Meilian from China
Senior Programme Officer and PR Team Leader, Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS), Seoul
Coming from a background in international journalism, Meilian joined the MAS to complement her professional experience with a deeper academic foundation in humanitarian action and global affairs.
The Master’s programme, renowned for its strong reputation and recognition by numerous organisations, made me more marketable and attractive to employers in humanitarian and international sectors.
Studying in Geneva proved transformative. Immersed in the city’s vibrant international community, she built a professional network with practitioners from UN agencies, NGOs, and academia — connections that later supported her transition from journalism to humanitarian public affairs.
The support and mentorship provided by the faculty and staff at the Centre were instrumental in guiding my career path.
Today, she credits the programme with developing key competencies in humanitarian policy, negotiation, and international communication that continue to underpin her work.
The Centre’s exclusive focus on humanitarian action, its location in Geneva, and its strong network of experts make it truly unique among academic institutions. Engaging with the stories and experiences of my classmates offered transformative experiences that shaped my path in profound ways.
Rafael from Brazil
Programme Officer, UNHCR Lebanon
Before enrolling in the MAS, Rafael was working with UNHCR in Brazil. The programme gave him the tools to transform his field experience into a more strategic, analytical approach to humanitarian response.
The Centre has been a major benchmark in my career development. It changed my life forever for the better.
After graduation, Rafael took on increasingly senior roles in Switzerland, Mexico, Angola, and now Lebanon, managing protection and programme activities across complex humanitarian contexts.
He highlights the hands-on approach of the MAS as particularly valuable:
The practical and applied studies, combined with exposure to an international environment, were transformative. The interaction between students, professors, and practitioners created a space where I learned to link operational realities with humanitarian policy frameworks.
The Centre’s strong emphasis on interaction — between professors, students, and guest speakers — made the learning experience dynamic and deeply enriching.
Constanza from Columbia
Programme Coordinator, MSC Foundation
With a background in development cooperation, Constanza sought to broaden her expertise to include humanitarian action. The MAS helped her pivot her career and strengthen her ability to design and manage initiatives in emergency contexts.
Being at the Centre opened my perspective to humanitarian aid. It complemented my background in development cooperation and gave me new insights and skills.
Since graduating, she has worked on migration and integration projects in Switzerland before joining the MSC Foundation, where she now coordinates humanitarian projects linking private-sector resources to vulnerable communities.
She emphasises the MAS’s focus on accountability and management skills:
The Centre’s emphasis on strong management skills and operational accountability continues to shape how I design and implement humanitarian programmes today.
Looking at the broader impact, she sees the Centre as a driving force for professionalisation:
The Centre plays a crucial role in the professionalisation of humanitarian work, ensuring that humanitarian operations are managed with greater efficiency, responsibility, and impact.
