Interviews
Name: Jennifer Cassidy
Degree: BA (2010) History and Political Science
What are you doing with yourself these days?
I am currently working for the European External Action Service, where I am based in Phnom Penh, as part of the EU Delegation to the Kingdom of Cambodia. Since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009, the EU has been given the tools to play a more enhanced role on the global diplomatic stage - particularly in the realm of external relations - and with that, the Delegation in Phnom Penh is emerging as a key player within the growing framework of EU-ASEAN Diplomacy. Within this framework, my role is set in the Human Rights and Governance team, which seeks to engage in the monitoring of all Human Rights issues in Cambodia, in particular the ongoing Khmer Rouge Tribunals and the implementation of all development actions supported by the EU in the country. Cambodia currently holds the ASEAN presidency, which makes it a time for extremely 'high politics' in the region.
Before taking on this role, I was based in New York, where I was working for the Irish Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Here my work was ever changing and varied, ranging from negotiating on upcoming resolutions, to engaging with multilateral policy construction, to simply witnessing world events unravel before me. My time spent at the Mission was a truly formative experience, allowing me use practically, the knowledge gained during my studies, whilst also challenging the countless views I held regarding the diplomatic and multilateral realm.
Why did you choose your current career?
If I had to condense my answer into a clichéd nutshell, I would say it boils down to two clear points: inspiring mentors and a passion for my field. Although to put it mildly, I was not the most straight laced of students, throughout school and university, I possessed a passion for learning, an appetite for a challenge and held what some may deem, an almost unhealthy obsession for global affairs. However, were it not for a select number of truly life changing teachers and professors, I believe these traits would have quickly vanished, or at the very least remained unused. Instead, these mentors, helped me direct and hone my traits, leading me first to Trinity, to study History and Political Science and then to Oxford, where I read for a Masters in Global Governance and Diplomacy. Thus now backed with a remarkable and extremely fortunate education, these very traits and mentors are still continuing to guide and sculpt me, as I embark on the beginnings of my career.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Since leaving Trinity, it seems that every few months I am taking up residence not only in a new city, but a new continent. So when I am not working, I like nothing more than to explore 'my' new city, head out for the universal obligatory after work drink with friends or at the moment, simply reside by the pool, to escape the city's ever enduring heat . Coupled with this, in the last year a new obsession of mine has been borne, coming in the form of TED talks. TED is a non profit company, which seeks to bring together the leading thinkers of our time, getting them to talk and engage with the public on an idea which they believe is truly worth spreading. It is a new and innovative movement, which combines education, online activism, civic participation and revolutionary ideas. Although this is a global phenomena, I have been fortunate enough to work on two TED conferences in New York and I am currently in the process of directing the TED conference in Phnom Penh.
What are your strongest memories of Trinity?
Having just left in 2010, most of my college memories are still very fresh, which one can only take as a good sign. However, in no order of preference, my strongest memories go as such: my very first fresher's fair, my first public fall on the cobbles, a life changing political science course, countless orchestra trips, unforgettable Singer concerts, my first Trinity Ball, my last Trinity Ball, never ending conversations on the couches of the Arts Block, unwavering friendships, a lecturer who changed my life, library seat wars, the cricket pitches in early summer, the comradery of exam period, and the very last 'pens down' of my final exam.
Are you still in touch with other alumni?
Yes. However with that said it is difficult. Although as noted, I only left in 2010, a large proportion of my Trinity Network now reside overseas - be it working, studying, or simply hankering after a fresh way of life. This inevitably makes it more difficult to stay in touch, yet as clichéd as it seems, we have all agreed that the bond we created in Trinity is too well formed to be broken, by the simple intrusion of a few nation state borders. Also coupled with the fact that social networking is now so pervasive and tangled in most of our lives, the ability to remain in contact, is made that much easier, giving us next to no excuse to remain in touch. During my time in NY, I also attended a number of Trinity alumni events, which I extremely enjoyed and found it a great way not only to stay connected with other alumni, but also to get to know a new network who were working in the same region.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Ah the ever occurring, ever elusive question! Well, whether consciously or not, I most likely pose this question to myself every day, with each time generating a new response in return. Thus, to stop this cyclical question game, I try once in a while to view my life in hindsight. Therefore had someone asked me this question, even 3 years ago , I could have not forecasted that in this time, I would have completed my degree in Trinity, gained a Masters from Oxford, worked for the United Nations and to be now in Phnom Penh working for the EU Diplomatic Service. So, if these series of events have happened in matter of 3 years, I can only say I am truly excited about what the next epoch is to bring.
Have you any advice for students or fellow alumni?
One of the best pieces of advice I have been given, was last year on my 24th Birthday. Here, I was fortunate enough to share dinner with Benjamin B. Ferencz who was an investigator of Nazi war crimes after World War II and one the US Chief Prosecutors at the Nuremberg Trials. We began talking and when asked what I was going to do after I left the walls of Oxford, I told him 'I wasn't quite sure'. I lamented about the state of the global economy and openly criticised the competitive nature of my chosen field. He turned, stared blankly and said: 'Listen. If you take one thing from me, let it be this. If they don't let you in the front door go around the back. If they don't let you in the back door, go around the side. If you they don't let you around the side, go on the roof and well… if they don't let you in the roof, just go right ahead and break the door down'.