-term master’s degree in management science and engineering, with a focus in technology and engineering management.

What has been your favorite class at Stanford and why?

INTLPOL 231B: Understanding Russia: Its Power and Purpose in a New Global Order. I learned about my home country, but from American perspective, which was awakening and sometimes surprising.

Tell us your favorite major/minor/program-related story or experience.

Working for a French research institution and a Japanese investment company through the Global Studies Internship Program certainly showed me the cultural work differences there are and how surprising they sometimes can be.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be doing an M.S. at Stanford for another year to finish my co-term, after which I am planning to work full-time as a software engineer in artificial intelligence.

How has your degree program changed your understanding of the world and prepared you for your next steps?

It made me more aware of the real possibilities of AI, and how to be ethical but efficient as a software engineer.