Pedro Arriaza Aldana
(Guatemala – GLODEP cohort 2017-2019)

My journey with the GLODEP program has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. When I joined GLODEP, I was seeking a platform to expand my understanding of global development challenges, and best practices to overcome them. The comprehensive curriculum and exposure to international development theories helped me acquire valuable knowledge and skills that I now adapt in my past and current roles.

GLODEP’s focus on practical experience in the last semester through a research stay with an Italian NGO enabled me to engage directly with ongoing efforts in humanitarian and development work, offering a real-world context to the theories discussed in class. This hands-on experience was crucial in landing my first job post-graduation, as it helped demonstrate the direct application of my thesis into real-world results.

The diversity of my colleagues and professors in the GLODEP program enriched my learning experience, allowing me to gain diverse perspectives on global issues. Living and studying in Olomouc was a valuable experience. The combination of historical charm with a young student community offered a great opportunity for academic and personal growth.

Overall, my time in the GLODEP program was transformative. Although I do not practice directly in the development field, it was an instrumental platform to develop my professional career in humanitarian work, with a specific focus on data analysis, research, and information management. It gave me enough confidence to steer my career towards people-centered approaches in the humanitarian sector.