Ms. Chakmakjian holds a BA in English language and literature, and was also awarded a Merit Scholarship in Fine Art during her undergraduate studies. She then studied law and became a member of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in London, where she has volunteered for the Gardens and the Temple Church.

Ms. Chakmakjian also has an MA in French studies, and has been an independent scholar and lecturer on Freemasonry since 2004. She also gives lectures on Japanese culture, especially Kyoto-based Japanese history and lifestyle in the Heian period. Pauline has been a trustee of The Japan Society of the UK since 2008 and is a governor of the English-Speaking Union.