Alumni dreams #243

Focusing on the Russia/Eurasia region gave Robin a deep understanding of the significance of this region in a cultural, political, economic and security sense. In addition, being able to study the Russian language she says helped her to gain a more rounded perspective of the region in itself. 

After completing her bachelor’s, Robin started a master’s degree in Russian studies at the University of Helsinki in Finland. She wrote her thesis on strategic communication by the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry during times of crisis (i.e. the Covid-19 pandemic). 

When the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, Robin started working as an interpreter for Ukrainian refugees at a regional crisis shelter in the Netherlands. After this experience, she moved to Warsaw to pursue an internship with the OSCE ODIHR. Currently, she is working as a Policy Officer of Strategy in the Dutch Ministry of Defense. In her role, she is responsible for conducting ongoing analysis of future geopolitical and military-strategic threats, as well as keeping track of societal and social developments. 

Robin underlines the value of internships in gaining you important life experiences, while also helping to figure out what you actually seek in your professional career. This was pivotal for her in starting a career. 

We cannot agree more Robin, carry on your great work!