Giulia Borello

MA in Applied Cultural Analysis
University of Copenhagen
BA (International - Anthropology Single Honours)
2016

The best experience I had in Maynooth was definitely linked to the writing of my BA thesis "Entering another House of Difference: Transfeminist Ac/rtivism in Granada", awarded as one of the Best theses of Maynooth's Anthropology Department. Thanks to the possibility of spending a year abroad, I conducted fiedwork in Granada, while being in contact with my supervisor, Thomas Strong. While writing my thesis not only did I have his thorough support, I also had support from Steve Coleman and Mark Maguire, who provided me with valuable insights and relevant readings. Their expertise and their kind availability were a great source of motivation, for both the BA project and the development of my academic career.

Thanks to the quality of my lectures, I found myself pleasantly engaged with my study material. In 2013, I was awarded first place in first year Philosophy Examinations. In 2016, along with other two fellow students, I was awarded the Best Thesis of Maynooth's Anthropology Department and I graduated with first-class honours. Since my first year in Maynooth University, I actively took part in the activities organised by Maynooth's Anthropology Society. Sharing the passion for my studies with fellow students was a great experience, that proved to be both interesting and fun.

Born and raised in Northern Italy, I decided to go to Maynooth University as it was the only Irish institution providing a full BA Single Honours Degree in Anthropology. Both my professors and the administrative staff were extremely helpful and supportive during and after the completion of my degree. Given the size of the University, I felt that the services provided were tailored for me as an individual, with my respective interests and concerns.

Studying Anthropology in Maynooth University has widened my horizons, in every possible sense. I acquired tools to understand people in their own terms, while approaching different cultures across the world. I could also appreciate the value of qualitative research, which is what I am focusing on at the moment, while studying at the University of Copenhagen.

My advice is taking advantage of the multiple possibilities offered by the institution. I would suggest engaging with fellow students through on campus societies. Also, I would advise you overcome shyness and meet with the faculty's professors, who seemed to me to be eager to share their passion for academic work with their students.

Once I completed my studies in Maynooth, I decided to take a gap year and travel within Latin America. During this time, I volunteered in "La Universidad Catolica de Atalaya", in Perù, where I provided study and psychological support to students belonging to fourteen Amazonic indigenous communities. I then went back to Italy, where I worked for a year as a HR Account Manager, recruiting, administering personnel, and conducting commercial activities. Interested in deepening my knowledge on cross-cultural encounters, I then worked as a teacher of Italian in asylum seekers' centres, engaging with students from West African States and Pakistan. At the moment, I am following a Master's Degree in Applied Cultural Analysis, at the University of Copenhagen, in order to better my skills as a qualitative researcher.

In the University of Copenhagen, I am learning how to implement both products and services through cultural analysis. Collaborating with clients, we are taught how to pursue a human-centred approach, whose value can be appreciated in the market and in society.

Working as an applied qualitative researcher can be extremely rewarding, given its solution-oriented nature. I am willing to continue to do it in Copenhagen although my new challenge is learning Danish.

During my experience in Maynooth University, I had the chance to meet with Erasmus students coming from different parts of the world. A fellow anthropologist from Mallorca, who is now one of my best friends, went to work to Copenhagen, as an applied qualitative researcher. He suggested to me to enquire about the academic possibilities offered by Denmark - I am extremely happy that I followed his advice.

I would suggest to explore possibilities, and while doing it, to try to find what makes you passionate. I found anthropology to be well received as a degree in the job market, given the skills it provides in dealing with people. I have been using LinkedIn to connect to people whose career paths are a source of inspiration. While following their trajectories, I connected to companies whose organisational cultures are in line with what I want to be doing.