The Success Story to Double Major

April 21, 2015

Akobir Mamadrizokhonov is a triple volleyball champion and an Honored Master of Sport in Tajikistan. Born in Khorog, the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, he studied in Aga-Khan Lyceum School, and then entered Khorog State University. The following year, he joined AUCA and he is now a graduate in Anthropology planning to finalize his second bachelor in Business Administration at the end of this academic year.

Please tell us more about yourself...

I studied one year at the Khorog State University. It was a very good life experience although not very academic because I was more into sport at that time. I was playing volleyball at a professional level. I was 18 when I was accepted to AUCA. It made me re-evaluated my values and priorities.

During my free time, I usually play billiard, tennis, go skiing and others sort of activities not related to studies with friends and acquaintances.

Why did you decide to do double major?

My first major is Anthropology, and now I am majoring in Business Administration because these two very different fields give me a broader perspective and lead to more opportunities.

How did you manage to combine two majors?

The most challenging for me was to correctly calculate the overall credits. Both time management and success depend on that. Of course, doing a double major is neither easier nor difficult. I gained extra credits with summer schools twice, so in my senior year, I could take fewer courses and spare more time for the thesis paper of my first major. Doing internships and writing thesis for both majors was quite hard, I did three internships and wrote two thesis papers.

Basically, what you need is to think ahead so as to manage your time and cope with the workload. In the first semester of my fifth year, I took four required subject and now in the second semester I only have one required subject and thesis paper. Overall it is mentally exhausting. You have to deal with policies. You graduate twice, which also means you say goodbye to the university twice.

Do you suggest students to do double majoring at AUCA?

It would depend on one’s goals, interests and academic curiosity, but I would probably not suggest it. Now many universities offer all kinds of programs and it is probably better to consider doing a Master degree, or two, which I believe is more looked for in the labor market than a double Bachelor degree.

What would be the happiest or proudest moment of your life?

The happiest moments of my life were the times I become Master Sport and my graduation ceremony. Both of these activities required hard work and determination. I went through ups and downs, which changed me a lot.

Any tips to current AUCA students?

During your studies here in AUCA, there will be many distractions, and you will have ups and downs. The key to success is concentration. Setting priorities and focusing on them is the key. Choose your own priorities, and stick to them till the end.  

Your message to fellow classmates, alumni and professors

I would like to thank my classmates, professors and the whole AUCA for their tireless and uncompromising work, my family, friends and acquaintances for their support and faith in me, not to forget to mention the Kitchenette for it tasty foods and Labs for free Wi-Fi.

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