Alumni dreams #258

Sara Drino do Amaral Coutinho graduated from the BA International Studies in 2023 with a regional specialization in Europe. Initially drawn to the program due to her ambition of working within European institutions, she sought to deepen her knowledge of Western European history, politics, and structures—areas that were not always extensively covered in her education growing up in the Western Balkans. However, her academic journey took unexpected turns, including an exchange semester in Australia and a master’s degree in the United States, which broadened her global perspective while ultimately reaffirming her desire to work in Europe.

Her thesis, titled Same People, Different Story: Ethno-National Divisions of Collective Memory in Post-Conflict Bosnia and Herzegovina, explored how the war between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia shaped collective memory differently among the country’s communities. Unlike many studies that focus on political narratives, Sara’s research examined the cultural dimensions of ethnic divisions. Through case studies, she demonstrated how narratives of denial and silence in Republika Srpska contrast with the strong emphasis on remembrance in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her research contributed to the broader discourse on reconciliation, memory politics, and cultural barriers in the region.

During her time at BA IS, Sara participated in the Honours Programme Humanities Lab, which challenged her to think critically across disciplines and refine her research and analytical skills. She also actively engaged with various committees, most notably serving as President of the Performing Arts Committee. Leading the committee during a period of remote learning posed challenges, but it strengthened her leadership and organizational abilities. A transformative experience during her studies was her exchange semester in Australia, which allowed her to step outside her comfort zone and immerse herself in a different academic and cultural environment.

One of the most valuable experiences she took from BA IS was participating in a consultancy project with the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security. This experience reshaped her perspective and solidified her interest in contributing to policy and decision-making processes. After graduating in 2023, Sara pursued a Master’s in Human Rights Studies at Columbia University in New York, aiming to specialize in migration, asylum policies, and human rights advocacy. During her master’s, she gained professional experience through internships at the International Rescue Committee, the Permanent Mission of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN, and Human Rights Watch, working on refugee resettlement, diplomatic engagement, and disability rights advocacy. These roles allowed her to apply her academic knowledge to real-world settings, strengthening her expertise in policy analysis and human rights work.

Currently, Sara is actively seeking professional opportunities in migration, human rights, and international policy. Her research and field experiences have reinforced her belief that policy and advocacy must be informed by the lived realities of affected communities. She is particularly interested in how EU funding mechanisms influence migration policies in the Western Balkans, a topic she explored extensively in her master’s thesis. Her goal is to bridge the gap between research, policy, and implementation to promote more inclusive and sustainable migration policies.

To current and prospective BA IS students, Sara advises embracing the program’s flexibility and interdisciplinarity. She encourages students to step outside their comfort zones—whether through exchange programs, committee involvement, or research projects. She also reassures students that it is okay not to have a clear career path from the start; BA IS provides a broad foundation that allows students to explore different interests and carve their own paths. Her journey took unexpected turns, from a planned focus on EU institutions to experiences in Australia and the U.S., but each step contributed to her specialization in migration and human rights. With curiosity, proactivity, and an open mind, BA IS students can harness the program’s diverse opportunities to create meaningful careers.

Well done, Sara—we can't wait to see where your journey takes you next!

Alumni dreams #266

Ronja Virtanen, a 2023 graduate of the Bachelor’s in International Studies, has reflected on her journey and the experiences that have shaped her career aspirations.

When deciding on her academic path, Ronja knew she wanted to work in an international environment but was unsure of the specific field. Her interests in economics, international relations, and EU affairs led her to BA IS, a program that provided a multidisciplinary approach to global challenges. By choosing Europe as her region of focus, she aimed to explore the career opportunities within EU institutions, particularly as a gateway for her future.

Ronja’s thesis, titled "The Geographical Game of the Western Balkans: Russian Influence in Serbia’s Accession to the European Union after 2014", explored the geopolitical tensions between the EU and Russia, focusing on Russia's influence on Serbia. The thesis also delved into energy policy and geopolitics, which sparked her growing interest in the energy sector and the green transition.

During her studies, Ronja took proactive steps to gain practical experience. In her fifth semester, she interned at the Finnish Dutch Chamber of Commerce, which helped her build a professional skill set. This experience proved essential in securing other internships later on, including a PRINS project with RaboResearch on sustainable financing practices in the agri-food sector. Through this project, Ronja discovered her passion for sustainable finance, a field that would influence her career trajectory.

BA IS provided Ronja with invaluable skills that extended beyond her academic disciplines. She gained a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of global issues and how complex problems require multiple perspectives. This interdisciplinary approach, she believes, is essential in tackling the world’s biggest challenges.

After graduating from BA IS, Ronja moved to Paris to pursue a Master's degree in International Economic Policy at Sciences Po, where she focused on international economics and sustainability. Currently, she is on a gap year, gaining work experience in the financial sector. Her internship at a tech consulting firm and current position at Hy24, a private equity fund focusing on clean hydrogen technologies, have solidified her interest in sustainable finance.

Ronja is also preparing for a summer internship in Investment Banking at J.P. Morgan, which will further hone her skills in corporate finance.
Looking ahead, Ronja is committed to contributing to the energy transition by focusing on sustainable finance, particularly in the energy sector.

She encourages current and prospective BA IS students to embrace new opportunities, remain open to shifting career paths, and approach their studies with motivation and preparation. With the right mindset, Ronja believes the BA IS program can open doors to a wide array of career possibilities.

Great to see the work, Ronja, and we are excited to see where your journey will take you next as you continue to make impactful strides in the field of sustainable finance!