Lübba graduated from the MA International Relations Program in December 2019. She is from Pailhès, France and completed her undergraduate studies in International and Global Studies from the University of Central Florida in 2017.
Where are you currently and what do you do there?
I am currently on vacation in France! I am returning to NYC in early January 2020 and starting a job at Oxford Economics in their Thought Leadership Team as a Business Development Executive (I know that is a lot to unpack, but super exciting!)
How did the IR Program prepare you for what you're doing now?
Honestly, the classes are small - so all the professors know you and it is hands-on! I also got a lot of great advice from the alumni, and plan on expanding and working with that network too. The IRPA (International Relations Political Association) was incredibly helpful when it came to professional and personal development. I always wanted to make a global positive impact, but I learned that the private sector is not the only way to go about that.
What advice do you have for current students who may be looking for a career in your field?
So, I chose the private sector to start with. I am going to be doing Thought Leadership work - more on that here (it sort of touches on consulting). The company I will be working for, Oxford Economics, is an econometric modeling and research company. Basically, I wanted to have an impact, but the direction was sort of unknown. All I know is that, at the end of the day, I want to work with refugee communities, specifically those who emerged due to the 2011-2012 Syrian conflict. What does that actually look like? Well, I don't exactly know. I didn't have an unpaid internship at the UN or at another nonprofit because of financial reasons. But, I had multiple mentor figures tell me that, although the private sector is profit-oriented, making an impact is still feasible and possible. I am choosing that way for now. My job will help me understand how the world functions at a monetary level. If that's something that interests you, then I would suggest doing the IPB concentration. Take classes relating to big economic trends and tech innovation - those will continue being big topics for the next few years. Read Business Insider, WSJ's Real Time Economics, and keep up with international relations news too. Having holistic knowledge is key.
Why did you choose the IR program at NYU?
I wanted to live in NYC, close to the profit and non-profit worlds. I never really wanted to work in government so D.C. was not an option. NYU IR had small classes, a "brand" name, and in-city opportunities Being an international student in this program was not always easy, but the program is working to fix that at the moment.
Which was the class you most enjoyed? And the one in which you learned the most?
And the one in which you learned the most? Still, forever and always, Daniel Benaim's America & the Arab Uprisings. The specificity of the topic, the guest speakers and Professor Benaim's thorough knowledge of the region made the class enjoyable, entertaining, and immersive. I would also highly recommend Professor Freilich's National Security in the Middle East class. An incredible professor with in-depth knowledge and who will make you work and think. (P.S. I'm a Middle Eastern politics junkie - I have my passions too).
What advice would you give to future students of the program?
Get connected early! Use IRPA, use professors' contacts, go to the IR events page and attend to meet lots and lots of people. Make a LinkedIn and be active on it - make lots of connections. Get an internship! Lots of internships (I wouldn't go for the unpaid ones, but that's just my opinion). Just put in the work and use the available resources. Most of all - do not be scared of people. I know it's tough to be outgoing and build those connections. Not everyone is willing or able to help you with your studies/work search, but you will find some gems, and it is so worth it! Also, feel free to email me if you want to!
What was your favorite place on campus? What did you like best about student life at NYU?
Definitely Bobst - just kidding! Probably Washington Square Park. I would always go there in between classes to breathe and relax. I always went to the Jewish Center (Bronfman Center) to partake in the Jewish community there.
What was the best thing about living in NYC?
The subway system! (Again, kidding). I think most of all it's being able to see your friends and go get food in a flash. Life moves quickly in NYC, but friends, moral support (and food) are always necessary and readily available. Being Jewish, I also had access to a wide community here, and always felt at home.
Last updated: January 6th, 2020