Millie Vellender Testimonial - Postgraduate Profiles
Millie Vellender

Meet Millie, an MA Diplomacy and Foreign Policy student working towards a career in international diplomacy. In this interview, she reflects on settling into a new university for postgraduate study, building connections through networking events, and balancing academic life with staying active and social in London.

Learning and Career Goals

Why did you choose City St George’s and your specific programme for postgraduate study?

For me, studying at City St George’s was a no-brainer, it allows me to live in London, attend a well-recognised university, study a course not offered at many universities and network with other individuals with similar goals. ​

What are your current plans or hopes for your career?

​​I hope to go into employment, working with intentional​ organisations, living in London or elsewhere. I hope that my career allows me to travel and meet new people. I also might potentially embark on a PhD.

What professional opportunities have been most valuable to you so far?

​​Networking events and conferences have been quite valuable. ​I have been able to speak to many people with different career paths and listen to how they achieved their career goals. Projects have allowed me to work with peers and get to know them more whilst interacting with my lectures.

How would you describe the teaching or learning style within your course and School?

For my course, we have just under two-hour lessons, with a split of a lecture and a seminar. I think each lecture style of teaching is quite different. I have some classes where there tends to be more interaction with activities, but I also have classes where the readings are discussed and analysed. ​

Campus, Community, and the City

What societies or student organisations do you enjoy at City St George’s?

I'm involved with the ​​Postgraduate Society; I've attended many of their events and have appreciated being able to meet other postgraduate students. I also attended the ​SPGA Christmas Event this past year – it was lovely to connect with other lecturers and PhD students. ​

What do you like to do for fun outside of your studies?

​​I love to split my time up, including take part in tennis and going to the gym to stay active, reading, watching movies and documentaries, and doing activities such as exploring new areas of London, shopping and going to new restaurants to stay social. ​

How has living in London shaped your experience as a postgraduate student?

Living in London ​has been amazing. I have lived here for the past three years, but it has been very different this year as a postgraduate student. I now live closer to central London, which allows my friends and I to explore new areas. Living in central London has also given me more networking events to attend and opportunities to connect with individuals in the careers I am considering​.

Tips for New Postgraduates

How do you balance studies with your personal life, and what helps you maintain that balance?

Definitely investing in a good diary. To organise my time to focus on my studies, but also to find pockets of time to give myself the ability to go to social events. ​

What challenges did you face early on in your postgraduate journey, and how did you overcome them?

​​Starting at a new university for postgraduate study meant not knowing anyone initially. During the first couple of days of first term, I was alone. To overcome being isolated, I attended social events, spoke to people first and made plans to get to know people. This helped massively, and I have so many amazing friends now​!

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