From Campus Engagement to Diplomatic Aspirations: Viennese Student's Motivated Path

By Amanda Cooke

International Relations student Caroline Mauritz made a splash during her first year at Webster Vienna Private University (WVPU), diving deep into campus activities and clubs.

Webster Vienna caught up with her to see how she is spending her summer before returning to campus in September.

WVPU: Tell us about yourself.

CM: I am French-Austrian, and attended an international French school in Vienna. After graduating, I wanted to stay in an international environment, and chose Webster to study International Relations.

WVPU: What are you doing this summer, and what are your career aspirations?

CM: I love to work around Europe and try new things, which is why I worked for the Formula 1 racing team, Alpine, during the Monaco Grand Prix and at the Bregenzer Festspiele, an annual performing arts festival. I also worked for the delegation of the European Commisson in Vienna for six months on the press team.

After graduating, I would love to continue to work in an international environment, maybe as a diplomat, with the United Nations or even the European Commission.

WVPU: What makes the International Relations (IR) department stand out?

CM: What I love about the IR department is the openness of professors, students and the themes we discuss in classes. This lets me see the world from another point of view and with a more critical opinion. I also love history, learning about cultures and how different nations interact with each other from these factors and to see how these factors impact the world.

WVPU: Can you tell us more about how you got involved in the Webster Vienna community outside of the classroom?

CM: This past semester I had a Webster Vienna Training Scholarship, which allowed me to serve as the events assistant for the Student Resource Center (SRC). I help coordinate and promote SRC events and outings.

I am part of the Student Government Association (SGA) where I serve as the Integration Officer. My job is to create a friendly environment in amongst all SGA members by creating events such as the team-building trip I organized to the Turracher Höhe last spring.

I also participate in the WebsterLEADS leadership program, which is very fun and helps me learn many new things about myself and my work ethic and how to become a leader.

WVPU: You won an award at the end of the academic year for your campus involvement.

CM: Yes! I am president of Webster Vienna’s first LGBTQ+ Club, and last semester I received the Campus Voice Student Life Award as a result of my engagement in university life with the club.

WVPU: What was a memorable activity from your first year on campus?

CM: A fun memory from last academic year was Webster’s Got Talent. I really enjoyed helping the SRC organize it and seeing students and staff perform live on stage! It was an amazing evening.