Guillaume Soto-Mayor

Student spotlight details

Guillaume made friends for life during his time studying on the Diplomatic Studies Programme and the experience developed his diplomatic, writing and negotiation skills. As part of the DSP 50th anniversary, we asked Guillaume to reflect back on his time here at Oxford (2016-17).

'I was working within the Research and Awareness Section of the West and Central Africa Office of UNODC before joining the programme. I applied as I wanted to enrich my academic and intellectual background as well as reflect on my "practitioner" views of the world with a wonderful variety of diplomatic practices, philosophies and cultures.

'I particularly enjoyed the Diplomatic Practice and International Politics courses, I loved the intellectual debates and great discussions we had with various guests. The small size of classes and the opportunity to discuss directly with brilliant lecturers allowed us to have truly insightful and thorough conversations on various topics.

'As well as gaining friends for life, the programme gave me more humility and professional discipline. I have so many favourite memories from my time on the programme: study trips, formal dinners, balls, my boxing team at OUABC, Sunday markets, concerts in the Sheldonian...

'I currently work as Head of Operations for the security-defence research team of the CNAM (Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers) in Paris, as a lecturer in various Master's degrees (Sciences Po Paris, Sciences Po Strasbourg, Saint Andrews, CNAM) and as an independent consultant (UN, EU, IUCN etc.).

'FSP had a major impact on my career as it has enhanced my critical perspective on my own work as well as on my environment. It has considerably developed my interpersonal/diplomatic/writing and negotiation skills and obtaining the diploma allowed me to apply for and access the various jobs I currently have.

'To anyone considering applying - don't hesitate a minute more.'

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