London Met graduate Amelie Gericke now works for the Cabinet Office in UK Government.
Date: 27 November 2017
Amelie Gericke, a Diplomacy and International Relations BA graduate, has gone on to achieve impressive things since graduating from London Metropolitan University in 2015.
Amelie now works for the UK Government, as a Private Secretary to the Executive Director of Government Communication in the Prime Minister's Office and Cabinet Office.
It’s testament to the quality teaching on the course, which has 100% graduate employment according to the latest government figures – one of more than 270 London Met courses to do so.
“My time at London Met was exciting,” says Amelie. “I am very grateful to have learned so much about different cultures and backgrounds due to the students coming from all over the world - essential for working in International Relations.
“I really appreciated that my lecturers were so dedicated and accessible.”
During her time at London Met, Amelie participated in an exchange year at San Francisco State University, where she studied International Relations and Affairs.
So, what advice would Amelie give to students looking to get into a career in diplomacy?
“Ask questions. I asked a lot of questions at London Met and the lecturers were always keen to help me. You could ask as long as you read the material - which is a fair call I think. I feel that if you put a lot of effort into your studies, you got out a lot out.
“You can get anywhere if you are really keen. I didn't even know the Government Communications Service existed or was part of the Cabinet Office when I applied, but I basically I tried my luck everywhere that sounded interesting.”
After working as an Executive Assistant in the Cabinet Office for nine months, Amelie was elevated to her current role in Whitehall.
“I only got promoted recently so I am still learning a lot,” she says. “But I really enjoy that every day is different and my problem solving and communication skills are being tested all the time.”
London Met’s BA in Diplomacy and International Relations provides students with an excellent grounding in the development and dilemmas of diplomacy and international affairs in today’s fast paced world. There is also an opportunity to specialise in a specific region, such as the Middle East or Africa, or to learn a language.
The British Academy has, today, published a report pinpointing the value that an Arts, Humanity or Social Sciences (AHSS) degree can offer you. Using a wide range of examples of graduates from around the globe, the report sets out the value that an AHSS degree can bring you.
The full report can be read on the British Academy website. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #celebrateskills.
