When most people think of a Master’s in Human Rights, they envision careers in international NGOs, humanitarian aid organizations, or perhaps advocacy law. While these are vital and impactful paths, Ananya Joshi’s journey demonstrates the expansive and increasingly unconventional applications of such a degree, particularly from a globally-minded institution like Sciences Po Paris. From advocating for displaced populations to shaping ethical AI frameworks at a cutting-edge tech startup, Ananya’s story redefines what it means to build a career with a human rights foundation.
A Calling for Justice, A European Lens
Ananya, a political science graduate from Mumbai with a deep-seated passion for social justice, was initially drawn to the traditional routes of human rights work. “I interned with grassroots organizations in India, focusing on issues of displacement and minority rights,” she recounts. “The work was incredibly grounding, but I also felt a need for a broader, more systemic understanding of how human rights are framed, protected, and violated on a global scale.”
This desire led her to Sciences Po Paris, renowned for its international outlook, its strong emphasis on policy-oriented social sciences, and its unique position at the heart of European and global governance debates. The Master in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action seemed like a perfect fit.
“Choosing Sciences Po wasn’t just about its academic prestige,” Ananya explains. “It was about immersing myself in a truly international environment, learning about human rights from diverse legal and cultural perspectives, and being in a city that is a hub for many international organizations. The program’s blend of theory, practical case studies, and engagement with active practitioners was a huge draw.”
Sciences Po: Cultivating Versatility and Critical Thinking
The experience at Sciences Po was transformative, pushing Ananya beyond her initial conceptions of a human rights career.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: “The program wasn’t siloed. We explored the intersections of human rights with international law, political economy, security studies, and even technology. This interdisciplinary focus was crucial in developing a holistic understanding of complex global challenges.”
- Policy in Practice: Sciences Po emphasizes practical application. Ananya participated in policy clinics, working with real-world organizations on pressing human rights issues. “We weren’t just writing academic papers; we were drafting policy briefs, conducting stakeholder analyses, and learning how to translate human rights principles into actionable strategies.”
- The Paris Ecosystem: “Being in Paris meant access to conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities with UN agencies, international NGOs, and think tanks. It also exposed me to the burgeoning European discourse on digital rights and technology ethics, which was becoming increasingly prominent.”
- Challenging Conventional Wisdom: “The faculty encouraged us to critically examine existing human rights frameworks and to think creatively about new challenges and solutions. This was particularly relevant as the impact of technology on human rights started to become a major global conversation.”
The Pivot: From Humanitarian Aid to Tech Ethics
After graduating, Ananya initially worked with an international humanitarian organization, focusing on refugee rights in conflict zones. While fulfilling, she found herself increasingly drawn to the emerging ethical dilemmas posed by rapid technological advancements – AI bias, data privacy, surveillance, and the spread of misinformation.
“I saw a gap,” Ananya says. “Many tech companies were developing powerful tools without a deep understanding of their potential human rights implications. Conversely, many in the human rights field were not yet fully equipped to engage with the technical complexities of AI and big data.”
It was a bold move. Leveraging the analytical skills, policy expertise, and international perspective gained at Sciences Po, Ananya began to position herself at this nascent intersection. She took online courses in AI ethics, attended tech conferences, and started writing articles on the human rights dimensions of new technologies.
Her unique profile – a deep understanding of human rights principles combined with a growing fluency in tech ethics – caught the attention of a fast-growing European AI startup. They were looking for someone to build their Responsible AI framework from the ground up.
“It was an unconventional leap,” Ananya admits. “My Sciences Po background was key. I could speak the language of international human rights standards and translate them into practical guidelines for engineers and product managers. My training in policy analysis helped me design governance structures and impact assessments for our AI systems.”
Today, as Head of Responsible AI & Human Rights, Ananya leads a team dedicated to ensuring the company’s technologies are developed and deployed in a way that respects human dignity, promotes fairness, and mitigates harm. She works closely with product teams, legal counsel, and external stakeholders.
Ananya’s Insights for Forging Your Own Path:
- Embrace Interdisciplinarity: Top programs like those at Sciences Po encourage you to connect seemingly disparate fields. This is where innovation happens.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot: Your first job doesn’t define your entire career. The skills gained from a rigorous Master’s are highly transferable.
- Identify Emerging Niches: The world is constantly changing. Look for areas where your unique skills and passions can address new challenges.
- Translate Your Skills: Learn to articulate how your academic training (e.g., in policy analysis, critical thinking, international law) is relevant to diverse industries.
- Continuous Learning is Key: Supplement your formal education with ongoing learning in areas that interest you, especially in fast-evolving fields like tech.
Ananya Joshi’s career trajectory vividly illustrates that a humanities or social science degree from an elite global institution can be a launchpad for incredibly diverse and cutting-edge careers. It’s about harnessing the intellectual rigor, the global perspective, and the critical thinking skills to forge a path that is both impactful and uniquely your own.
Thinking about a Master’s at Sciences Po or another top European university? WePegasus helps you identify programs that match your unique strengths and aspirations, crafting applications that highlight your potential for unconventional impact. Let’s explore your unique path.
