1. Why did you choose IBEI Master’s?

Before my studies at IBEI, I had completed a MSc in Conflict Resolution at the University of Amsterdam and gained a little work experience at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the time, I was looking to specialise in the nexus between conflict and international relations. The programme at IBEI allowed me to deepen my knowledge of international relations and transform much of my academic knowledge into a practical set of skills relevant for a career in international relations. I chose the IBEI Master’s in International Relations due to its distinct orientation towards practice and the wide range of electives. Paired with the quality of IBEI’s teaching staff, this convinced me to choose for the IBEI Master’s in International Relations.

2. What is your experience at IBEI? 

My experience at IBEI was enriching and fun. The small nature of the institute allows for specialised study programmes where students are able to build professional relationships with teaching staff and receive coaching on their further career steps. Moreover, the small-scale community of ambitious students maintains a special learning environment where students encourage each other to come to a deeper understanding of topics in their interest.

3. Describe your career path since graduating from the IBEI

Upon graduating, I started working at The Hague Academy for Local Governance, an NGO focussed on international development cooperation. In the role of Programme Officer, I give trainings and facilitate dialogue between governments, international organisations, and civil society organisations in the Hague and in countries such as Ethiopia or Tunisia. As these stakeholders seek to formulate their own local solutions, we explore topics such as peacebuilding, security sector reform, inclusive governance, and citizen participation. It involves the facilitation of sensitive political discussions, management of vulnerable diplomatic relations and work in fragile security environments.

4. How did the master programme prepare you for the work you're doing now?

The international atmosphere at IBEI has given me a sense of intercultural communication that has been useful in the cooperation with professionals, civil servants, and diplomats from abroad. Aside from this, IBEI helped me develop a local approach to development work. The extensive offer of electives, taught by professionals that have practical experience with the subjects that they teach, allows students to specialise in a tailored professional profile. I was able to pursue a specialisation in local governance and human security that I now use in my work.

5. Is this more or less what you pictured yourself doing after the master programme?

I think the transition from graduation to professional work always comes with some trial-and-error. I am happy to say that my current position is close to what I pictured myself doing, but it involved a lot of persistence and a bit of luck. Nevertheless, I could not have asked for a more fitting start to my professional career!

6. What advice would you give to current students who want to follow this career path? / Some advice to future IBEI students?

In deciding what to do next, I think it is important to get an idea of the day-to-day things you would like to do in your work. For instance, I get a lot energy from my daily interaction with passionate people from around the world, who seek to improve the circumstances of their communities. When you have an idea of the work you would like to do, reach out to people at the organisations where you’d like to work. Talk not just to senior staff but also to junior employees. This helps you to get an honest picture of the benefits, but especially the downsides of a career in the sector of your choice. If you can, remember to take things slow while figuring your next steps out.

7. What do you miss most about IBEI? 

What I miss most is the combination of professional development and fun that a year studying in Barcelona offers. The combination of academic specialisation, paired with the high quality of social life in the city, is a great benefit to studying at IBEI.