LCC Alumni Story: Alina Romanyčeva, from Lithuania, Class of 2022, major in International Business Administration 

Life After LCC is a monthly interview and story series featuring alumni of LCC International University. The series is part of 35 Years – 35 Stories, celebrating the university’s 35th anniversary.   

Tell us about your current role or project. Where are you now? 

I am currently working as a Financial Analyst at Klaipėdos vanduo, a municipal water supply company. In this role, I am responsible for financial analysis, budgeting, and supporting decision-making through data-driven insights. My work involves close collaboration with different departments and contributes to ensuring financial sustainability.  

In my current role, I value the opportunity to work together with highly professional colleagues, whose expertise and collaborative approach create a strong learning environment. Being part of such a team allows me to continuously develop my skills, deepen my understanding of public-sector finance, and grow professionally through everyday practice. 

Prior to this role, I completed a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance at Lund University, a well-established European university consistently ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide. My studies at Lund significantly strengthened my analytical and quantitative skills and provided a strong academic foundation for my professional development. 

What experiences at LCC brought you to this current point? 

My experience at LCC International University played a crucial role in bringing me to where I am today. LCC provided a strong academic foundation that prepared me well for further studies and professional challenges. The International Business Administration program helped me develop structured thinking, strong analytical skills, and the ability to approach complex problems from a global perspective. 

Equally important was the emphasis on critical thinking, academic discipline, and independent work. These skills were essential when completing my Master’s degree at Lund University, and they continue to support me in my current role. In many ways, LCC became the academic and personal base that enabled my further educational and professional growth. 

How did LCC influence your choice of profession or career direction? When did you realize what you wanted to do professionally? 

While studying International Business Administration, I was exposed to a wide range of subjects covering different aspects of business management. This broad academic structure helped me not only gain a holistic understanding of how businesses operate, but also identify the areas where my interests and strengths truly lay. Through this diverse coursework, I discovered that I was most engaged when working with numbers, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making. The program gave me the opportunity to explore different business functions and, as a result, consciously find my place within this process. This realization motivated me to further develop in this direction and ultimately pursue a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance. In this way, LCC played a key role in shaping my professional focus and long-term career path. 

How did LCC help you grow as a leader? Tell us about your leadership experience. 

LCC encouraged leadership growth both inside and outside the classroom. Group projects and presentations with students from different cultural backgrounds taught me how to listen, coordinate, and take initiative when needed. These experiences helped me understand different leadership styles and taught me how to lead through collaboration and accountability rather than authority. I still rely on these skills in my professional role today, especially as my current role requires working in cross-functional teams. 

How did LCC help you build relationships and networks that still matter to you today? 

LCC created an environment where building relationships was a natural part of everyday academic life. Studying in an international and collaborative setting helped me develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work with people from different cultural and professional backgrounds. 

While not all connections remain active today, the experience taught me how to build professional relationships based on respect, openness, and trust. These skills continue to be highly relevant in my current role, where effective cooperation and clear communication are essential. 

What are your favorite memories about LCC? 

One of my favorite memories of LCC is how exciting and emotional the beginning felt. I still remember how nervous I was during the English entrance exam and the admission interview—it feels like it was just yesterday. What stands out most is how friendly and supportive the university staff were, always encouraging students to believe in themselves and not be afraid. 

I also fondly remember my professors, who explained complex topics in an engaging and clear way, as well as the warm, informal moments spent with classmates from different countries outside the classroom. These experiences created a strong sense of community and remain a very special part of my LCC journey. 

What advice would you give to future LCC students? 

I would encourage future LCC students to stay curious and actively engage in university life. Participate in discussions, collaborate with others, and do not be afraid to challenge yourself. LCC provides the opportunity to explore different areas of business, discover what truly interests you, and find your own path. If you are open to learning and new experiences, the university offers an environment where you can grow both academically and personally.