Student of the Graduate Programme 'Comparative Politics of Eurasia' Shares Experience of Freelancing and Hands-on Learning at HSE
Many students at Higher School of Economics keep their personal blogs or publish them in different news outlets. Aruuke Uran Kyzy, a second-year student in the graduate Programme ‘Comparative Politics of Eurasia’ at HSE University — St. Petersburg, a journalist and a contributing analyst in the field of Politics of Eurasia, talks us through her experience. She has prominent publications for news outlets such as TRT World, The Diplomat, and she also writes for her personal blog.
Aruuke Uran Kyzy, a graduate student of Saint-Petersburg School of Social Sciences and Area Studies, has recently published a piece for The Diplomat in regards to the latest political shift in Kyrgyzstan. Covering the presidential elections, she travelled to Kyrgyzstan and observed the political scenery from the field. She met with several candidates and local people from different regions to understand the country's political spectrum better.
‘Comparative Politics of Eurasia’
‘My interest in the field of Central Asian politics was nurtured by the courses I used to take in the ‘Comparative Politics of Eurasia’ programme. By attending the modules ‘Politics and Society in Central Asia’ and ‘Central Asian Countries in Regional and International Organizations’, I had an excellent opportunity to discuss relevant research themes on contemporary politics of Central Asia. After long discussions with my classmates and professors, I would come back home, delve deeper into the covered topics and pitch an idea to different outlets. If my pitch was accepted, I would work on the piece straight away. If not, I would write and publish for my blog. Qualities such as ‘energy, enthusiasm, imagination, curiosity, and "bravery to write" are crucial’.
There are always opportunities and keen eyes and ears to hear your opinion or story. Students should not be afraid or discouraged of at least trying to get their writing published. That is why students are always encouraged to pitch different ideas or create their own platforms.
Take this with a pinch of salt. Write more, make mistakes, and learn from them because writing is a constant journey that never ends.
Text by Aruuke Uran Kyzy