| Personal details |
|---|
| Degree: | International Relations |
|
| School(s): | School of International Relations |
| Year of Graduation: | May-2006 |
| LinkedIn: | |
| National of: | United Kingdom |
| Employment details |
|---|
| Organisation: | Crown Agents |
| Job title: | Development Policy Research |
| Occupational Sector: | International Development/ Organisations |
| What has been your route to getting your current position? |
|---|
Following graduation I spent a year in The States which included a 6
month internship at an international NGO called the Carter Centre. Once I
returned to the UK to think about my first job I was sold into the idea
of Executive Search (headhunting) and moved to London to work in this
field linked to the Energy industry. After a successful 2 years I
realized that I wanted a more rewarding career that was more closely
aligned with my degree and my interests. After taking a little time out
to research and network I came upon International Development Consulting
as something that seemed to fit my skills and ambitions. I applied to
numerous relevant companies and interviewed at Crown Agents and accepted
a role there soon after.
|
| What does your job involve ? |
|---|
I am just starting out in the Development industry and am currently
within our commercial Business Intelligence and Development division. My
work involves liaising with our numerous divisions working on global
development projects around the world and assisting these teams with
market research and analysis and general support that assist with their
projects and the winning of new business.
|
| What are the best bits of your job ? |
|---|
The best bit about my job is how rewarding it is. My company
completes projects around the world that directly benefit those in
developing countries and so every piece of work we do has a positive
impact somewhere in the world. The people around me are very passionate
about their work and it is a great feeling knowing that you are working
hard for a good cause.
|
| Why were you successful? |
|---|
My success was down to a combination of things. Firstly my degree and
internship certainly gave me a relevant background for this field.
Secondly taking the time to analyze myself, my strengths and my
ambitions was important and thirdly taking time to network and research.
|
| What skills/ knowledge from your degree have you found particularly helpful in this role? |
|---|
| Research and analysis gained throughout my degree, teamed with
essay/report writing and having the confidence to present my ideas to
others in a concise and confident manner. |
| What advice would you give to students wishing to follow the same path? |
|---|
| Think carefully about what your key motivations are and if they are in
line with a field such as Development/politics then start to network and
research and make use of the St Andrews alumni network and careers site
etc.
My hours are flexible and 9 – 5 most of the time, the work is very interesting and the work-life balance is good!
|
