Emy-Lee Lucas

Emy-Lee Lucas is a Trade Attaché Diplomat for the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Seychelles to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva. 

Since graduating in 2020 with a BSc International Business degree, her diplomacy work has seen her advocate for her country’s identity, economy, and sustainability on the global stage.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

After graduating, I began my career as a Trade Officer within the Trade Division of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment. In this role, I gained hands-on exposure to how international trade operates in practice, including the negotiation and implementation of trade agreements, which provided a strong foundation in global economic policy.

After three rewarding years, I was promoted to a diplomatic posting in Geneva, representing Seychelles at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Seychelles to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organisations. Alongside my technical responsibilities, I have been entrusted with overseeing the Mission's day-to-day operations in the capacity of Chargé d’affaires ad interim.

My career path has been rooted in continuous learning and a commitment to engaging deeply with challenging work. It is a journey I am grateful to have taken, and one whose value I continue to experience as I grow professionally.

What does a typical work day look like for you? 

No two days are ever quite the same, which makes my work exciting. 

A typical workday involves a mix of analytical work, coordination, meetings with Capital, and representation. I can find myself researching, preparing briefs and reports, engaging in meetings and negotiations with international counterparts, contributing to discussions on trade and emerging policy issues, and responding to many, many emails!

Working in a multilateral environment also means collaborating closely with fellow colleagues from different cultural and professional backgrounds, balancing long-term strategic priorities with fast-moving developments. The pace can be demanding, but it is this variety and constant learning that makes the work worth it.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

One professional highlight was being entrusted to represent Seychelles at the Steering Committee of the World Trade Organization’s Fisheries Funding Mechanism in 2025. 

My role here went beyond technical discussions. It was about helping ensure that beneficiary members are genuinely supported in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, whose entry into force I was also privileged to witness firsthand.

As a Seychellois, this work resonated deeply with me. Ours is an island nation whose identity, economy and future are inseparable from the ocean, so sustainability is not an abstract concept but a lived responsibility. Being able to contribute to work that seeks to safeguard marine ecosystems while empowering countries to meet their commitments felt like a way of giving back to values I grew up with.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

Studying International Business at Kent gave me a strong grounding in how global value chains operate and how decisions are strategised. 

The teaching style of the academics at Kent pushed me to think analytically and critically in how I approached research and formed recommendations. I became much more deliberate in how I presented ideas and learned how to confidently defend my arguments. 

I also made a conscious effort to take advantage of the valuable support provided by the Careers and Employability team.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

I would encourage students to stay open to learning beyond the classroom. 

International trade has multiple components so it’s worth exploring them through conversations, internships, and networking opportunities. Make use of the plethora of resources available – including the support at Kent – to deepen knowledge and explore specific areas of interest.

Career paths are rarely linear but showing commitment, taking initiative, and being willing to start small can benefit your path along the way.

What's one piece of advice you wish you'd been given as a student?

When I first arrived at Kent, I found the adjustment from my small island to navigating a completely new environment quite overwhelming.

I would have benefitted from knowing back then that change is to be embraced and that exploration didn't have to be rushed. I learned to explore the campus with happy curiosity over three meaningful years, and truly took in how beautiful and homey it was.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities/societies as a student?

The Paul Dyer Leadership Programme was a transformative experience that helped shape how I engage with the people around me.

One moment that stands out was an exercise that involved receiving honest feedback from our peers about our strengths and areas for development without being able to respond or defend ourselves. While challenging, this experience taught me the value of listening with openness and healthy channels of communication. It is a lesson I continue to carry with me in both my personal and professional life.

I was also involved in Enactus Kent (EcoFeast) and the Kent Mentorship Programme.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

My time at Kent was shaped by the friendships I made. I often think about the collection of moments that defined my student life, from late-night walks to KFC, running for buses, getting lost in new cities, and even having a friend patiently teach me how to take the train!  

Academically, I also look back fondly on the opportunity Kent gave me to take part in a visit to PwC, where I was able to learn how to network with professionals. 

All of these moments came together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

My experience at Kent was wonderful. If I could change one thing, it would be to avoid completing my final year during a global pandemic!

Although this was a challenging period, I was lucky enough to have the support of my sister - who was also a student at Kent - during this time.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics? 

I am fortunate that both my father and sister are also Kent alumni. 

My sister’s first year at Kent actually overlapped with my final year, which was particularly meaningful and really enforced the University's place in our family history.

Beyond this, I continue to cross paths with fellow Kent alumni in my career. In fact, my first role after graduating was as a replacement for another Seychellois professional who had also studied at Kent!

What are your future ambitions?

Modules I studied at Kent on Digital Information Systems and International Entrepreneurship have been highly influential in developing my interest in how technology, innovation, and organisations intersect. 

As the world continues to embrace and grapple with these issues, I aspire to be working at the centre of these evolving conversations and developments.