The Careers without Borders event organised by UNSA Maastricht and UNU-MERIT occurred from February 6-8. On Friday, it was hosted by UNU-MERIT: a full day of presentations, workshops, networking, and panel sessions. Aimed at students aspiring to make a difference in the world, this event gave insights into future careers within international organizations. The event drew significant interest, with over 75 students attending in person – participants from our MSc in Public Policy and Human Development (MPP), and other students from Maastricht University, like MSc Economics and Strategy in Emerging Markets as well as the Bachelor's programmes Global Studies and European Studies.
After the words of welcome by the MPP director Elaine Lebon-McGregor, the first presentation was held on Research Consulting in the EU Policy Cycle by Silvia Grothe, followed by a presentation by Professor Melissa Siegel, Head of Migration Studies at UNU-MERIT on Pursuing an academic career.
Next up was a Workshop on UN Career Opportunities by Marian Blondeel, Head of Benelux & EU Desk at the United Nations Regional Information Centre in Brussels, giving students information on how to get into the UN system.
After a networking lunch, the Blue Book Traineeship Programme of the EU Commission was presented by Ruslana Bekyarova, Lydie Vlckova and Haroula Kozis of the Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security Traineeships Office, which was also joined by MPP alumna and former Blue Book trainee: Emma Ricci.
Our colleague, Capacity Development Coordinator and MPP alumna Cristina Mancigotti moderated a panel of MPP alumni on their experiences after the MPP program, which consisted of Irem Apaydin, Teaching fellow at Maastricht University, Emma Ricci, Web Operations Manager at the European Commission, Eleni Diker, Researcher at Oxfam Novib and Mantej Pardesi, PhD candidate at Research Centre for Education and the Labor Market at Maastricht University
Programme Director Martijn Pluim of the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA) and Andrew Sheriff, Associate Director, Institutional Relations & Partnerships at the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) spoke about their professional careers and recruiting strategies of these Maastricht based institutions. They were joined by Serge Stinckwich, Head of Research at our Sister Institute, UNU-Macau, who gave insights into the UNU system. Next to providing insight into their interesting professional careers, they gave practical tips for writing application letters and core skills that are important in the international environment.
After some closing drinks, this inspiring event ended and hopefully left students equipped with more than just advice and information; it fuelled a sense of possibility and a roadmap for turning future ambitions into reality step by step. We hope to have inspired those who dream of shaping a better future for our world!
