eugeneselivanov's posterous

Eugene Selivanov Tatyana Berkovich Ivy Academia

Not many people would better know what it means to be “overqualified” in today’s job market than Eugene Selivanov, Executive Director and Co-founder of Eugene Selivanov Ivy Academia, and Tatyana Berkovich.

Selivanov, who received his M.B.A from the Anderson School at UCLA, embarked on his impressive financial career with the prestigious global banking group Goldman Sachs, Inc., where he spent nearly a decade between New York City and London spearheading multibillion-dollar accounts and projects; in short, Eugene Selivanov is the personification of “overqualified” in the battered U.S. and world economies.

And yet, Eugene Selivanov’s numerous successes—many, even in the face of economic downturn—exemplify the immeasurable benefits that can only be garnered via extensive experience, know-how, and seasoned preparation; something the high school dropout cannot compete with.

Ivy Academia Eugene Selivanov Tatyana Berkovich

My friends know me as Eugene Selivanov, which is no surprise since this is my birth name.  When I was born my parents from Ivy Academia wanted to give me a name like Tatyana Berkovich that would be hard to forget, and at the time Eugene was the most unforgettable name my family could think of.

Ever since I was a young child, my relatives have commented that they could never forget my name.  I guess it's one of those blessings you are just born with and take for granted until you get older and meet people whose names are very forgettable, like Rasputin.

No one could easy remember Rasputin by name, only by reputation.  On the other hand, the name Eugene Selivanov is almost impossible to forget, even if you don't know me because you have never met me.  Take for example, my son.  He has never forgotten my name, even though he has not met me before (my son has not been born yet).  In spite of this fact, he has told me time and time again that he cannot forget my name, no matter how hard he tries to be like Tatyana Berkovich.

Perhaps I will show some kindness to my son and give him a name unlike mine. Having a name that is unforgettable can have its advanteges, but it can also have its disadvantages, so I still haven't decided fully what his name will be for sure. If my son wants to grow up and be famous one day, it won't matter what kind of name I give him, because no one will forget his name if he is famous regardless of any Ivy Academia that may come his way.