MAIN graduates: Chiara Rinaldi returns to share insights on EU decision-making
Prospective students often wonder what their path might look like after graduation – where their studies could take them, and how classroom discussions translate into real-world impact. A recent guest lecture at the faculty offered a compelling answer.
Chiara Rinaldi, a graduate of the International Relations (MAIN) study program and now an Intelligence Analyst at Politico, returned to Prague to deliver a lecture titled “Decision-making in the EU: Preferences and Norms.” Her visit was not just an academic exercise, but a reflection of a broader tradition: alumni staying connected and actively contributing to the learning of current students.
Inside EU Decision-Making
Drawing from her professional experience in Brussels, Rinaldi guided students through the intricacies of the European legislative process. She unpacked the relationships between key institutions, offering a clear and structured look at how decisions are negotiated, shaped, and ultimately adopted at the EU level.
Particular attention was given to recent institutional developments. Among them, Rinaldi highlighted the strengthening of the leading role of the President of the European Commission within the College of Commissioners. She also explored the question of transparency in EU decision-making. Students were introduced to a range of official databases and media outlets that provide data and analysis of the legislative process.
From Student Life to a Brussels Career
Beyond institutional analysis, the most resonant part of the lecture came when Rinaldi spoke about her own journey. Reflecting on her time in Prague, she emphasized that academic study was only one piece of the experience.
“The most important thing was making use of all the opportunities around me,” she noted. Participating in debates, attending conferences, and engaging with the broader academic community played a crucial role in shaping her career path. An internship she pursued during her studies proved particularly decisive, helping her build a professional network that ultimately led to her position at Politico shortly after graduation.
Her message to current and prospective students was clear: the environment offers far more than coursework alone – it is what students choose to do with it that makes the difference.
A Community That Stays Connected
Rinaldi’s return to the faculty is a good example of how our graduates stay in touch and come back to share their experience with current students. These visits give students a more direct sense of where their studies can lead, while also reminding them of the continuity and strength of the academic community.
What stands out is the willingness of our alumni to give something back – to return to the environment where they themselves developed and to support those who are now at the beginning of a similar path. For prospective applicants, this is worth noting: studying here does not simply end with graduation, but often develops into a longer-term connection to a network of peers and professionals who remain engaged well beyond their time in Prague.
Watch the video with Chiara:
