Alumna Update: Dineke Vrolijk on starting a diplomatic career
Are you interested in a career in International diplomacy? Get your notebook out and get down to details. Dineke assured a place in “Het Klasje”: the highly selective 4-year training programme for diplomats of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. How did she do it? We are very glad we asked! Read this rich and insightful account of her journey: the experiences shaping her career path, the nitty gritty on the selection procedure of “Het Klasje” and her personal advice for current students of International Studies.
Dineke: What did you want to be at the beginning of International Studies?
When I started International Studies, I had no clue yet what I wanted to do professionally. I could not picture myself narrowing down to one specific subject. I wanted to learn how the world works; why there is such an unequal distribution of wealth and power, and why conflicts and wars happen like they do. International studies brought all these subjects together for me.
Which life and or study experiences helped you form your career path?
When I chose the area specialisation of Sub-Sahara Africa, I developed a passion for this region, especially for its diversity and rich cultural heritage. Also, the challenges faced by this region regarding peace and security, poverty and climate change fascinated me, which made me think that I wanted to work in this region specifically.
Through internships with Africa Legal Aid (an NGO focused on justice and human rights in Africa), the Victims and Witnesses Section of the International Criminal Court, and the Human Rights Division of the Dutch Permanent Representation of the Netherlands in Geneva, I also developed a specific interest in international law, human rights and justice, which motivated me to follow extracurricular courses in International Humanitarian Law, and International Criminal Justice. However, I still liked the interdisciplinary approach that International Studies teaches, and I found that it is extremely important to understand themes like ‘justice’, and ‘human rights’ taking into account the historical and cultural dimensions of the region/country to truly understand them. My experience in Geneva reaffirmed for me that all these aspects come together in International Diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation.
You have been accepted to "Het Klasje", can you describe what this entails?
“Het Klasje”, is an informal name for the diplomatic training programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (officially called: International Policy Officer/Internationaal beleidsmedewerker/IBBZ). This is a four year-long programme consisting of a short course on International Relations at the Clingendael Institute, followed by a two year-long position at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague, and a final two years where you will be deployed to an embassy or permanent representation abroad. After this, you are officially a diplomat and you continue your career by being posted in different countries, working on different topics every three to four years.
Can you briefly describe the selection process for “Het Klasje”, how can you prepare? Were there surprising elements in the procedure?
The selection process for this programme is lengthy and quite intense. It consists of four stages, that include a portfolio, language tests, psychological assessments, role play and interviews with panels from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The competition is extremely high, and the people that apply for the IBBZ programme come from all different kinds of study/professional backgrounds.
Last year there were roughly 900 applications, for only 30 to 40 positions. When you reach the final stage, you will need to pitch yourself to a committee of high-level staff members of the Ministry, casually referred to as the ‘Blood Council’. Do not let this intimidate you though! In my experience this was absolutely the most pleasant interview of the selection process. In order to prepare for this selection procedure, make sure to really ask yourself why you are interested in diplomacy and working for the government, and what your strengths and points of improvements are. Your motivation and self-reflection are the red thread throughout the selection process. This also makes participation very useful and valuable, because it is guaranteed that you will learn new things about yourself.
What are your expectations of “Het Klasje” what are you looking forward to?
This week (12 April 2021) I started with my course at Clingendael Institute, and so far, it has been incredibly fun! The diversity of backgrounds in the group reminds me a little of the International Studies environment, which adds a lot of value to the discussions. I expect that in the next couple of weeks I will expand my knowledge on subjects that I am not very familiar with yet. This will also further develop my ability to quickly process and analyse new information. I am especially looking forward to follow the trainings in negotiation, and of course to go abroad for my first posting in two years!
A career in International Diplomacy is a life-goal for many students choosing International Studies, do you have advice for these students?
One advice that I would give, that was also given to me when applying for “Het Klasje”, was to stay true to who you are at all times. Do not focus too much on the expectations you think you need to meet. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is looking for authenticity, rather than certain experience or knowledge. Also, diversity of thought is very much stimulated by the Ministry, so don’t be afraid to be inquiring and critical. This was something I was personally afraid of - that it would be expected of candidates to copy-paste the Dutch interests without room for reflection and input. An aspect that should be considered beforehand by anyone thinking of this career path is that besides being dynamic and exciting, a career in International Diplomacy is also accompanied by some difficult personal choices regarding housing and family. This lifestyle brings its own challenges.
Another advice I can give you, is to talk with people in the field to form a personal image of what a career like this entails during your studies. Look out for specialised events by the University Career Services or the BASIS Career Committee. Approach people in and outside of your network. You can also reach out to me through LinkedIn if you have specific questions.
What do need to do/have in order to succeed in starting a career in International Diplomacy?
Experiences abroad, whether it is studying, travelling or doing an internship, are going to help you personally to figure out if you want to work abroad in the future. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is interested in these experiences, because submerging yourself in a different culture and context helps you develop important skills needed for a career in international diplomacy (i.e., intercultural communication, independence, networking). Working on your foreign language skills is also recommended, because of the high language requirements.
Personally, my experience as a volunteer for the Dutch Refugee Council was also very valuable for developing the needed social skills, and it reinforced my motivation to pursue a career in international diplomacy. Do not be scared to think out of the box, any experience (even if it is not necessarily linked to international relations/dynamics) can be relevant. A career in international diplomacy requires a broad interest and a good skillset, rather than expertise on all subjects you could be working on.
Have you set career goals/ambitions?
Because of my area specialisation in Sub-Sahara Africa, I would love to work on Embassies across Africa. However, I also believe that working in different regions is valuable for your personal development and versatility, so I hope to get the chance to work in other regions as well. One of my career ambitions is to develop more ‘on the ground’ experience in (post) conflict areas, so I hope I get the chance to do that in my career.
Final question: What advice do you have for current International Studies students/ What do you wish you would have known before starting International Studies?
It sounds so simple, but be yourself and embrace it! Do not compare yourself too much to others, but be proud to follow your own destiny. I remember being quite intimidated by the backgrounds of others when I started International Studies, since compared to some I did not see much of the world yet. This made me insecure, which looking back, was very unnecessary. Do what you love, and do not be too hard on yourself. If you do the things you are passionate about, you will do great in your own way!