During my undergraduate studies in Prague, I looked up to the Graduate Institute as one of the best universities offering a programme exactly tailored to my dream career path – diplomacy. After finishing the two-year Master in International Affairs programme, I am sure it was the right decision to make. The education I received would not have been possible without the help and proactive approach of the Institute’s Academic Advisor, who facilitated a scholarship from the Fondation Zdenek et Michaela Bakala. I believe that this is something that sets the Institute apart from other comparable institutions. The subsequent two years only further confirmed my initial positive experience.
The Institute offers a perfect mix for students seeking to pursue a career in diplomacy or within international organisations. Besides the proximity to the UN, the Institute serves as a platform for highly-motivated students, who come from throughout the globe, and outstanding professors to debate and analyse current trends in international affairs. During my studies, I felt I had established close relations between the professors and myself. Whenever I needed to consult any issues outside of the classroom, the professors and teaching assistants always made time for me to do so. Moreover, the countless extracurricular activities taking place at the Institute allowed me to interact with top experts working in or visiting Geneva.
One of the defining experiences included co-founding and running a student Junior Diplomat Initiative. This activity enabled me to gain insights into the practice of 21st century diplomacy. Organising and participating in interactive seminars with experienced diplomats further strengthened my interest in this field, and hopefully motivated other students to pursue a similar career path.
In addition to this, I participated in an exchange programme in Beijing, China. I especially appreciated this opportunity due to my research interest in China’s foreign policy. In Beijing, I was exposed to different perceptions on international affairs, with positive effects on my Master’s thesis, which was closely linked to China’s statecraft in the region.
In conclusion, I am certain that my study experience at the Institute has prepared me for a successful career in diplomacy, which I have since embarked on. I have recently started working as a Junior Diplomat at the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.