Jill Fiore van Well
My name is Jill Fiore van Well, and I’m a passionate, ambitious perfectionist. These self-descriptors are all interconnected; when I become passionate about something, I give it my 200% and aim to do it as perfectly as possible. For me, it’s all or nothing. I’ve traveled extensively throughout my life, which fueled my interest in international development. After the program, I’ll be working with an NGO in Ecuador in disaster risk reduction. However, my vision is to let my ambition drive me to a role within a United Nations organization, specifically in risk reduction.
"IE University offers it all. Beyond just a master’s program, it’s a complete experience that you will never forget."
From psychology to international development: one student’s journey
Jill Fiore van Well has been immersed in different cultures, lifestyles, food and people for as long as she can remember. Traveling her whole life with her family, she’s built an international outlook that’s paired with a natural desire to support others. Her journey to the Master in International Development is rooted in passion and drive.
At the age of just 17, Jill wrote her high school final paper on the effectiveness of international development aid. She then shifted her focus to study psychology and neuroscience in undergrad, which included an internship in mental health. This firsthand experience helped Jill realize she wanted to make a positive impact and support people on a broader scale rather than just individually.
Driven by her interest in poverty, WASH (Water, sanitation and hygiene) and other global issues, Jill decided to pursue a master’s degree in international development. The Master in International Development stood out to her for its international community and partnership with the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC). It felt clear that this was her best next step. Although the jump from psychology to international studies raised some questions, Jill found her previous experience to be helpful to her new studies.
The Master in International Development filled the gaps Jill was missing. "I sought to deepen my understanding of geopolitics and international relations, which play a crucial role in global development aid. I also wanted to learn more about finance and technology. All of this is crucial in building the interdisciplinary mindset necessary to work in international development."
For Jill, the most valuable experience in the program was her time in the Immersion Week Experience in Geneva. "We had the opportunity to explore different UN organizations, listen to the personal experiences and career paths of the staff and receive tips and recommendations." Jill was inspired by the week and thrilled about the opportunity to network with leaders from an organization she hopes to work for in the future.
At the beginning of the Master in International Development, Jill was certain about the field she wanted to pursue, but unsure about the specific position. However, her work on her Capstone Project solidified her choice. "I had the opportunity to work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on analyzing institutional enablers of ex-ante disaster risk reduction." This experience directed her next steps, and she decided that following the program, she will move to Ecuador to work in disaster risk reduction.
While working on her Capstone Project, Jill learned the severity of the impact of climate change on the planet—and, more importantly to her yet, that vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected. She hopes her work in Ecuador with an NGO will open the doors to more opportunities, specifically to land a position within a United Nations organization like the UNDRR.
Jill sums up her journey in the Master in International Development as "work hard, play hard." Living in the vibrant city of Madrid, meeting incredible people, building a worldwide network, gaining new skills and knowledge, attending events and learning from industry leaders has given her more than what she was looking for. She would encourage anyone and everyone to pursue the program. "IE University offers it all. Beyond just a master’s program, it’s a complete experience that you will never forget."