Katia Marcussen

Current Employer/Organisation Name

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Since leaving Exeter, I completed a master’s degree in Human Rights at University College London. Following this, I completed an internship at an NGO called Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights, where I helped with research and communications on civilian protection under international humanitarian law. I also worked as a Researcher in Global Development for a communications agency focusing on NGO and think tank clients. After being lucky enough to land an internship with UNHCR, I was offered a full-time consultancy position in their Division of External Relations, working on external campaigns, political advocacy, and public engagement.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I was never entirely sure what I wanted to as my career, only that I wanted to help people somehow. I realised that in an increasingly polarised world, working to raise awareness and influence opinion around humanitarian issues was really valuable. I love a lot of things about my work, but the most rewarding is, of course, the rare occasions that we get to witness our direct impact first hand. I’m also really grateful to be working within such an international organisation with colleagues from all around the world and opportunities to travel.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was a member of Amnesty International Society.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I loved the choice the programme gave us to study the modules we were most interested in. There was a really wide breadth of options available to us. The teaching was also of the highest standard and I remember our seminars being incredibly tailored and engaging.

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

Five years after leaving, I would have to say my fondest memories are of the people I met and the friends I still have today. Studying at Exeter really felt like being part of a community – you could barely walk 5 minutes without seeing someone you knew!

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I chose to study at Exeter because I loved the campus and location (being so close to the beach)! But mostly I chose it for its English programme, which was both highly ranked but also really matched my own interests.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

My degree has undoubtedly served me well in my current role, primarily through my communications skills. A lot of what I do involves writing in a range of formats – creative, academic, and diplomatic – a skill I definitely honed doing English.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Internships! There’s no need to go straight in for the big names like the UN, Amnesty International, Red Cross etc. I did three internships with smaller NGOs after graduating my master’s and I learned such a huge amount there as smaller organisations = bigger responsibility which prepared me very well for the role I’m in now.