Distinguished Fellow Cecilia Malmström shares advice with CIVICA Students in exclusive fireside chat at IE University: "Always Try to Create Networks"

IE University hosted a new edition of the CIVICA Winter Honours Seminar, led by PhD Patricia Gabaldón under the name “Bridging Gaps, Building Equity: Gender, Diversity and Inclusion at Work”. Over the span of four days, students coming from leading universities such as Sciences Po, Bocconi and Hertie School, joined IE University for an immersive learning experience in Madrid. Cecilia Malmström exchanged impressions with students in a very personal event, in which PhD Catherine E. De Vries—Professor of Political Science, Chair of the Politics and International Relations Area at IE University, and Vice Dean at IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs—guided discussion. Former Commissioner Malmström was visiting IE University as a Distinguished Fellow, following figures such as José Manuel Durão Barroso and Paolo Gentiloni. 

Thirty students from different corners of the world had the opportunity to talk about issues such as the new global order and the role played in it by the European Union, how to deal with professional failure, and which skills are necessary for leadership positions. Additionally, they delved into the impact of gender in the workplace, one of the main topics of the seminar they were attending. Former European Commissioner Malmström showed herself impressed by the diversity of the class, which she even qualified as a "fantastic privilege". IE University has more than 10.000 students coming from around 165 countries.

In this international environment, Professors Malmström and De Vries reminded future generations the importance of negotiation and forming alliances. "Identify someone who has the same goals, but maybe from a slightly different angle", suggested Cecilia Malmström. They emphasized how essential it is to connect with people from other backgrounds, learn through practice, and ask senior leaders for advice. Accordingly, the Former Commissioner supported that a coalition of the willing can be expanded by the European Union through news powers.    

Former Commission Malmström and professor De Vries further acknowledged the complexity of the current world order and urged for a multidisciplinary approach to education. In Malmström’s words, "being a political scientist is one thing, but if you don't have economy and international relations, maybe a little bit of development and geopolitics, you don't really understand the world." She nonetheless urged students to balance both professional and personal life, resorting to strategies such as sports, and relying on friends and family for support. "Just be prepared to learn and appreciate the different strengths that you have", Malmström emphasized when asked on how to become a tough leader. In case of failure, both De Vries and Malmström agreed on the importance of being in touch with people outside the professional field. 

Finally, Cecilia Malmström also touched upon her experience as a young woman in politics. She admitted that, when she started her career in the European Parliament, being surrounded by few women was a difficulty. "You have to find strategies to deal with this… Always try to create networks", she concluded.