Christopher Joubert
My name is Chistopher Joubert and I’m from Durban, South Africa. I am passionate about nature (especially marine life!), history, and of course, politics and international relations. In fact, I’ve always wanted pursue a career in the field of political science, particularly in public policy. Throughout my studies, I've also developed a passion for foreign languages and learning about different cultures. I’d consider myself to be an ambitious, curious and open-minded individual.
“Before coming to IE University, I felt there was a disconnect between academia and applicable knowledge. The Master in International Relations has bridged that gap.”
Stepping into the policy sector with an international outlook and an open mind
Christopher grew up in a family where current affairs and politics were the regular topics at the dinner table and on the school commute—so it didn’t take him long to realize he wanted to pursue political science. He began his studies by getting an undergraduate degree from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, graduating as a political science and history major in 2019.
Looking for a more suitable long-term solution, Christopher began to search for master’s programs to further his political education. When he happened across IE University, two things in particular stood out to him. Firstly, many companies that he wanted to work for had IE University alumni as employees. Secondly, the course would only be a year long, which offered the opportunity to advance his career in a short space of time. As an enthusiast of foreign languages and cultural exchange, the chance to study in Europe sealed the deal. Following weeks of research, Christopher applied for the Master in International Relations.
Now well into his studies at IE University, Christopher says he has been completely blown away by the program. Having previously worked in international environments, he appreciates the value of learning, growing and interacting in a culturally diverse atmosphere—a pillar of the IE University experience. For Christopher, such an environment has made for a highly fulfilling experience, constantly serving as reminder that everyone should question their own belief systems and biases.
“The main point of difference that I saw with IE University was that a lot of the companies I want to work for have IE alumni as employees.”
On an academic level, Christopher speaks highly of the professors in the program. He particularly enjoys the very practical, hands-on approach to teaching, seeing that this methodology is a “rare gem” in academia. In fact, before arriving at IE University, Christopher felt that there was a strong disconnect between academia and applicable knowledge—but in his view, the Master in International Relations has bridged that gap. Certainly, the program has been a good opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained from his undergraduate degree, putting knowledge into practice in a way that will benefit his career.
While Chistopher hasn’t quite mapped out his next steps beyond the program, he knows that many doors have been opened since starting at IE University. His main issue now is that there are simply too many exciting opportunities to choose from!
Broadly speaking, his ideal role would be in the private sector—whether it be in consultancy, as a policy analyst, or in a think tank. As he has begun to pursue new opportunities, Christopher says that IE Talent & Careers has been a great help by offering a lot of direction and constantly serving as a source of support.
For incoming students of the Master in International Relations, Christopher has some clear advice: make sure you are open-minded, and be ready to question what you think you know. At IE University, we’re sure that this philosophy will take him a long way in the next chapter of his career!
