Michelle Seleznova
I’m an extremely extroverted and energetic individual, and I believe my goal in life is to meet as many people and explore as many places as possible. As an inherently curious person, I enjoy interacting with new cultures by making acquaintances while learning about their lives and customs. These passions made me develop my love for photography, wanting to capture the authenticity of the world and its inhabitants, preserving those memories in my photos.
"Every single module was of interest to me and the possibility of specializing in environmental policy and innovation for development excited me even more."
Trailblazing new perspectives in environmental policy
Michelle Seleznova is a dynamic go-getter with a rich background in academia and hands-on industry experience. Born in Latvia, she’s spent the past seven years immersed in the bustling city of London, where her friendly, lively nature led her to pursue various endeavors.
For her undergraduate degree, Michelle studied business management and specialized in finance and management science. Soon after graduating, she delved into the fields of technology and fintech before finding her true passion. Michelle gained experience working at various startups, including one that handled carbon accounting of supply chain emissions.
This was an impactful time for her in several ways. She encountered firsthand the stark realities of climate change. The news, meanwhile, was full of various climate disasters and the lack of transparency in the private sector—where companies often withheld emissions data unless compelled by law—drove her to explore intersectional environmentalism, marking a new chapter in her professional journey.
Michelle chose IE University specifically for the Master in International Development. She felt the program perfectly aligned with her interest in the environment. “The study plan sounded perfect for me and to be frank, I put all my eggs in one basket and dreamed of studying here,” she says. “Every single module was of interest to me and the possibility of specializing in environmental policy and innovation for development excited me even more.”
Now at IE University, she finds the academic environment stimulating and the professors inspiring. As long-time development professionals, they certainly have much to share. Michelle admits that the diversity of her cohort has enriched the learning experience by facilitating a free flow of ideas and insights from different perspectives.
She describes her academic journey as both intense and incredibly rewarding. Despite the demanding nature of the program, investing her time and effort has proven to be worthwhile. IE University has provided her with opportunities that she could never have had otherwise for her personal and professional growth. From attending events like the MENA Climate Week in Saudi Arabia to creating meaningful connections with peers in Madrid, these experiences have enriched her education in ways she never imagined.
Looking to the future, Michelle sees herself working in a dynamic, global environment alongside individuals and businesses from diverse backgrounds to navigate the challenges of the new climate standards era. She aspires to find a position that will leverage her tech knowledge in the development sector. But apart from her professional ambitions, she continues to nurture her love for travel and photography, hoping to empower others through storytelling. “I dream of having one of my photographs on the cover of National Geographic one day.”
Her advice to prospective students is to embrace the journey and stay open to new possibilities. “There is so much information to gain, so many opportunities to discover and so many people to learn from.”
“The Master in International Development has provided me with opportunities that I could never have had otherwise.”
