Hi there, my name is Paola and I graduated in July 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in German and International Relations. That summer was profoundly confusing; I was uncertain about my next steps, had not seriously considered my career path, nor had I begun job applications.
The prospect of immediately continuing to a Masters degree, especially after the isolating experience of pandemic-induced online learning, felt daunting.
Instead, I returned to Austria to work for a company where I had completed an Erasmus placement during my third year. This pause gave me time to reflect, save some money, and plan my future. Inspired by my time in Leeds, meeting numerous mentors and friends, I decided to pursue a Masters degree in Public Policy and Human Development in the Netherlands.
One crucial piece of advice I received was to choose a Masters program that not only offered excellent academic credentials but also opportunities to build a strong professional network and potential internships.
I started looking for different options and selected a program renowned for its strong connections with leading international organisations and a robust network across European universities. Within months, I prepared all necessary documents and references and submitted my application.
This decision was transformative. The Masters programme really expanded my understanding of political sciences and international relations, provided a platform to build a significant network of inspiring peers and experts, and was intensely professionalising. It deepened my knowledge of public policy and social protection, which proved invaluable when applying for jobs.
The modules I took led to a six-month internship at the Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policies in Rome, supporting their social protection and planning initiatives. And it was thanks to this internship and the experience I gained that I was offered my first contract as a consultant, with a specialised agency of the United Nations that focuses on policies to fight poverty and improve living conditions.
Looking back, one crucial insight I’d share is to never underestimate the power of networking. Connecting with inspiring mentors and peers can provide support and open doors long after graduation.
And finally, a note on job applications: don’t overlook the potential of speculative applications. They opened more doors for me than traditional applications. It’s a challenging route, but persistence pays off.
Good luck!
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