The UK’s Ambassador to Ukraine has described how learning modern languages can be a “gateway to the world” during a special event that reflected upon the way her degree has helped shape her career.

Dame Melinda Simmons, the country’s representative in Ukraine since 2019, was the guest speaker at the University of Exeter’s Languages in a Global World 2023 event, where she was interviewed by academics and fielded questions submitted by students.

Dame Melinda, an Exeter graduate from the BA French and German degree and who is fluent in Ukrainian and can speak modern Hebrew, told the attendees that her languages have helped to define her career in business, diplomacy and the civil service.

“The thing about studying languages is that it’s not just about learning the language,” she said, speaking online from her residence in Kiev. The language is an entry point for a curiosity about the world.

“And when you choose to study modern languages, people do not always see a vocational route, and it can be difficult to explain to people why it is such a gateway to the world. But it was for me.”

In discussion with Professor Li Li, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement, and Professor Melissa Percival, Professor of French, Art History and Visual Culture, Dame Melinda revealed how she began her career at a London marketing company.

Within days, her ability to speak French had been identified as a major asset, and she was swiftly moved to the company’s international department, where she helped to establish several European offices.

Dame Melinda would go on to be head of the department, before she changed sectors, moving to an international NGO specialising in conflict prevention and resolution in fragile and conflict affected countries.

And after gaining valuable experience in that sector, she moved on to the Civil Service, where she has worked for three government departments including the Department for International Development and currently the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

A recording of the event is available on the University’s YouTube channel.