Paulina Lainez Miccolo
I’m originally from San Salvador, the capital city of the Republic of El Salvador, and I would describe myself as a relentless go-getter. I am driven by my passions, which include traveling, reading and teaching English. My goal for the future is to merge my background in communications with my current education in international relations in order to make a positive difference in the world.
“Engaging with teachers and guest speakers and attending various events has not only piqued my curiosity but also served as a constant motivation to continue pursuing my dreams.”
In pursuit of public service and social impact
Paulina Lainez Miccolo already has a diverse and interesting professional background. Spanning various industries from government affairs and multilaterals to non-profits, PR agencies and software companies, her career has allowed her to build a holistic global perspective. Before joining IE University, Paulina's academic journey included studies in journalism, communications and political strategy.
Demonstrating a deep commitment to social impact, one of her standout achievements so far was starting an English academy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The academy, called Reinforce, was founded on the principle that education should be accessible to all, and it aimed to provide quality education to at-risk youth in Latin America. To this end, it adopted a unique model: for every four hours of classes purchased by paying students, an hour is donated to teaching in underdeveloped communities.
When asked about her decision to pursue the Master in International Relations at IE University, Paulina cites the institution's excellent reputation as a major factor in her choice. She also comments that the curriculum “provides the perfect balance of academic understanding and real-world application, setting me up for success in achieving my goals.”
However, the main factor that drew Paulina to pursue this degree was her desire to deepen her understanding of political communications. She cites the importance of understanding state interactions and cultural nuances as essential skills in crafting successful global strategic communications campaigns. Having already developed a strong background in communications, building her expertise in international relations was a strategic next step for her career.
“My experiences at IE University have further broadened my horizons, exposing me to diverse cultures and a multitude of perspectives.”
The Master in International Relations is designed in collaboration with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), offering first-hand experience and insights into the sector. Students can tailor their learning to their career aspirations by specializing in one of three key areas—making it a great choice for a go-getter like Paulina, who already has another master’s degree under her belt.
Commenting on her academic experience at IE University so far, Paulina describes an enriching journey. “Engaging with teachers and guest speakers and attending various events has not only piqued my curiosity but also served as a constant motivation to continue pursuing my dreams,” she says. These experiences have broadened her horizons by exposing her to diverse cultures and perspectives.
For those considering the Master in International Relations, Paulina offers this advice: “Wherever life may take you, having a background in international relations will help you understand the intricacies of societies and behaviors.” She says that international relations is a fundamental component of numerous career paths. As such, understanding the intricacies of societies and behaviors is invaluable, and an education in this field can provide critical insights no matter where your career aspirations lie.
Paulina’s story reflects a journey driven by a commitment to learning and making a difference. Her time at IE University is shaping her into a knowledgeable and globally aware individual, ready to tackle the challenges of an interconnected world. We can’t wait to see the impact that she makes!
