An EMJ transition to become a communications associate at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Brazil
For the first EMJ Alumni Spotlight blog, we bring you the inspiring story of Isabela Martel, a 2020 graduate of our Erasmus Mundus Journalism programme, who has specialised in Journalism Across Cultures at the University of Hamburg. Isabela’s journey from Brazil to Europe and back has been nothing short of transformative. I am Pari Abbasli, a recently graduated EMJ student from Charles University in Prague, hosting you in the new blog series.
Pari: Could you briefly introduce yourself?
Isabela: My name is Isabela Martel, and I’m from Brazil. I graduated from EMJ in 2020, specializing in Journalism Across Cultures in Hamburg. I’m currently based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Pari: How did your time in the EMJ programme shape your professional journey?
Isabela:The EMJ programme completely changed my career path. It helped me expand my skills and knowledge, and I started seeing the benefits even before I graduated. During the break between the first and second year of the programme, I got an internship at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and before finishing, I secured a spot in the Deutsche Welle Traineeship Programme. For both opportunities, it was clear to me that being an EMJ Master's student played a key role.
Pari: How did you transition from the EMJ programme to your current role in the job market?
Isabela: As I mentioned earlier, my transition into the job market started while I was still a student in the EMJ Programme. From there, one opportunity led to another, and now I work as a Communications Associate at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Brazil. I can clearly trace my path to this role back to applying for internships from my dorm in Aarhus.
Pari: How has your EMJ experience contributed to your work, both in terms of technical skills and soft skills
Isabela: First of all, being exposed to such a diverse range of people and cultures definitely helped me feel more confident navigating international work environments and in recognizing what I could contribute to these spaces. In terms of skills, I felt much more equipped to engage with a wide variety of topics after two years of consistent journalism and media studies.
I’ve moved to several different places in the past few years, so in that sense, the Programme prepared me well too (lol).
Pari: What advice would you give to students who are about to graduate and enter the job market?
Isabela: Be patient. Transitioning can be tough, and it may take some time to happen. That’s completely normal, and we’ve all been there, but things do work out. I think it’s important to be strategic during the transition and to have the patience to start your professional life again from the bottom, if necessary. But at the same time, don’t be afraid to apply to the companies and organizations you dream of working for. Your Master’s degree truly qualifies you, so go for it!