Whenever I tell people I’ve studied Peace and Conflict Studies, their first reaction is usually “I’m sorry, what?” After I’ve repeated myself, the most common response I get is how much the world needs this - especially right now. They seem to assume I want to work for the United Nations and go on ‘peace missions,’ or mediate between warring parties for an NGO. 

Instead, I work at the University of Groningen as a study advisor at the Faculty of Law. My mother-in-law asked me if I wouldn’t rather do something related to my educational background. I’d like to argue that my studies are highly relevant for my job. 

Conflict & peace at work

A student who struggles with feelings of exhaustion and burnout. Students confronted with freeriding during a group project. Suspicion of discrimination by a teacher in the way students are treated. These situations, all of which I’ve encountered in my work, can be seen as examples of conflicts at an intra-personal, interpersonal and systemic level. Accompanying students in trying to transform these conflicts, or sitting with the discomfort of their situation that cannot be changed at the moment: I consider this a form of peace work. 

Together with some colleagues I am part of a pilot for the Cultural Agility Programme (CAP), where we’re learning about intercultural competences. Students at our faculty were already able to develop their intercultural skills by participating in GIED: the Global and Intercultural Education Distinction. I’ve been slightly envious of the GIED students, so I’m excited about what the rest of this pilot will bring! I find it important to keep learning and developing ourselves, especially when it comes to our blind spots about our own culture, identity and privileges. This type of learning, if you ask me, is peace work as well. 

A moment of connection in a large institution

Regardless of the type of role we have, the majority of us will work as part of a team within a certain hierarchy. One day it’s easier to collaborate, other days it’s more of a challenge. We might be asked to execute policies that we disagree with. We might need to work with a colleague we don’t get along with as much. Dealing with such situations in a constructive way is, you’ve probably guessed it already, all part of peace and conflict work for me. 

The world can seem overwhelming - especially right now. What I like about my role as a study advisor is that I can have a direct impact on someone’s life. I might visibly see the relief in a student’s body language after we’ve discussed an adjusted study plan that is more feasible considering their physical health challenges. After empathically listening to a student’s problems, I might be able to bring lightness to the serious situation by cracking a joke. Sometimes I notice my interests are similar to the student’s and we can geek out on a topic we both feel excited about, creating a moment of connection in an institution that might otherwise feel impersonal to them. 

I hope that my broad interpretation of peace work and conflict transformation inspires you to reflect on your own role within the UG and how you are contributing to a better world, be it on an intrapersonal, interpersonal or systemic level. If you’d like to geek out with me about these topics, send me a message!

My name is Minke Sijbrandij by the way. I read somewhere on this blog that networking is good for us - maybe we can think about how to include it in the definition of peace work?