Meet the People of IAEA Safeguards

Interview with Christina Krawec

How did you end up at the IAEA? What were you doing before you joined the IAEA?

I was doing a summer internship at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory before joining the IAEA and had been working for King's College London before that. I ended up at the IAEA simply through applying through Brookhaven National Laboratory's job posting site.

How did you learn about your current position?

I'd been aware of the different Junior Professional Officer positions offered through Brookhaven and Argonne National Labs for a few years and was in the habit of checking the employment webpages. This position happened to be open while I was searching for a new position, so I took a chance and applied.

How will working at the IAEA enhance your career?

Being at the IAEA is a huge privilege. Working at an international organization has given me a very unique perspective that I can bring with me to all future jobs. I've had the opportunity to connect with people from an array of different academic backgrounds—from environmental scientists and policy experts to media specialists—and different cultures. These interactions have shown me that we do the best work possible when we have access to a variety of perspectives. I'll be able to take the communication and collaboration skills I developed at the IAEA to any future position.

What is the most interesting thing that has happened to you since you started working at the IAEA?

There are hundreds of conferences and symposia that happen here, and it's fascinating to attend roundtables, panels, and lectures. I'm always learning something new. In 2018, I was fortunate enough to attend a week-long workshop in Italy, where I met nuclear experts of all ages and career stages. I learned so much not only from the panelists but also from the other participants.

What is it like living and working in Vienna?

Living in Vienna is incredible. It's such a vibrant city. Every weekend, there's a different kind of festival—whether food, music, or art. Something is always going on here, and it's so easy to get around the city with public transportation. I never want to need a car again!

How is working abroad at the IAEA different than working in the United States?

This question is difficult for me to answer because I've never had a work experience quite like this. My position at the IAEA is certainly very collaboration- and team-focused, but not necessarily more so than other jobs I've had.

What advice would you give to those who are seeking employment at the IAEA?

Keep track of open positions and learn as much as you can about the Agency to see where you may fit in. If during your research you come across people whose jobs sound interesting, learn more about their positions! Reach out to them and ask for a quick call or chat over coffee to find out what they do and how they got to where they are. Being confident enough to send messages is a big first step, and usually leads to some pretty interesting conversations.