'I want to at least contribute toward equality'
Valerie Babkina is determined to stop gendering in mass communications, particularly in her native Russia. That vision of sustainability has guided her in earning three successive scholarships, beginning with her bachelor studies in St. Petersburg, a semester at University of Mississippi in the U.S., and recently leading to the media management master’s programme at KTH under the Swedish Institute Scholarship.
Valerie Babkina was initially turned down for the SI Scholarship, but she earned it on her second try. Hers is a study in perseverance, and in formulating a path that’s true to your personal values.
What was your approach toward applications?
“A lot of people think that scholarships are rewards that are given to good girls or boys. Like, you have a lot of achievements in your life, so here’s your scholarship. But this is the thing—there has to be a match between the scholarship and the person who gets it. They have to have the same values, the same ideals, and the same goals. That was exactly the case for me and the SI Scholarship.”
What is the goal for you?
“I am very much concerned with gender equality. And for me, I see ways that I can contribute through working in communications—in Russia and globally. I like observing the market, the global market and the local markets. I can see those trends on gender equality that start with the most sustainable countries, such as Sweden, and they’re not popular or maybe even nonexistent in other countries. One of the things I want to achieve in my life is to least contribute to toward equality.”
What other advice do you have for students seeking scholarships?
“Many people I’ve talked to believe that it’s all about your motivation letter. But actually it is really important that you put equal effort into each of application document and make sure that all of your documents tell the same story, but from different angles. Without repeating yourself, the documents should ultimately work toward the same purpose. This is like your personal brand.
“And really read through all of the materials—what are they looking for? You have to show them that everything you did leading up to this point was logical, step after step. And that the programme you’re applying to is your next logical step toward this great big idea of your life—of your career.”
David Callahan