How COVID-19 Impacted my Health and Foreign Policy Career

Author: Saarah Ahmed

Saarah is a second year undergrad studying history at Queen Mary University of London. She has a passion for foreign policy, in particular the complex history and politics of the Middle East. When she isn’t spending time studying, fundraising, learning or raising contemporary issues within the world, you can find her spending time with family and friends!

Last March, I was a first-year history student at Queen Mary's University of London. I was excited to start making the most of my university years, gain experience, figure out who I was, and learn more about my chosen career path - foreign policy! Then, national fears on the coronavirus began to develop. I was terrified at hearing this, not only because of the severity of the virus but also because I have acute asthma. My asthma has always been bad but, thanks to my recent treatment plan, I could start broadening my horizons, especially career-wise. When the UK's Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced that we would go into a national lockdown, I felt much safer and later, I looked to start improving my physical well-being.

I thought that being in the comfort of my own home and surrounded by my family, my asthma would stay controlled but I didn't realise the implications on my mental and physical health. Initially, I resorted to an unhealthy diet consisting of a lot of sugary foods, as a short-term comfort. When I realised that I could use this time to improve my health, I began to invest in a healthier diet and doing activities that would help my asthma, like Pilates or long walks. I thought if I monitored my asthma I would see what triggered my asthmatic symptoms. It took a long time for me to realise how much my mental health impacted it.

Whilst I sought to improve my health, I also wanted to expand my intellectual knowledge. After my first year of university came to an end in April, I read some great books on history and politics and took online courses in refugees, global diplomacy and human rights. I read these books and took these courses so I could be ready for a career in foreign policy. But underneath the excitement and readiness to dive into foreign-policy, I was petrified and subconsciously straining my anxiety. I wasn't sure if I was ready or had enough knowledge on foreign policy or that with my health I'd even be capable of and landing a role there. 

Alongside the reading and courses, I participated in workshops that would help me navigate and make the most of these times and structurally plan my next move. I tried to reach out and network with people, whilst it was successful with some people, it wasn't with others. For instance, I found it hard to talk to Civil Servants because a lot of government workers are incredibly busy and there is a lot of pressure on them. So, looking for experience or even to network was extremely difficult. All this put pressure on me which impacted my asthma a lot. I began to rely even more on my treatment and medication and the safety lockdown had given me.

Once restrictions in London initially began to ease in June/July, it took even more of a toll on my health. I stressed about how my life would change and how to physically navigate the ‘new’ world. I worried I'd be thrust back into the working dynamic of London without any forms of protection that would truly reassure me. I also assumed people would continue from where they left off, I thought I'd miss out on opportunities because I can't attend in-person events. All of these ideas ran through my mind which impacted my asthma and I began to notice my symptoms worsening. Since then, I've taken a step back to re-navigate my choices for my career, putting my health in the centre. This has really made sure that the choices I make are suitable for my physical needs. With that, I've discovered some positives to this whole situation.

Organisations adapting to the COVID-19 world:

A lot of foreign-policy organisations are becoming more flexible in how they deliver events. They have adapted to running events virtually which has been incredibly useful for me. However, you can't participate in all these events from your bed! Maintaining a professional manner will help you feel mentally engaged and confident in your work and participation. I've learnt to be careful about the opportunities I take and where to find them. LinkedIn is amazing for finding great events as well as opening your eyes to what else is available and how you can explore the vast roles within foreign policy. This is especially useful if, like me, you can't risk taking public transport to these events.

Taking advantage of what can be done remotely:

Universities, like foreign-policy organisations, are having to teach from home. For me, this has made it easier to structure and plan my time well so I can dedicate and manage my work more efficiently. This has helped me feel less stressed and as a result more in control of my asthma. I don't have to worry about running to my lectures or seminars on time! A lot of societies and fantastic opportunities from universities are also taking place online - another way to build on your professional skills from home. This lets you socialise and develop your skills in your own space, ensuring you are keeping safe and meeting distancing standards. 

Building on your career in foreign policy through networking:

People are getting used to the ‘new’ normal and are adapting their work lives around this. I've still been networking strategically, that is communicating with people in the fields I’m interested in whilst keeping in mind that there will be a prolonged delay - and that's okay. This lets you explore your future options and recognise your limits with how you and others can accommodate your needs, whilst ensuring that you ARE in control of what you want to do. Don’t be afraid to approach people through networks like LinkedIn - what’s the worse that can happen? You can learn something from every approach you make whether it's patience, specific career advice or even learning to pick yourself back up, there is a positive in every action you take!

Looking after your health:

I've been avidly listening to the Women in Foreign Policy podcast and I've also learnt how important it is to be flexible. To be flexible in where you want to go, to ‘pivot’ around roles within or even outside of foreign policy. To be flexible in your workload, structuring your time whilst acknowledging that not every day will be the same, has helped my health. Swapping social media for books and great online courses has worked wonders for me. The anxiety I felt initially is slowly disappearing and that excitement I felt back in March for all these great upcoming moments are coming back. My asthma finally feels under control. There are certainly external factors that impact my asthma, like the upcoming winter months but knowing I can control other factors like stress reassure me.

Overall, there is a silver lining in every cloud - even if that cloud is COVID-19! Prioritising your health is key and knowing that you can pursue your goals should be forefront in your mind. It's only been in recent months that I've learnt a lot about myself and my health but; this experience has helped me better my well-being and encouraged me to keep striving for personal success.

Edited by Ashvini Rae

Published 27th October 2020