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Growth is Outside your Comfort Area

United Nations University assists in solving issues on a global scale through research and education. Sabine Becker-Thierry, while living in Japan, is employed at the University as the Executive Officer. “In facing the various problems of humanity, connecting research institutions and colleges and sharing knowledge is indispensable. To support the Rector, the chief executive, my role is to assist him in leading and managing 13 research institutions worldwide.”

Dr. Becker-Thierry is from Germany. She became interested in international affairs during her teenage years. After graduating from high school, she went to West Africa and participated in work camps, which inspired her to engage in development studies and global diplomacy. At university, she studied political science, journalism, and law. After her bachelor’s degree in Germany, she obtained her master’s degree through doing research at France’s Sciences Po and the Sorbonne.

“After graduating, I became employed as a project manager at a consulting firm in France working on EU projects in the Balkans and in the Middle East. After that, I had the opportunity to join the United Nations Secretariat in New York as a Junior Professional Officer; and after several years in New York, with a baby and a new job opportunity for my husband, we decided to leave  for Tokyo.” Arriving in Japan, Dr. Becker-Thierry worked as a freelance consultant and studied at Waseda University’s Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies for her doctoral degree. Under the direction of Professor Yasushi Katsuma, she deepened her research on the evaluation of development projects.

“The theme of my research was how to measure human rights improvements in a development context . In developing countries, people’s rights are not always protected. Many activities are funded by global players, who are less aware of the complex local context. In these situations, it is essential to involve those who benefit from development interventions in shaping the intervention to have a lasting impact and support the local community. Often, development interventions bypass people who are meant to benefit. Consequently, people’s lives, people’s position, and their ability to be aware of and claim their own rights are affected, positively or negatively. How should we evaluate the effects of development and human rights on people in such situations? The fieldwork, that I had the opportunity to observe over some years, took place in Myanmar and focused on anti-trafficking projects. The time spent with these people in Myanmar left a deep impression on me and certainly broadened my perspective.”

In what way did this experience allow Dr. Becker-Thierry, a person with such a global career, to grow?

“Working in an environment where the language, the culture, and the traditions are completely different from your own is certainly not always easy. I remember situations when my understanding of a situation was far off. Being able to work in a team with people from various cultures and backgrounds is another learning experience: you get exposed to many different perspectives, and you need to find a way to trust even if you may not always understand others. Being exposed to the values and behaviors of diverse people and cultures is also essential for tackling international issues.”

Dr. Becker-Thierry told us that she encourages young students to get an overseas experience.

“Throw yourself outside of your comfort zone. You will never regret it. As a student, enjoy the opportunities that come to you, enjoy that great period in life and your freedom, and you will broaden your horizons. Your experience abroad may at times push you to your limits, but it will also help you grow! Waseda University, where multicultural interactions are real, offers a wonderful environment to start such a journey. Be brave and embrace the challenge!”

Profile:

Born in Germany. Executive Officer of United Nations University (UNU) and secretary of the UNU Council. Worked as a development consultant for the United Nations, NGOs, and government organizations, as the Chief of Staff at UNU before arriving at her current employment. Received her master’s degree from Sciences Po and the Sorbonne. Received her doctoral degree from Waseda University’s Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies.