Pinar Cil received her Combined Honours BA in French Studies and Political Science, with a Certificate in Law and Politics, from the University of Windsor in 2012.
Throughout her undergraduate studies, she was involved in a number of extracurricular activities and academic programs, most notably:
- European Union Study Abroad Program (2010)
- Ontario/Rhône-Alpes Exchange Program (2010-2011)
- studying at Jean Moulin University Lyon III in France
- Carleton Model NATO Conference (2012)
- Volunteer Internship Program (VIP) (2012)
- Outstanding Scholars Research Program (2008-2012)
After UWindsor, Pinar went on to pursue the joint Juris Doctor and Master of Arts (International Affairs) degree program at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Law (Common Law) and Carleton University's prestigious Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA). While studying in the nation's capital, she gained practical work experience in both governmental and non-governmental sectors – from the Senate of Canada to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Looking back at her time at UWindsor, Pinar credits the Department’s strong faculty support system and the variety of research and networking opportunities available to students.
"Since day one, there was this sense of a close-knit community that instantly attracted me to UWindsor, and by extension, to the Department of Political Science. The professors here genuinely care about the well-being and career trajectories of their students, even after graduation. I would not be where I am today without their mentorship."
For current and prospective students, Pinar stresses the value in participating in programs like the European Union Study Abroad Program, which, she says, provided her and peers with a practical glimpse into the EU enterprise as well as other major institutions, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
"The EU program spoke to many people with varying interests and backgrounds. As a Turkish-Canadian, I found the program personally rewarding, since it not only revealed the intricacies of Turkey’s relationship with the EU but also its growing importance as a NATO member state. Ultimately, these ideas would later sow the seeds for much of the research I worked on in graduate school."
Next year, Pinar looks forward to completing her articling placement internationally in Brussels. When asked whether she sees herself practicing law at home or abroad, she stated that "As Robert Frost famously said, 'I took the one [road] less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.' That being said, it really is about being at the right place at the right time, so we’ll see where the opportunities arise. For now, I’m excited for the road ahead."