Certification in Gender Studies: 2023 Young Graduates' Journey

Since 2020, Sciences Po’s Gender Studies Programme, grants an Advanced Certification in Gender Studies to students who acquired demonstrable academic expertise within the field of gender studies. In 2023, 51 students obtained their master’s degree with the Advanced Certification. Some of them offer an insight into what it is like to pursue this Certification during graduate studies at Sciences Po.

A Commitment to Bringing Gender in

The Advanced Certification awardees are often deeply committed to gender issues due to a combination of both future career prospects and personal interest. As Lia de Barros Monteiro Amato explains: “obtaining Sciences Po’s Advanced Certification in Gender Studies was very meaningful, not just in a professional and academic perspective, but also personally as my commitment to gender equality is something I carry with me every day”. Her words resonate with those of her colleague Kendall Wells: “gender equality, gender mainstreaming, and intersectionality have been the core perspectives for which I have focused my studies and professional work because, as a woman, my life experiences have put women’s and gender-diverse peoples’ experiences at the heart of my passion for human rights”. Some young graduates are already looking to the future, describing a genuine will to engage in transformative actions to positively impact the world around them, as Mickael Raggi puts it: “this Certification was not just an academic pursuit, but a pledge to use the insights I have gained to challenge prevailing norms, to champion empathy and understanding, and to strive towards a world where dignity is not dictated by gender or sexual orientation”.

Young Professionals Embracing Gender Studies for Job market Relevance

By analysing power relations, inequalities and discriminatory practices, graduates gain critical insights and skills that are sought after in various sectors of the labour market. Students recognise that specialising in this particular field can provide them with expertise and opportunities for meaningful work in their chosen profession, as Maria Francisca Gonçalves who wants to become a gender advisor specialised in peacebuilding efforts: “I want to contribute to the development of inclusive and accurate gender-transformative programmes, making sure that gender mainstreaming happens in all sectors… and that's where the Advanced Certification in Gender Studies comes in: it has provided me with a deeper understanding of these areas, equipping me to engage with gender dynamics in conflict-affected settings”.

Four years since its inception, this Advanced Certification has been awarded to 189 graduates and has garnered a strong reputation among employers who value their expertise in promoting diversity, inclusion, and equality.

Courses that Inspire and Impact Student Growth

The Certification awardees explain how they took advantage of their time at Sciences Po to deepen their knowledge of gender issues in their area of interest. “Something I appreciated from my time at Sciences Po was the opportunity to delve deeper into subjects that truly interest me through my coursework. Particularly in my gender courses: there was almost always room to take the main subject and explore through it more specific themes that are relevant to my professional interests” explains Carolina Barraza Puerta. At Sciences Po, gender studies teaching is a combination of theoretical, empirical and applied approaches. Graduate courses serve as a transformative journey. Claire Kendrick unfolds this gradual process, fostering personal growth and development over time: “the more I study gender studies, the more I realise it is not an obscure or auxiliary field, but rather something foundational to understanding socio-political power dynamics in every field”.

Some young graduates also remember specific projects that fostered their maturation, like Anaïs Fiault who took part with a team of four other students in a field study on Ukrainian craftswomen refugees in Europe: “participating in a cooperative project was immensely helpful. It was the most exciting and unique experience I had during my time at Sciences Po!”.

Beyond the Classroom: the Sciences Po experience

As university life extends beyond the confines of the classroom, many graduates put emphasis on the significance of the connections they built. As Stacey Nicole Bellido, who flew from the Philippines to study in France, states it: “learning inside the classroom was truly an enriching experience, but the bonds made outside of it hold a greater impact in my life: it is the people I met in school who made Sciences Po a home to me”. Building friendships, networking, and engaging in extracurricular pursuits complement academic learning, broadening perspectives, and cultivating valuable skills. “The people are hands down the best part of Sciences Po! I was blown away by the incredible individuals I had the privilege of crossing paths with” explains Maria Francisca Gonçalves, joined by her colleague Kendall Wells: “my friends and colleagues who show, both in class and day-to-day life, that they are here to make the future better and that they have the skills, kindness, and drive to do that, … they give me hope!”.

Undoubtedly, these experiences will contribute to their success and adaptability in the dynamic professional world beyond graduation.

More

• The Advanced Certification in Gender Studies is open to all students in a second year of master programme at Sciences Po
• At the Sciences Po Undergraduate College, Bachelor students can apply for the Certification in Gender and Equality