How Studying International Relations at Tallinn University Transformed an International Relations Student's Career Path

 

What motivated you to choose International Relations, and why did you decide to study it at Tallinn University?

First I had a great interest for the topic. So, I wanted to study IR gain a deeper knowledge about the subject. There are tons of reason for choosing Tallinn University. But first and most importantly, the program is Cyclical studies. So, I can have a full time job but still do a full time masters. Many of my fellow classmates got full time job after starting the studies. It would have been very hard if this course was not designed like that. Also the faculty is fantastic. I had looked earlier their research ares and publications. So, I anticipated that quality and depth of classes would be great. The modules are diverse covering as much ground as possible from diplomacy to hybrid warfare. So, that made it very attractive to me. I also liked the fact that the admission criteria didn't require me to have any degree in social sciences. Only that I have keen interest in the topic and able to grasp various global issues- say energy security.

How does the program help you understand current global conflicts, diplomacy, and cooperation?

We discuss current ongoing global developments in almost every class. For example, I specially liked Mr. Matthew's "Though Of The Day" where he would ask our thoughts and comments on a certain development in the beginning of the class. I absolutely loved those discussions. But the modules such as Peace and Conflict Analysis, Foreign Policy and Diplomacy have dedicated portions on the syllabus where we had studies former and ongoing conflicts around the world. In the assigned readings, seminars and subsequent discussions, we had learned how to approach these conflicts and learned how to see from different angles.

Can you describe a class discussion or project that challenged your perspective on world affairs?

One thing that comes to mind is that I realized in Toni Čerkez's class that we should study all forms of theories in depth. The idea is to get the best out of these ideas and develop the angel of perspective. In analyzing world affairs, we seldom have certain prejudices which hinder our vision of perception. If we reject theories say Marxism or Feminism and don´t study at all, we tend to devalue some of the systemic issues that these theories highlight. Marxism for example talks about worker's rights, income inequality, access to opportunity etc which is completely ignored by the liberals. Same goes for Feminism, where the theories talks about the structural violence and acts as the voice of the silent in the society. I didn't though this way earlier and I must say, made me retrospect what I knew and opened up my mind to new thoughts and ideas.

How has studying in Estonia, with its unique geopolitical position, influenced your understanding of international relations?

That would be to see from a angle of a small state. Small states such as Estonia has a major role to play in global affairs and the world has the opportunity to learn from it. One excellent example is Estonia's cyber defense models. But these facts are very easily ignored by the large state actors whom tend to counts power and influence in material terms.

What kind of future career do you envision with this degree, and how is the program preparing you for it?

For me, it is very unique to be honest. I have bachelor degree in software development and I had been working for almost 2.5 years. So, I feel that my career is already set somewhat. But we never know. In my future, I might find myself working for an NGO, a government agency, or even as a security expert. This degree demonstrates that I have a well-rounded understanding of global issues and the ability to engage with policymakers and stakeholders beyond the tech world. But the degree has given me the confidence that, if I ever decide to change direction entirely, I’m well prepared for a wide range of roles - from diplomacy to consultancy.