Tabea Böglin
Tabea currently works as a Human Rights Specialist for Richemont S.A. at the Geneva HQ while simultaneously acting as Vice President at the European Student Think Tank (EST), where she previously held the roles of Head of the Human Rights Working Group (WG) and Head of the Gender Equality WG. At Richemont, Tabea contributes to the human rights framework at group level and facilitates the integration of the United Nations’ Guiding Principles as well as national and international legislation on corporate due diligence.
In her professional life thus far, Tabea has gained experience in the legal and diplomatic fields in addition to the corporate world. Tabea is a graduate of the Dual Bachelor’s in Law and International Relations, which she completed in 2020. She is also the founder and former captain of the soccer team for female students in Segovia, known as the Women’s Football Team. Upon graduating from IE, Tabea immediately pursued an LL.M. in Globalisation and Law with a specialisation in Human Rights at the University of Maastricht.
"I am someone who is intrigued by their surroundings, always on the search for solutions to problems and answers to questions while remaining impartial in the conclusions I reach and the decisions I make"
Q&A WITH TABEA
What three words would you use to describe an IEU alumni.
Diversity, open-mindedness and uniqueness!
Tell us about your roles at Richemont and EST and how you got there. What was the application process like?
The application process for the EST was quite straightforward and generally involves two rounds. Each year the EST launches a general call for applications in August-September. The first part consists of writing a letter of motivation, submitting a CV, and sometimes even a writing sample. For the second part, an interview is conducted either by two EST board members or the head of the working group (WG).
In the past, I’ve held the positions of Head of the Gender Equality WG and Head of the Human Rights WG. These roles involved researching gender equality and human rights issues, raising awareness by publishing articles, creating infographics, organising events and even recording podcasts. The responsibilities specific to the head of a WG include guiding and leading the group by encouraging research, making suggestions and coordinating the year ahead.
In my role as a Human Rights Specialist, I advise on human rights due diligence (HRDD) legislations and frameworks, work on establishing a group human rights training and assist in the establishment of a group HRDD action plan (which also covers the creation of a group human rights policy, the review of the group Speak-Up Policy and modern slavery statements). The application process was similar to the one at the EST in that I submitted a cover letter and CV and was then invited for an interview.
How did your experience at IEU prepare you for your professional career? In what ways do you think the program has changed your life personally and professionally?
The most valuable experience that I gained from IEU for my professional career stems from the career services offered by the university. Over the course of my studies, the responsible department organised numerous workshops such as the Careers in International Relations workshop, which focused on internship and job-hunting strategies and how to ace the selection process of multilateral organisations. Additionally, participating in moot courts and competitions prepared me for my professional career by allowing me to further implement my knowledge and gain more confidence. Even upon graduation, considering the pandemic, IE stepped in and offered a Summer Booster Programme. The experience gained from this programme not only allowed me to deepen my knowledge but also allowed me to acquire knowledge on topics that were unrelated to my degree but essential for my professional career, such as topics relating to technological advancements.
What is the competitive advantage that studying at IEU provides or has provided you?
The main competitive advantage that studying at IEU provided me is the comparative law methodology, which has endowed me with the ability to comprehend the differences and similarities between common and civil law jurisdictions as well as among different countries, thus making it easier for me to adapt as necessary and comprehend legislations no matter the context. Moreover, the rigorous study plan of the dual degree prepared me in a manner that allows me to keep up with vast amounts of work without feeling overwhelmed.
Do you have any advice for IEU students and alumni who are looking to pursue a career in International Relations and Law?
For current IEU students, my advice is to make use of all the opportunities offered by IE, including workshops and career fairs. As someone who is currently in the process of pursuing a career in international relations and law, my advice to alumni is to properly research all the options you may have and are of interest to you. Keep track of these and thoroughly explore them by reading or engaging with people already working in this field. Many of my fellow alumni were unsure of which career they wanted to pursue prior to graduation or even a while after. This is absolutely fine too. Just make sure you have a path, don’t lose sight of it and don’t unnecessarily close any doors.
What skills do you consider are needed to succeed in your field?
Two key skills that I believe are key to succeeding in the field of law and international relations are perseverance and empathy. This field can be extremely competitive but also challenging due to constant political change and new legal developments. Empathy plays a major role in life but is certainly an essential attribute to have when it comes to carrying out our professions. When dealing with topics that concern not only us but society as a whole or various groups of people, we must remember to prioritise empathy throughout disagreements.
