I currently work at the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). I am part of the Training and Advanced Education cluster, where we implement various postgraduate education programs, specialized trainings for judicial personnel, and training and higher education projects in developing countries aimed at strengthening the rule of law. The GLODEP program played a decisive role in shaping my career, as it allowed me to narrow down my studies in economics and international relations toward the development and humanitarian field, ultimately enabling me to enter the sphere of international organizations. I chose GLODEP to deepen my knowledge of the development sector, development economics, and development policies. The fact that it is a joint degree, allowing us to learn from three different educational systems and a variety of teaching styles, made this program truly unique. My key learnings from the program include quantitative and qualitative research...

My first job after returning to Vietnam was as a project officer in development projects. I worked on projects funded by organizations such as AFD, ADB, and DFAT, focusing on issues affecting vulnerable groups, including children and women, the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, and climate change. I then decided to pursue a career in academia. I am currently a lecturer at Phenikaa University, where I teach microeconomics and macroeconomics and conduct research on cultural expenditure, household welfare, and multidimensional poverty. My experience at GLODEP played a significant role in shaping these career paths. The program’s strong emphasis on discussion and critical engagement with academic literature, an approach less common in my undergraduate program in Vietnam, enhanced my ability to read critically, engage with research, and develop evidence-based arguments. Studying in a multicultural environment also helped me move beyond the relatively rigid thinking I had...

I originally applied to GLODEP because I was looking for a high-quality European education and a truly international network, and the program definitely delivered on both. Beyond the degree itself, it provided me with a global perspective and a group of friends from all over the world that I am still close with today. Since graduation, my career has moved through several different sectors, which I think demonstrates just how flexible an IDS background can be. Right after the program, I moved to Belgium to volunteer as a Projects and Communications Assistant for AEGEE-Europe. As a large student organization focused on borderless Europe, it was the perfect way to start my professional life in Brussels. From there, I transitioned into a more classic development role as a Consultant for UNDP Georgia on the IRDG (Improving Rural Development in Georgia) project, where I was able to apply what I learned about development economics and poverty reduction in a real-world context. Currently, I...

After completing my master’s degree, I worked as a research scholar at the University of Pavia for one year. I then moved to the role of Research and Evaluation Officer at LAMA Impresa Sociale in Florence, Italy, where I contribute to EU-funded projects focusing on urban regeneration, social inclusion, and sustainability transitions. I have been working there for the last four years. In my role, I design Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) frameworks, develop Theory of Change models, and conduct social impact assessments for international research projects. GLODEP helped me pursue a career in research by equipping me with analytical, research, evaluation, and policy analysis skills. My master’s thesis on Health economics particularly played an important role in building the methodological foundation that I applied in my current work. Coming from an urban planning background, I wanted to deepen my understanding of development challenges from a broader, macro-level perspective. This...

How did you use GLODEP to get where you are now? My journey through the GLODEP programme was more than just academic. It was a stepping stone that launched my career. The work on my thesis, which I poured countless hours into, paid back as it stood out during my interview at UNDP Ukraine for a role in Monitoring & Evaluation. This was my first step into the world of development — a field I am deeply passionate about — all thanks to the solid foundation I built at GLODEP. How did GLODEP help you to achieve your career goals? GLODEP was transformative for me. The courses, especially in Development Economics and Health Economics, equipped me with crucial insights and skills. It was also the hands-on use of Stata for data analysis that became indispensable in my day-to-day work. It is not just about the skills, though. It is how they shaped my approach to solving real-world problems that really made the difference. How do you use the experience from the GLODEP program?  Whether I am...

How did you use GLODEP to get where you are now? What is your current position? GLODEP gave me an insight into the development sector and by the time I graduated, I knew I had to either work in health or education. And so I did. J I landed my first job in public health after coming back to Pakistan and since then I have been working in the sector. My current position is that of a Programme Manager/Research Fellow at IMPACT, Institute of Psychiatry for multiple projects in collaboration with the University of York. I am also currently pursuing a distance learning MSc Program in Health Economics for Policy Makers by the University of York. How did GLODEP help you to achieve your career goals? GLODEP helped me switch from economic theory to development economics because I have always been driven by social change and policy impact to make a difference in the lives of the marginalized. How do you use the experience from the GLODEP program? GLODEP has been a life changing experience particularly...