“The theoretical frameworks I was exposed to at Stockholm university definitely helped me to think more outside the box!”

Luisa Monse has studied the Master's programme in Global Political Economy at the Department of Economic History and International Relations, and took her degree in GPE in 2017. Today she is working as Programme Analyst for the Accelerator Labs Network at UNDP in New York. The Accelerator Labs Network is an initiative launched by UNDP's Executive Office to build the world’s largest learning network for accelerating sustainable development globally. 

Luisa has studied Political Science, International Relations and Global Political Economy at Stockholm University and some courses in economics and cultural studies during an exchange semester in South Korea. After her master graduation she has worked with innovation for sustainable development at the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Sweden's Innovation Agency (Vinnova) and most recently at her current workplace the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 
 

What was your first job within the field of your studies, and what helped you to get it?

My first paid fulltime position within my field was as a Program Manager at Sida. I had already worked as a Program Manager at Sida part-time when I was a student and had a part-time position at Stockholm University, which both were very much related to my studies. I had also interned at the UN and other organizations to gain experience and was quite active as a volunteer in different NGOs and student associations. These experiences where definitely important for getting the job, but I also believe a genuine sense of curiosity to learn new things and a passion for driving change are equally important as experience on paper. 
 

What are the main lessons you learned from the time studying at the Department of International Relations and Economic History? What have you taken with you to your professional work-life?

Something that I really enjoyed and that I think also shaped me to see different perspectives is the fact that I was exposed to many different theoretical frameworks at the Department of International Relations and Economic History, including many so called critical theories such as feminism or postcolonialism. These theories give interesting insights into the power dynamics and structures in society that we need to change in order to achieve a sustainable global development. Having a good theoretical understanding of these dynamics was especially helpful when I worked with norm-critical and norm-creative innovation, which is innovation aimed at identifying and changing norms in various aspects of our life for creating a fairer and more sustainable society for all. The theoretical frameworks I was exposed to at SU definitely helped me to think more outside the box!

Can you share some advice on how to search and apply for jobs with a degree in economic history or international relations? Has any job you have applied for required any additional tests in their application process?

My best advice is to gain experience and start building a network already as a student! There are so many student clubs, non-profit organizations where you can volunteer and possible part time jobs you can do while studying. Besides helping you to create a stronger CV this will also give you a chance to explore possible workplaces and give you a better understanding of what you really want to work with. I think a great way to start is by looking up organizations in the areas that you are really passionate about and just write to them and ask if you can get involved in any way! Also, asking people who already have the job you want to get some day can be a great way of getting tips. For my previous job at Sida I only had one interview, while at Vinnova the recruitment process included different interviews and a case, and at the UN I went through a recruitment process with different tests, interviews and a case. 
 

In your experience, which are the best platforms to search for possible job opportunities? 

All my previous jobs were positions I found because someone in my network recommended the position to me or because I directly checked the website of the organization. Most organizations have a function where you can create job alerts on their website, which is a great way of always keeping yourself updated. If you already build a network while being a student by becoming active in organizations or getting part-time jobs in the area you are interested in, you also create the possibility that there might be someone creating a position only for you. Otherwise, LinkedIn is probably good, but I personally always used my own networks.  
 

Finally, do you have any advice for the graduating students who are trying to secure their first job? 

Almost anything can be interesting if you want it to be! There's almost always a deeper level or an aspect related to a task that can be exciting. Try to identify what that is in your job and don't be afraid to form your own position in an organization. You might be hired for one thing but often you can transform the position into something that you really find exciting and that the organization needs. But do this in a humble way, timing is everything!