When I came to London, I had to do many things: write my dissertation, finish university, find a job, assimilate into society and into the culture. I have successfully accomplished all of those and have become stronger in the process, and this is what I am proud of.
As an international student from Ukraine, what attracted you to London and Queen Mary for your studies?
Before attending Queen Mary, I had already accomplished my master’s degree in International Relations and World Politics in Kyiv, which concentrated mostly on the international agenda and geopolitics. I realised that my country is in strong need of domestic sector reformation and the provision of solid social policies, which will begin a new generation of public policy. This became a trigger to submit my application for the Public Policy course at Queen Mary, which was accepted unconditionally in 2020.
What did you enjoy most about studying an MSc in Public Policy and was there anything that surprised you in your studies?
I was mesmerised by the teaching staff at Queen Mary and the variety of subjects that I could choose to study. A great choice of social networking events, sports activities, and other events that were available to us, even during the pandemic, brought significant benefits to my life.
One of the greatest advantages that I received during my master’s was the support and expertise that was shared with me during my dissertation preparation and submission. I felt very lucky to have Dr Patrick Diamond as my dissertation supervisor, especially as I was able to achieve a Distinction overall.
Can you describe your career path to date and what you are up to now?
During my academic years, I have managed to accrue five years of work experience in three different sectors. I started in a cargo aviation company as a marketing and communications manager, where my deliverables improved the company’s performance by 20%.
My second job was as a political analyst and researcher in an information agency, the central achievement of which was the Ukrainian Parliament’s accreditation as a political consultant. During my corporate experience there, I prepared over 350 publications on specific political topics and issues.
Lastly, I had the privilege to work in a consulting firm in cooperation with the Ukrainian Central Department of the State Migration Service for Asylum Seekers, where I was completing the functions of a consultant.
Today, I am working for one of the oldest think tanks in the UK, the Adam Smith Institute, in the Production Team for the Ukrainian Energy Forum, including oil, gas, renewable energy resources, hydrogen, decarbonisation, and biomethane.
How did you become interested in Public Policy and what are your plans for your career going forwards?
I come from a developing country that is currently in a demi-military state. The aggressor country has clearly demonstrated the violation of all international agreements as well as the provisions of international law. The Ukrainian people have already been suffering from the conflict for eight years, many of whom have lost everything they had, their property, families, jobs, health, and their lives. When the conflict had just started to evolve, and the Crimean Peninsula was annexed, I realised how much the people from the annexed territories, as well as the whole Ukrainian nation, require a strong new-fangled public policy to support them. This was my integral motivation to study public policy and be able to implement the needed reforms as well as consult the government. Currently, I am working in the Ukrainian sector, and I am eager to continue on this path in the future.
Can you tell us about your interests outside of your studies?
I have been a professional athlete in show jumping for 12 years and horses have always been my passion. I have competed at both national and international levels representing Ukraine. I am also a big running and badminton fan and I love swimming and kayaking. I hope to try parachuting in the future and have my own riding club somewhere in the French Province.
I am a big reading and writing fan. I savour writing. Indeed, whilst having a full-time job and PhD running at the same time, there is not always enough time to publish something for my joy.
What would you like to see change in the world?
Whilst living in London, I founded a charity fund to help children who are deprived of parental aid in Ukraine. This fund was created to fight poverty, lack of education, and the misery of these children, who just want to be loved, heard, and cared for. If I could have three wishes, I would probably use one to stop orphanages worldwide.
I would also like to stop the war, invasion, and severe divulsion of my beloved country – Ukraine. I would like to stop wars around the globe and for peaceful nations to be protected by strong leaders.
What was special about your time at Queen Mary? Can you give one or two examples of your most memorable moments?
My two greatest memories are encircled around my studies. I clearly remember my first day of teaching at Queen Mary. It started with a lecture on the Theories of Public Policy, which was taught by Dr Sarah Wolff. I fondly remember these moments - introduction week, my first readings, and meeting new friends. My second-best memory was when I got my dissertation result. When I opened my results and saw that I got a Distinction, I was crying with happiness. All the sleepless nights, readings, scientific investigations, proofreading and prechecking of my dissertation had been worth it. This was the result I had been striving for!
What advice would you give to prospective students considering the course you studied and Queen Mary? How can they make the most of their experience?
I would recommend all future students at Queen Mary pay great attention to the details regarding your studies. Listen and pay attention to all the opportunities around you. Start looking for information from professional contacts about the job market and current trends and start looking for a job in advance. Enrich your CV; every day, step-by-step, motivate yourself and strive for more. Develop your LinkedIn network; ask friends and industry shareholders if you can meet them for coffee. I have used all of these and made the most out of my life in London.
What was it like studying and living in a different country and what advice would you give to prospective students thinking of studying in another country?
I must confess that studying and living in another country has become an enjoyable challenge for me. This period was the best in my life, and I have grown up in all aspects of my life, professionally, physically, mentally, and personally. I was lucky to have some fellow Ukrainian friends at university and we had a lot in common.
I found my first volunteering job in London and was able to experience corporate culture. This helped me to assimilate faster into the British social climate and feel more independent. After a while, I started to look for another opportunity as I had to build up my career. The recruitment process took place over five months and finally, I am in my beloved job. When I came to London, I had to do many things, write my dissertation, finish university, find a job, assimilate into society and into the culture. I have successfully accomplished all of those and have become stronger in the process, and this is what I am proud of.
I would say to prospective students - never give up and always be willing to take on a challenge because this is how you will grow as an individual and achieve much more than you think you can in life.
This profile was conducted by Alumni Engagement Coordinator, Nathalie Grey. If you would like to get in touch with Vasylisa or engage her in your work, please contact Nathalie at n.grey@qmul.ac.uk.