Jisoo, 2024 Summa Cum Laude in International Governance and Diplomacy

Balance and prioritisation. Life at PSIA had many competing demands: academic obligations, part-time work or internship, job search, administrative procedures, etc., and of course, I had to take care of my health, nurture my social relationships, explore Paris and travel, and do the little things that make me happy. So it was important, although not easy, to put things in perspective and think strategically about where I should invest my time and energy. Instead of completing all the readings for every class, I focused on understanding the big picture and how things connect, which ultimately made me more analytical and efficient. The time and energy I saved went into living a balanced life, so at the end of my two years at PSIA, I obtained not only a degree but also precious life experiences and dear friends.

My most useful takeaway is the practical experience of creating outputs that are concise and tailored to the purpose. Coursework with practitioners meant that assignments were designed to address real-world problems in professional contexts. In particular, the course on strategic planning with Oli Brown taught me that sometimes it is counterproductive to show all my work. Written documents should get to the point and include only the most relevant information. Presentations should be succinct, engaging, and memorable. These lessons have already helped me communicate effectively in my internships at the OECD and the Danish Institute for Human Rights, and will surely continue helping me wherever I may find myself next.

Collaborate, don't compete. Be kind to yourself. And have fun!