Meet Sanzhar, who studied BSc Accounting, Finance and Economics
Sanzhar Zhumanalin - Alumni
Tell us about your career path since graduation. How did you end up where you are?
After graduation, I made the pivotal decision to return home and support my family, where I felt my presence was essential to sustaining and growing our business. The lectures, books, and seminars I studied at Royal Holloway were rich in theory, but I had a deep, intuitive desire to apply that knowledge in practice - to boost our productivity and, more importantly, to share what I had learned with others. This became a serious mission for me: to challenge myself in the real world, not just academically. Over time, I initiated the next step in our evolution by founding SandCo, a flagship company designed to take our business to the international level.
What was it about your time at Royal Holloway that has most benefitted your career or influenced your path since graduation?
I was among the final cohort of students graduating from a joint programme between the School of Management and the School of Economics. Balancing both disciplines taught me to be adaptable, to juggle complex priorities, and to think across different frameworks—an experience that’s not common for most students in the UK. That dual focus instilled in me a mindset for risk, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving. More than just academic knowledge, it gave me the confidence to navigate the unpredictable realities of business.
What would you say to potential students considering studying at Royal Holloway and thinking about a career in your sector?
Take on challenges, embrace risks, and above all, accept responsibility for your growth. University is more than lectures - it’s preparation for real life, where nobody will hand you a roadmap. Also, treasure the rare opportunity to ask questions and truly be listened to. This is one of the few times in life when you pay to be heard - so ask boldly, experiment widely, and push yourself forward.
What did you love most about your time at Royal Holloway?
At SandCo, we have a motto: “All in your hands.” It aligns deeply with Royal Holloway’s own guiding words: Esse quam videri - “To be, rather than to seem.” The University’s rich heritage and values taught me that I am responsible for who I become. That it’s not enough to appear capable or ambitious - I must become it. That idea has stayed with me, not just as a memory, but as a foundation.
