Beatriz Carboni
Country: Brazil
Subject of study: MA International Relations and Management
Year of graduation: 2015
Type/Level of study: Undergraduate
Choosing St Andrews was an obvious decision for me. Its top-tier International Relations programme offers a unique focus on terrorism studies, which I found deeply fascinating. I was also drawn to the flexibility to combine International Relations with Management and Italian. This interdisciplinary approach, coupled with its phenomenal European rankings and standing as the third oldest English-speaking university, promised an unparalleled academic journey.
What did you most enjoy about your degree programme?My degree programme's vibrant academic life was exhilarating, but what I cherished most was the diverse, international community it fostered. Building deep, lasting friendships with people from every corner of the world – many of whom I still call friends 10 years later – was an invaluable part of my journey.
What have you been doing since graduating from St Andrews, and what are you doing now?Since graduating from St Andrews, my journey has been diverse. I earned a Conflict Prevention Certification from IPSI/Johns Hopkins, then an MSc in Security Studies from UCL. My career has included years spent in Washington, D.C. working at the intersection of gender, security, and Latin America, followed by a stint in petrochemicals in Germany. For the past three years, I've come full circle. I now work at Ducatus, a Scottish executive search firm, where I helped to establish and run their research operations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Why did you choose this career? What do you enjoy most about your work?My career choice stems from a deep curiosity and love for research, especially in the energy sector, where I leverage my academic and language skills to understand people. I most enjoy the continuous discovery that each project offers, synthesising complex information to connect talent with opportunities.
What advice would you give to current and future students?My best advice is to fully immerse yourself in the St Andrews experience. Beyond the world-class academics, make the most of every opportunity to forge deep connections with peers and faculty. These relationships, along with embracing the unique traditions and vibrant social life, will not only enrich your time here but also provide a lasting network long after graduation.
