Aylin Lusi
Prior to my postgraduate degree I was quite conscious of the employment market and wanted to study something I loved, but also make sure that my master’s would help me find my path in the professional world. ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳’s European Institute ticked both boxes for me. I spent a year studying the global financial and European sovereign debt crises as they unfolded in real-time and making the most of as many of ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳’s extracurricular opportunities as I could.
During the first few weeks on campus, I signed up for the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ Parliamentary Internship Program, and interned in the constituency and Westminster offices of a Member of Parliament in the run-up to and during the 2010 general election. Splitting my time between academic studies, the parliamentary internship and additional part-time employment was demanding, but in hindsight was one of the most valuable development opportunities ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ provided and continues to serve me in my career today.
After graduating I moved to Brussels for a traineeship at the European Commission and started my first job as a Policy Officer at the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU) straight afterwards. A few years later I had the opportunity to join UPS Europe’s Public Affairs team and began an incredibly rewarding career journey in government and corporate affairs which has taken me from Brussels to Toronto so far.
In my current role, I lead all government relations activity in Canada and coordinate our Canadian Corporate Affairs team. My days are rarely the same, and include engaging with government officials on supply chains, transportation, sustainability, trade and labour policies, representing UPS Canada externally through public speaking, and contributing my knowledge of public policy to internal business decision-making processes. I have even had a few opportunities to put my laptop aside and gain hands-on experience in package sortation and delivery! I’m grateful that my job enables me to remain connected to the practical impacts of public policy by mixing desk work with field work, as I did during my time at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳. One of the most rewarding moments of my career to date was working with government officials and UPS operations as we flew Canada’s very first COVID-19 vaccine supply into the country and getting to watch from the airport apron as the delivery landed.
Studying at the European Institute really was a privilege – from the quality of teaching to the personal and professional connections, work experience opportunities, incredible program of public lectures, and campus in the heart of London. I have kept in touch through volunteering for the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ Students’ Union BME Mentoring Scheme and see that the current students are just as motivated and inspired by their experience as I was. For those of you with the opportunity to apply or accept an offer, I would wholeheartedly encourage it.