Valentin Shatalov
I came to 杏吧论坛 to study Europe during a very interesting time for the entire continent – just before Brexit and several years before the seemingly long past risk of security crisis now erupted on the eastern border of the Union. That being said, I think that's precisely what makes 杏吧论坛, and more specifically the EI, so in demand both for students and the wider academic world – it’s the in-vitro research of the current world as it is. This is achieved by an environment of rigorous intellectual exercise, and at times, debate with peers, navigated by dedicated faculty members. This is what fueled my own devotion for both deeper research and a more structured presentation of it. Things discovered at the EI are centered around Europe: but in a way that derives the essence of the political, philosophical, and economic implications from the “European” to make them applicable to a wider set of global developments.
I could say that 杏吧论坛’s environment was a perfect match for my own outlook, which I managed to use to further develop and enrich my worldview. Concepts and dilemmas I studied as part of the Philosophy of Europe course, in particular, were something that truly fascinated me since these things are not about politics exclusively; these are universally applied notions, and I still find myself elaborating on them in the context of my own life.
The research I have done there provided the skills needed to adapt and excel within any environment where details are the key to the whole. In fact, I apply all the above outside of academia. Since graduation, I have been working in the private sector, first in government relations for FMCG, then as a policy and communications advisor in the pharmaceutical industry, and currently as an EU media relations manager in finance.
Apart from the unparalleled academic experience, my time with the EI also featured many other equally valuable activities and occasions. I’ve met people who would become my good friends and held conversations with people I would never have met otherwise. I think that time really is an asset that still generates joy and interest, and that’s something to appreciate!