Tourism triumph for Mikhail Sharaev, opting for strength and TSU connection
Tourism Professional Tomich Mikhail Sharayev Previously a Student at Tomsk State University, Now Leads Tours at National Center 'Russia' in Moscow
In his current role as the lead guide at the National Center "Russia" in Moscow, Tomich Mikhail Sharayev led a tour for the President of Russia. This division in VDNKh's exhibition-forum welcomed him in the summer of 2025, following the completion of his master's thesis in physical culture at the Faculty of Physical Culture in Tomsk.
In an exclusive interview with our joint project with TSU, "University without Borders", Sharayev shared his academic journey, starting with his admission to Tomsk State University in 2019 after a year of military service. He had to choose between studying on a budget or joining the law enforcement—he had only a month and a half to prepare for the exams. Facing unwavering support from family and friends, he passed with flying colors and entered the sports and health tourism department in the Faculty of Physical Culture.
Sharayev found immense potential in the tourism industry as it offers the opportunity to travel, explore the world, cherish his home country more, and gain insights into the cultures of other nations and states. The most challenging part of his studies was the overwhelming amount of information about natural sciences. Striking a balance between work, relaxation, and excellent academic performance proved to be a constant struggle for the budding tour guide.
Anatomy and physiology fascinated him the most from the physiology course, and excursionology, a subject from the tourism branch, piqued his interest. His passion for tourism and the guidance of his mentor, Julia Alekseevna Karvunis, led him to participate in federal and national competitions such as "WorldSkills" and "Young Professionals", securing multiple victories during different years. His accomplishments earned him a job offer.
Regarding Julia Alekseevna Karvunis, Sharayev describes her as an "amazing professional who educates big actors, speakers, and people who perform in public events on different scales and levels."
During his university years, Sharayev worked as a freelance auditor at the Tomsk Regional Museum, Russian Geographical Society, and as a counselor in children's health camps, where his career as a guide began. After graduating from university, he was invited to work at the "Russia" exhibition-forum on VDNKh due to his good impression during competitions and being already recognized for his dedication. He was then assigned to accompany business groups, and on his sixth day of work, he led a tour for Oleg Gazmanov.
Many significant figures have taken part in Sharayev's tours over time, with his most notable achievement being serving as a guide for ministers, foreign delegations, and even leading a tour for the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, on March 26, 2025. The National Center "Russia", with its objective of popularizing science in the country, boosting youth's motivation, and serving as a focal point of national pride, owes its foundation to such efforts. Presently, the Center "Russia" is located in the Moscow City complex and invites all guests.
Tomsk State University not only imbued him with knowledge about human processes but also honed essential communication skills and understanding of human psychology. These abilities, he revealed, have become indispensable in his work with every visitor. Reflecting on his experience, Sharayev concludes, "University truly offers opportunities. Whether to seize them or not is a matter of choice. From my experience, if you embrace them, participate in events, and stay active, then student life can indeed be 'golden'."
Sharayev's journey at Tomsk State University not only equipped him with knowledge about sports and health tourism but also nurtured valuable skills in communication and human psychology, which have proved essential in his current lifestyle as he leads tours at the National Center 'Russia' in Moscow. In his educational-and-self-development path, Sharayev discovered a passion for sports, particularly during his excursionology studies, which has contributed to his success in both academics and his career in sports tourism.