Tell us about the IEU alumni community and the impact they have had in your life and/or career.
The IEU community itself forms a unique network dispersed all over the world. It has impacted my life by making me even more aware of my surroundings and further encouraging me to listen to everyone’s story. This is the beauty that lies within each IEU alumni: their story.
Why do you think it’s important to engage with the IEU alumni community?
Having spent five years with the unique IE community has surely shaped who I am today. Engaging with one another is important because it creates a network of support and also provides us with a sense of belonging while staying connected to our past memories. By remaining in touch even after graduation, we continue to grow together, learn from one another and inspire each other.
What’s the best career advice you have ever been given?
The best advice I was given is “You’ll never know unless you try”. Often the fact that the market is so competitive or that we do not meet 100% of the job requirements already deters us from applying to jobs – especially women, who often miss opportunities because they believe that they lack the necessary qualification simply because they do not meet all of the job specifications. The truth, however, is that we have nothing to lose so why not apply?
If someone was considering going to IEU, what would you tell them?
Choosing to accept the offer to attend IEU was one of the best choices I made. If you are interested in two degrees, the dual degrees offered at IE allow you to pursue two degrees in only five years without having to compromise. Moreover, the comparative law approach introduces you to both the civil law and common law systems, making it easy to adapt later on if you are unsure of what you want to pursue in your career. All of this in combination with the unique international experience in Segovia, which was later enhanced through the experience of living in a metropolitan city like Madrid, truly created an extraordinary study experience. Make sure to immerse yourself in the full university experience and join clubs or even start a new club if it does not exist yet!
Why did you choose the BIR & LLB programs at IE University?
Initially I applied to only pursue a Bachelor of Laws at IEU. Later I heard about the dual LL.B.-B.I.R. programme and immediately requested to be transferred. My interests had always been a blend of human rights and humanitarian law, but also diplomacy and development. By applying to be a part of the first LL.B.-B.I.R. cohort in 2020, I was able to pursue two fields of interest without closing any doors by having to limit myself to one degree. Instead, my diversified studies broadened my horizon and ability to engage in a wider set of topics. Most importantly, an additional degree only made a one-year difference which further convinced me that this was the right choice for me.
What is one thing you wished you knew, when you were a student? What advice would you give to students who are about to begin the program?
There is a huge change when transitioning from high school to university. Consequentially, you may feel slightly overwhelmed in terms of needing assistance with housing-related issues and simultaneously adjusting to newly acquired responsibilities. As a new student, I wish that I would have known that I was not the only one facing these problems and where to find help. As a Class of 2020 graduate, I can confirm that attending university will form a major chapter of your life – you discover who you are and who you want to be, while meeting some of the most remarkable people and forming some of the most incredible friendships. Enjoy every moment – whether it is a late-night study session at the library or celebrating the end of finals!
What is your favorite memory from your time at IE?
There are definitely endless amounts of memories that were formed while studying at IE. This ranges from late night football trainings, attending IE Day, participating in moot courts or watching sunsets with a view from the alcázar or cathedral in Segovia. My most recent favourite memory involves everyone reuniting in the new IE Tower in Madrid to celebrate our Class of 2020 graduation, which not only allowed us to commend all of our hard efforts after COVID-19 had abruptly ended our final year at IE, but to also reunite with our IE community.
Please tell us about a career achievement that makes you proud.
I am extremely proud to have been a part of drafting and reviewing the first overarching Human Rights Policy for Richemont, the parent company of Cartier, Montblanc and IWC Schaffhausen among others. This policy lays the foundation of Richemont’s human rights ambitions in the luxury and jewellery industry, aiming to protect and promote human rights throughout the value chain.
Are there any daily habits that you attribute to your success that you’d like to share?
I would describe myself as someone who remains positive day in and day out. Even if situations do not pan out the way I initially wanted them to, I take this experience and extract any possible learnings. I also engage in situations that challenge me, help me grow and adapt and I think that this combination has resulted in my success. Moreover, I believe that daily meditation has led to an increased overall level of happiness and boosted my focus.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
During my studies, I gained a new nickname from my closest friends at IE, namely “MVP” (Most Valuable Player). I think it all started when we first met. I shared my readings with them or swiftly responded to something they needed help with. This nickname stuck. They still refer to me as the MVP today because they know they can count on me and vice versa.