The focus of the Political Science Department at CEU on critical thinking, writing, and methodological excellence has helped me a lot in my career.
Why did you decide to study political science at CEU?
There were a number of factors at play: CEU offers one of the top MA programs in Political Science, accredited in both the US and the EU. The department boasts prominent professors and instructors, fosters an international environment, and places a strong emphasis on research methodology. Additionally, CEU has a robust alumni community in Georgia, and knowing several CEU graduates made it easier for me to prepare for the application process.
How was your MA program experience? What were its most difficult and exciting aspects?
The program was intense but immensely rewarding. The first term was probably the most challenging—navigating a new environment, adjusting socially, while the program itself felt particularly intense in the beginning. However, the department made every effort to ease the process for new students.
As for the exciting aspects, there are two that stand out: first, personally meeting and hearing from prominent scholars whose work I had previously read and admired; and second, the constant sense of professional growth that permeated my time at CEU.
What was the topic of your thesis, and how did you come up with it?
I wrote my thesis on the party systems of post-Soviet democracies and semi-democracies. More specifically, I tried to address the question: Which factors influence the party system development of post-Soviet democracies and semi-democracies?
What are you currently doing? How did your studies at CEU help you advance in your career?
I am currently a researcher at the Caucasus Research Resource Center (CRRC-Georgia), where I am involved in several research projects focused on pressing socio-political issues in Georgia. Additionally, I serve as an invited lecturer at two Georgian universities, teaching research methods to BA and MA students.
The emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and methodological excellence in the Political Science Department at CEU has been invaluable to my career development.
What advice do you have for current and prospective MA students?
There are so many opportunities at CEU. However, speaking from my experience, sometimes it might seem that you are exhausted and cannot bear any additional responsibilities. When time goes by, you regret some of the missed opportunities. My advice would be to try to take as many opportunities as possible but not take them too seriously; failing in some of those things do not and cannot change who you are.
Credits: Lia Chkhetiani