Having witnessed the Russian-Georgian conflict in 2008 at a young age, I decided to devote my life to international politics. In my dreams, I hoped to pursue a study of politics and become a professional in this field. A dream came true when the UK Government awarded me the Chevening Scholarship, enabling me to pursue a MA in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy at City University of London, a course for which I had been passionately yearning from afar – my home country of Georgia.
Studying at City was a truly invaluable experience. Over the course of this educational journey, I have developed professionally and personally, received valuable networking opportunities, and acquired a variety of skills. As a result of hard work and dedication, I was thrilled to achieve a remarkable score of 85 for my dissertation – one of the highest grades in my course. It was an achievement that filled me with pride and reinforced my belief that I was on the right path.
City University of London provided me with incredible knowledge, a plethora of opportunities, expanding my horizons and unlocking new doors of possibilities. During the summer, I worked as a trainee at the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg, where I had the pleasure of contributing to important resolutions with a Member of the European Parliament. Moreover, I had the opportunity to interact with ambassadors and leaders from various countries and international organizations, including the NATO Secretary General. Additionally, I worked as a researcher at the House of Commons with one of the MPs, where I participated in studying the UK’s sanctioning packages against Russia and developing proposals for the confiscation of Russian assets to aid in rebuilding Ukraine. I delved into historical precedents such as the UK’s decision in 1939 to confiscate enemy assets – an illuminating topic that captivated my interest.
Today, I am the Program Manager at the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), where I am proud to be part of a team that champions democratic values, advocates for fair elections, and works to improve the judicial system in Georgia. I am also a member of the Common Futures Conversation at Chatham House, where I engage in dynamic discussions with leaders from around the world. It is an honour to be part of a forum that tackles critical issues and seeks to shape the future of our global community.
My career path has been strewn with obstacles, doubts, and sleepless nights. There were times when I faced scepticism and disbelief from those around me, and moments when I felt the weight of the workload and study pressure crushing my spirit. On those dark days, the nagging question of whether this career was truly meant for me would gnaw at my mind. But every time I was on the brink of giving up, I reminded myself of the unshakeable passion that drove me, the dream that I wanted to achieve, and the positive impact I could make on the world. I have learned that the path to success is rarely straightforward and that setbacks and difficulties can actually strengthen one’s resolve and sharpen their skills. Through my unwavering commitment, tireless efforts, and unrelenting passion, I have been able to overcome every hurdle that came my way.
So, to all those who face similar struggles on their career path, I urge you never to give up. Remember that you are doing this for your dream, and your work will always be valued if you have the passion and put in the hard work. There is no way you can fail if you remain resolute and persistent, for success is always within reach if you dare to dream and dare to persevere. So, stay inspired, stay motivated, and never lose sight of your aspirations.