Ariel Ackermann joined MCN as the Regional Manager for Europe in Feb 2024 after spending 5 years facilitating experiential learning and professional development among MIT’s undergraduate students. Her career has woven together her passions for supporting refugees and immigrants, empowering young people, and working toward social justice, intercultural relationships, and sustainable development. She sat down to talk with MCN about her vision for the Millennium Fellowship’s growth in Europe.
1) What is your vision for young leaders on campuses across the globe?
"I dream of a global movement of young leaders who feel connected – to their universities, to their identities, to their communities, and to each other – even across timezones, spotty internet access, and the forces that divide us."
2) Why do you think European students should participate in the Millennium Fellowship?
"Across Europe, there are so many brilliant and pragmatic young leaders, and university is the perfect time to clarify your values and skills, but without the support of your peers and experience practising effective leadership, it’s easy for those discoveries to evaporate in the hustle of launching your career. When you build a network of peers on your campus through the Millennium Fellowship, you gain thought partners and accountability buddies, and you might just make some lasting relationships to add to your own personal board of directors as you build the foundation of your career.
3) I know you have a background in career advising – how can participating in the Millennium Fellowship boost the career prospects of fellows with potential employers?
That’s right, before joining MCN, I worked at a top-ranked university, guiding students early on in their careers. To help students prepare for work after university, I would often ask employers what they are looking for in new hires. Again and again, international recruiters share that they are less attached to the precise degree that a person has, and more interested in learning how the candidate has taken the initiative to put their learnings into practice (keep in mind that in some European countries, like Germany, your degree of study may still be very important to employers!). The Millennium Fellowship is an amazing way for you to develop a project that you are passionate about and that brings together your skills and values. After all, we all know that we do our best work when we’re intrinsically interested and motivated!
There are many other skills used and built in the Millennium Fellowship that you can showcase for employers in an application or interview, as well. Some that come to mind are collaborating with people from varied backgrounds, the ability to lead a professional project in English, managing a project from start to finish, solving problems in the moment, and many others. [Side note from my background in career advising: your MF experience will give you many examples to use in a STAR method for behavioural interviews!]
But, as I noted in the beginning, skills aren’t the only thing to set you apart in a competitive job market. Employers can teach skills needed to do a job well, but the best employees stand out because of their attitude and values.
When you participate in the Millennium Fellowship, you won’t simply build a strong network, tackle one of the Sustainable Development Goals, gain a certificate from the United Nations – you will also imbue your work with MCN’s core values of empathy, humility, and inclusion – the values that will help you succeed throughout your career.
4) Which SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) speaks to you most?
I love this question because it allows me to indulge in idealism for a bit. All SDGs are interconnected and intersectional, and they’re all important; it’s invigorating to imagine a world where we have achieved them (we have work to do). For me, the concept that “a rising tide raises all boats” is true when it comes to the SDGs: progress on any one individual SDG will have ripple effects to make progress on the others. From that perspective, I always think we can make the most impact if we think about what is at the intersection of our passions, our skills, what is needed in the world, and what can fulfil our own needs (the beautiful Japanese concept ikigai can help you think through this for yourself).
I have always been an environmentalist at heart and in practice, and I get the most energy from working towards sustainability. It satisfies my practical impulse to fix and improve things, intersects with my awe of nature and gardening, and also in my conviction that a connected and healthy community is essential for social progress. If I was applying as a Millennium Fellow, there’s a good chance I would be working on a project to build a permaculture garden to create an inclusive space for refugees and immigrants, people with disabilities, different generations, and the queer community. Oh, and I’d probably lead weekly singing around the campfire and mending circles as part of the project!
5) How will you be working with universities in Europe to build the next generation of global leaders via your role with MCN?
I plan to connect with leaders at European universities at every level: from the president, to professors, to staff, and students. One thing I love about MCN is that not only students benefit from the experience, but universities also get a boost by joining a network of 250+ other campuses who support young leadership and global engagement. MCN makes internationalization – a priority for many European universities – easy to accomplish through the Millennium Fellowship, which requires very little effort on the part of universities but can support existing goals of providing an international, connected education for undergraduates. I’m excited to talk with educators and learners at every level of European universities. Feel free to reach out to me at aackermann@mcnpartners.org to explore how the Millennium Fellowship can grow on your campus.
6) What advice would you give to a European student who is passionate about social change but unsure where to start?
This answer may seem obvious, but apply to the Millennium Fellowship! The curriculum will guide you and your colleagues as you engage with the foundations of social impact leadership. You don’t need previous experience to start (one reason I think the fellowship is particularly great for students early on in their career), just a vision for how you can affect change on your campus or community!
Connect with Ariel on LinkedIn.
