Originally from Sofia, Bulgaria, alumna Ekaterina Soubeva (Class of 2016) majored in International Affairs with a minor in Economics. During her time at John Cabot University she co-founded and was president of the International Relations Society.
What made you decide to study at JCU?
I met Arianna from the admissions office in Sofia and from everything she told me about JCU and its incredible environment I decided to enroll there. I had the opportunity to get an American education in one of my favorite countries, Italy, so it was the perfect combination. Plus the international environment at JCU is incredible. I would also like to thank Arianna who later hired me as a student assistant in the admissions office and taught me a lot about work ethic. She has become a life long friend who I keep in touch with.
Why did you decide to major in International Affairs?
I was actually a transfer student from the London School of Economics, where I was studying Political Science. At JCU I switched to International Affairs as I wanted a more practical education since Political Science is a bit more theoretical and focused.
Which classes/professors had the most impact on you?
I have to say I never thought that I would meet such incredible and inspiring professors at JCU. Professor Driessen and Professor Harris are the two professors that had the biggest impact on my life. They are both very inspiring, always trying to get the best out of you and pushing you to learn more. They are not just giving you lectures but always presenting the material in a way that spurs your interest and encourages you to learn more and more, to be curious. Professor Driessen was also my academic advisor and definitely helped me a lot in figuring out what I wanted to do in the future. I will always be grateful for the advice and encouragement that I received from both of them.
You were President and co-founder of the International Relations Society at JCU. Can you tell us more about why you set up the society? What would you say was your biggest success within the society?
During my studies at JCU, I attended a couple of international conferences for International Affairs students, where many of them were actually part of such clubs in their home universities. Once I got back to JCU I contacted Anna and Stanislav, the other co-founders of the Society, and they loved the idea. Professor Driessen, who became the advisor of the club, also helped a lot in clarifying the idea and later on let us incorporate his ongoing Pizza and Politics series as part of our events. The idea was for students to have a platform to interact and exchange ideas about current issues not only with each other but also with professionals working in the field, which is why we started organizing events with ambassadors, political attaches, professors and other working professionals. This gave JCU students a chance not only to discuss current issues but also to get a glimpse into possible career options.
What is your current job? What motivated you to pursue this career?
I am currently International Project Manager at International Investments Ltd, which is a consultancy firm based in Bulgaria. We work with international companies that want to invest in Bulgaria and also with Bulgarian companies that want to invest abroad. I also represent an Austrian company, which specializes in the production of railway machines, in Bulgaria; I am in charge of all sales this company makes in Bulgaria. My work gives me the chance to travel often, which is a big plus for me. When I was first applying for a job I started to look into governmental jobs and NGOs but then I received some advice that changed my perspective and got me to where I am now. The advice was: for your first job do not choose the best job but the best boss - someone who is willing to invest in you and mentor you so that you can grow professionally. During my interview for my current role there was a "click" if I can call it that and I knew this would be a boss who would take the time to invest in me and mentor me. While I was studying at JCU, I never thought that I would be working in this field but now I could not be happier.
How did John Cabot University prepare you for your career?
JCU gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams, even if they have changed since I was at university. JCU gives you the necessary academic knowledge but also life skills to pursue anything you want.
What has been the proudest moment of your career?
I am proud to say that for the past 2 years since I have managed to grow from an assistant to International Project Manager. I am proud that the effort I put into my work is seen and recognized and this has helped me to grow and develop into a young professional.
What advice would you give to students considering studying International Affairs at JCU?
My advice for students considering studying International Affairs at JCU is to just go for it. JCU is an incredible place that will change your life. The program is incredible and gives you the necessary academic knowledge for your future career. But I would also advise any student to remember to participate actively in student life, not just academics. Clubs, outside interests, sports and volunteering is also a big part of student life, a part that actually gives you the so-called life skills that employers are looking for. Students need to be well-rounded individuals and JCU provides the perfect environment for this.
Ekaterina Soubeva
International Affairs Major, Economics Minor
Class of 2016
Hometown: Sofia, Bulgaria
