Alumni Profile: Victoria Borisch
What is your background?
Before coming to Glasgow, I studied at the United World College Costa Rica and St. John's College in New Mexico, USA. During my Bachelor studies I focused on political theory and philosophy and worked with multiple NGOs in the field of youth and economic policy. This experience inspired me to pursue the IMRCEES degree after which I decided to expand my horizons further and shift focus to the private sector.
What is your best memory of the programme?
For me, the best part of the IMRCEES programme are the enduring friendships which transcend distance and time, developed with both fellow students and professors.
What are you doing now?
I am currently employed with Procter and Gamble in Warsaw where I am really enjoying the intersection between studies and my role in Human Resources. I especially appreciates the opportunity to re-apply my research, negotiation and advocacy skills.
First published: 24 August 2020
Current employment: Freelance Communications & Marketing Business Owner
Looking back, what were the highlights of your time as an International Master’s student on our programme?
The biggest highlight for me was the people – fellow students and faculty. There’s something so special about finding people who share the same unique interests. Coming from different parts of the world, we all brought our own perspectives to the subject matter and grew together. Surrounding myself with such incredible and inspiring people pushed me to be better.
The language courses were also a big highlight for me and one of my initial draws to the program.
What aspects of the programme did you find challenging?
Coordinating between my thesis supervisors at the two universities was challenging for me. They had different ideas about the direction my research should go and I was a bit caught in the middle. In the end, this was an important learning moment for me when I realized I didn’t have to take every piece of advice on board. Navigating different opinions became an essential skill when I was leading my own team.
The language courses were also one of the biggest challenges for me but I’m still really impressed with the amount I was able to learn and use in a short amount of time.
Do you have any advice for future students?
My advice would be to network (even informally) and do internships. One of my biggest clients at the moment came through a friend I met while studying at Corvinus in Budapest and my internship experience definitely helped me when applying for jobs.
Has the degree helped you in your professional life, since graduating?
Absolutely! The subject matter may not seem directly linked to what I’m doing now, but there are many parallels that can be drawn between politics and communications.
How successful have the other members of your cohort been in the job market?
I’m so proud of my cohort! They are doing really interesting work all around the world. Some of us took a little longer to find our path, but in general I think we’ve all be quite successful.
