School of Social and Political Science

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Why did you choose to study your programme? Why the University at Edinburgh?

Tackling the climate emergency requires cooperation among states, the private sector, civil society organisations, and others. This inevitable reality made me choose to study MSc International Relations (IR) at the University of Edinburgh since the University was among the few universities worldwide offering an IR programme with climate emergency as one of its focuses. Usually, IR programmes worldwide only focus on traditional issues, such as war, like those offered by all the universities in my country, Indonesia. That was why I needed to travel more than 10.000 km from my hometown, Aceh province, to Scotland to undertake the degree.

How did you get to where you are?

I am currently working at the Dutch Embassy in Indonesia as the Economic Affairs Officer. My main responsibility is assisting the Netherlands (government, companies, and knowledge institutes) in doing economic activity in Indonesia, especially in the sectors of sustainable agriculture, blue economy, and green economy. As you can see here, my portfolios match with my previous focus of study in climate emergency at the University of Edinburgh. Having said that, my time at the University of Edinburgh truly prepared me for the job.

How have you used the knowledge and skills gained from your time at Edinburgh in your career journey? What did you gain from your time at the University?

Analytical and critical thinking skills are two essential things that I gained from my time at the University of Edinburgh. More importantly, as my favourite lecturer, Dr. Isabelle Darmon, rightfully said, “Know your stance”. Studying at the University of Edinburgh has taught me to define, argue, and evaluate my stance, especially on environment and society relations. As an Economic Affairs Officer at the Dutch Embassy in Indonesia, this knowledge and these skills are very much applicable, especially in assisting Dutch companies to avoid and address social and environmental challenges in their supply chains in Indonesia.

What 3 words describe your time studying at the School of Social and Political Science?

Extraordinary, challenging, rewarding.

What is your favourite memory from your time studying at the University of Edinburgh (or SPS)?

First, preparing 2 group presentations from 2 different courses. Usually, I was not a big fan of group projects, but at the time, my colleagues were very supportive. Through these two group presentations, I got a chance to work for weeks with classmates from different countries (Canada, China, Ireland, and the U.K.). It was very intriguing to know their points of view on the assigned topics.

Secondly, in spite of their busy schedules, the lecturers were very approachable. Whenever I encountered any challenge in writing up my essays, I could just send an email to the lecturer and the lecturer would reply within several hours or I could also book a time slot to have in-person guidance and feedback.

Last but not least, studying at the University of Edinburgh was already my study abroad experience. But in semester 2, I applied for the “Go Abroad Fund” and was given a chance to study the “Energy Policy, Politics, and Society” course at Radboud University in the Netherlands with the fund. 

What advice would you give yourself if you were just starting your academic journey?

It is okay to be nervous. Keep being open to any opportunity, experience or challenge to grow, no matter how small or big it is. Most importantly, enjoy the ride!

Written 2025