We use our own and third-party cookies to perform an analysis of use and measurement of our website, to improve our services, as well as to facilitate personalized advertising by analysing your browsing habits and preferences. You can change the settings of cookies or get more information, see cookies policy. I understand and accept the use of cookies.

Marija Obradovic, IBEI Alumni 2014-15

Name and Last Name: Marija Obradovic

Nationality: Serbian

Master studied at IBEI: Master's in International Security

Class: 2014-15

Current working company, position and city: Head legal analyst, Tamarind Intelligence (Spain). 

LinkedIn

1. Why did you choose IBEI Master’s?

My intention was to primarily improve my knowledge in research methods, as this was an area that I identified as my weak point after obtaining my LLB.

2. What is your experience at IBEI? 

My experience at IBEI was very positive. Professors are very knowledgeable and the majority has good instruction skills and a way of keeping the lectures and discussions interesting. I enjoyed IBEI’s guest lectures and discussions on their respective papers. The admission office and student coordinators were always extremely nice and helpful.

3. Describe your career path since graduating from the IBEI

As anyone graduating from international relations, I was struggling to find a paid position. Although I had a few years of experience in working in human rights and NGOs, the furthest I got in this sector following my master was an internship at UNU GCM, thanks to IBEI that had a collaboration with this organization.

4. How did the master programme prepare you for the work you're doing now?

IBEI prepared me for my current role in several ways.

  • The research methods courses helped me to implement research ideas, which took me apart from others who didn’t have this knowledge or were not realizing its applicability in our area of research (policy and regulatory).

  • Numerous presentations I had to prepare during my masters at IBEI helped me sharpen my presentation skills – both oral and technical ones. 

  • The frequent papers we had to write have improved my writing skills, which is 50% of my job. 

  • Multinational environment accustomed me to successfully engaging with clients and stakeholders from different parts of the world. 

5. Is this more or less what you pictured yourself doing after the master programme?

Yes.

6. What advice would you give to current students who want to follow this career path? / Some advice to future IBEI students?

My advice would depend on individual student’s personal situation and career desires. For this reason, I volunteer as a local point of contact for incoming students.

7. What do you miss most about IBEI? 

I miss the interesting daily conversations and debates in classes. The world has changed since 2014 and often I wish to be a fly on the wall in IBEI classrooms and hear the contemporary exchanges.