MSc Comparative Politics, 2011
Research Associate, Freie Universität Berlin
When I left Brazil for Europe in 2009, I did not have a specific goal, other than that I’d like to pursue a career in the political science, analysis, and research field. I hoped that a Masters at the LSE would be my gateway into Europe’s job market. I was also avid to pursue professional and academic experiences that were scarce in my homeland. I found all that and much more in London. I took an internship at an MP’s constituency office when I began my LSE MSc, which I found via LSE Careers. Then, following advice from a LSE Careers consultant, I pursued another internship where I could develop different skills. That’s when I started to intern at Al Jazeera English’s media analysis show, The Listening Post. It was a formative experience that added a valuable experience to my academic life at the LSE, and which would open many doors later on. I was then able to secure an internship as a media assistant at the prestigious International Crisis Group in Brussels, from which I then worked as a researcher for their office in Guatemala City for two years. Finally, I moved back to Europe to work as a research associate at the Freie Universität Berlin, in a programme about security in Guatemala. I will also be doing a PhD in conjunction.
I wanted to come back to Europe after two years in Guatemala. This position seemed to be an organic continuation to the job that I was doing there. It’s a four year contract and it allows me to pursue a PhD. On top of that, it has a flexible schedule. Today, I am well settled in Berlin, I am studying German, and I am starting a family.
As part of my job, I do a lot of reading, both academic studies and papers, but also keep track of the news. We have to produce papers to present in conferences around the themes of the project. The office environment is very calm, in a green neighbourhood in Berlin. I love the freedom that it offers me, both intellectually speaking, but also in terms of organising my time. I appreciate its intellectually challenging nature too. When my contract finishes and I get my PhD, I hope to continue working in the political science research/analysis field. I seek opportunities that challenge me intellectually, and that is what I hope to do in the future. I hope to find something that will be a natural extension of my current work.
I initially chose the LSE for academic purposes, because it is such a respected institution and also because of the programme of my degree. I soon came to realise that this was only part of it. Living in London, with all that it has to offer, was just as, if not more, important. It opened doors and new opportunities that I would never have had elsewhere. I chose my degree because it fit well with my own academic and professional interests. I think that this should be the main motivation; one should avoid choosing a degree based on what is better to get a job or some other external factor. Following what interests you is key.
I would encourage students to take advantage of the fact that you are in London. Most organisations, NGOs, think-tanks and so on have some sort of office or representation there. And the LSE ‘label’ helps immensely, so make use of it. I would recommend working/interning for the whole time that you are in London. This will be great in terms of expanding your skills set, networking, and improving your CV.
I am thankful for my time at the LSE. I think I made the most of it and as a result, it has been crucial in my career. I have learned a great deal, both in terms of content as well as in research skills. It broadened my horizons, it greatly extended my network connections and I made great friends with whom I keep in contact to this day.