Amina Čeliković

Master’s in Conflict and Democracy Studies, graduated in 2023

Coming from Bosnia and Herzegovina, currently working for an international company

interviewed by Michaela Nespěchalová, February 2025

1. How has your Master‘s of Social Studies degree helped shape your career path?

I am yet to use my Master’s degree in my career path, so unfortunately I am not able to answer this
question.

2. How was your experience at Masaryk university?

I really enjoyed my time at Masaryk University. The entire staff from the Faculty were extremely
welcoming - from the admission procedure, to the classes. What I valued the most was the fact that
the professors let us disagree with them, and have our own visions of the world. Not only that, but
Muni gave us a community to be a part of, such as watching the hockey games.

3. Can you share some examples of the specific skills and knowledge you gained during your
program that has been valuable in your professional life?

My thesis writing process was the most valuable knowledge I gained. It’s not about the thesis, but the process. This degree is very research-oriented, there is always something to look for and discuss, and I found that extremely valuable. It all ties in together, the small projects I did for classes ended up being important for my own independent work in the end.

4. What did you learn during your studies that attracted you the most?

That we cannot talk about solving world issues without talking to the oppressed first.

5. What were some of the most memorable courses or experiences during your Master's
program?

From the theoretical subjects, I really enjoyed Conflict Analysis, but from the methodological classes,
Conflict Management was probably the one where I had the most fun. It gave us the chance to use
the theory, but it also showed that in the real world decision making is harder than it seems to those
not in the position of power.

6. What initially attracted you to the field of social studies, and has that motivation evolved over time?

While I was in high school, I was involved in many civic associations which worked closely on
bettering the lives of students who lived in ethnically divided communities. This sparked my interest
in conflicts and how they affect the lives of normal people in the most basic ways - from shelter to
food supplies, schooling systems or waste management. My motivation only got bigger over time, as
we are currently witnessing a change in the international system which will determine the future of
us all.

7. How did your program prepare you for working in a diverse and multicultural society?

This specific program is great when it comes to coming out of your bubble. Unfortunately, this line of
work is very much Western-centric and that perspective is dominant through academia. Having
colleagues from different parts of the world really helped me think about those to whom the theory
doesn’t always apply and I am grateful for it.

8. Do you have any advice for the incoming students that you would like to share?

Take courses that interest you, but keep an open mind to courses which initially may not go in line
with your beliefs. Learning a little bit of Czech goes a long way, and if you’re coming from a warmer
climate - a warm jacket is a must. Don’t let the sun in the winter fool you, it is indeed freezing
outside.

9. What is your professional career and where are you currently living?

Currently, I live and work in Brno, unfortunately not in the branch I am passionate about and studied
for, but hopefully soon I will have a more fulfilling answer to this question.