Cecilia Pellosniemi (Class of 2010)

UCU prepares you to approach things with an open mind.

Major: Social Sciences (Law and Political Sciences)

Further Education: Master in EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies at College of Europe and LL.M. International Law at University of Helsinki

Position: Judicial Affairs Officer at the Department of Peacekeeping Operations of the United Nations

Location New York, United States

My job allows me to be a true UCU-er

UCU prepares you to approach things with an open mind. Because of the wide range of topics we dealt with, I am not afraid to learn new things on the job. I was the Chair of PoliticsCo, and we organized some very interesting events and excursions. I was also part of many drama productions that took up a lot of our time, but were all worth it.

I am currently working as a Judicial Affairs Officer at the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) of the United Nations. I am mainly working on South Sudan and Syria. Before this I worked as a civil society advocate, EU lobbyist, political advisor at the EU, and in the field of peace mediation. I really enjoy the fact that my job allows me to be a true UCU-er: my work is extremely interdisciplinary and requires a lot of diplomatic skills. I get to combine my passion for law and international security, and I feel that I can really have an impact on international justice in conflict and post-conflict countries.

Become an expert and gain work experience

My recommendation to prospective UCU students would be to become an expert in at least a few disciplines also at the masters level, as this will make you more employable. You do not have to go to the most expensive schools and generate a student debt. Your work experience matters more. Gain as much work experience as possible already during your studies, it will make it easier to find a job upon graduation.