1. Why did you choose IBEI Master’s?

My decision to pursue the IBEI Master's in International Security was clear from the outset. During my bachelor’s degree in Global Studiesat Universitat Pompeu Fabra, I took an impactful course on international security and global conflict, taught by Professor Pablo Pareja. This experience solidified my aspiration to continue my academic and professional journey in this field. My deep interest in peace and international security, coupled with my desire to stay in Barcelona, my hometown, made IBEI the right choice. Additionally, I was drawn to the center and the program’s reputation, the expertise of its professors, and the high quality of its teaching, which further validated my decision.

2. What is your experience at IBEI? 

My experience at IBEI was very positive. From the very beginning, I felt strongly connected to the institution, its professors and the rest of the students. The courses were of exceptional quality, the professors brought an impressive depth of knowledge, and their accessibility fostered a close-knit academic community.Despite the challenges posed by the post-pandemic context, the supportive environment made my time at IBEI enjoyable and rewarding. One standout feature was the small class sizes, which encouraged cooperation and fostered engaging, in-depth discussions on critical issues.

3. Describe your career path since graduating from the IBEI

After graduating from IBEI, I sought to gain professional experience abroad. Having recently completed my master’s thesis on a topic related to the European Union, I decided to apply for an EEAS traineeship to deepen my understanding of the EU work. I was selected for a traineeship in the Cooperation Section of the EU Delegation in Mexico City, where I spent six months contributing to a variety of EU-funded development projects across the country. This experience was both professionally enriching and personally transformative. Simultaneously, I collaborated with INCAS Consulting, working on projects related to social impact, peace, and security.

After my time in Mexico, I was offered an internship at the Security Council Practices and Charter Research Branch of the United Nations. For six months, I supported the Security Council’s advisory and research functions, focusing on data analysis and institutional memory relevant to the Practice of the Security Council and the UN Charter. Following this internship, I transitioned into a role as a Data Analyst within the same office, where I continue to contribute to its work.

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

The master’s program in International Security equipped me with several key skills that are central to my current role. Studying in English significantly improved my drafting and oral communication abilities, both of which are essential for my work. Academically, the program provided me with a robust foundation in international security, which directly informs my analysis of global conflicts under Security Council consideration. Furthermore, through the program, I was able to improve practical skills that I rely on daily, such as data visualization, teamwork, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and social media listening, among others. All this knowledge is invaluable for effectively communicating the complex research findings conducted by my office.

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

Absolutely - my current role at the UN Security Council is exactly where I hopefully envisioned myself working in the future. I am fortunate that an internship opened the door to this position, which now offers me immense professional fulfilment as I work in a dynamic and impactful environment.

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

To future IBEI students: enjoy the journey and immerse yourself fully in the master’s program without worrying excessively about what lies ahead. It’s easy to lose sight of the present by focusing too much on the future. Take advantage of the wealth of resources IBEI offers, including your assigned personal tutor, international exchange programs, or skill-building workshops.

For current students aspiring to work in the field of peace and security in international organizations: perseverance is key. Breaking into this field can be challenging, and setbacks are inevitable, but the right opportunity often takes time to materialize. Networking makes a difference and I would encourage all students to reach out to professionals working in roles they aspire to; most are more than willing to share insights and offer guidance.

7. What do you miss most about IBEI? 

What I miss most about IBEI is the opportunity to engage with international security topics from an academic perspective. While my current job involves similar analytical work, I miss the stimulating input from expert professors and the collaborative brainstorming sessions with other students. Those academic discussions offered unique perspectives and creative approaches to global challenges that I deeply value and miss.