MILE Alumni Profiles: Vitaliy Pogoretskyy

Which year(s) did you participate in the MILE Programme? I participated in MILE 8 from 2007-2008.

What drew you to the Programme? In 2007, I was doing an LLM degree in Stockholm and decided to continue my studies in international law. A friend of mine who was already a MILE graduate recommended the MILE Programme.

What is your fondest memory of your time at the WTI? What stands out as having been a particularly positive experience? I liked the mixture of hard work, fun and having a social life. Meeting globally recognised WTO experts and making new friends while discovering Switzerland was a highlight. Apart from endless studies and exams, our MILE group had a couple of fun trips. I will always remember our karaoke evenings at the student housing in Fellergut!

What would your advice be to potential MILE students? If you are looking for a job after graduation, do not hesitate to contact MILE alumni!

What position(s) did you obtain after having completed the MILE Programme? What do you do in your current role? What makes it interesting? I was a junior lawyer at a Brussels-based law firm specializing in WTO law and a Legal Affairs Officer in the Rules Division of the WTO Secretariat. I am currently a counsel at the Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL) and a part-time PhD student at the University of Dundee (CEPMLP).

How did the MILE Programme prepare you for these position(s)? It provided me with the essential knowledge of WTO law, a globally recognised diploma and a network of professionals in my field.  It also improved my legal skills, including drafting.

Where in the world are you located now? Is it where you grew up? I am located in Geneva, Switzerland, whereas I grew up in the Ukraine.

Is there anything else you would like to say? I would like to thank the WTI team for the many great opportunities I obtained after my graduation from the MILE Programme!