School of Social and Political Science

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Why did you choose to study your programme? And why Edinburgh?

After my undergraduate degree I was living and working in Paris. I knew my career was out there, but I just needed to figure out what interested me. I spoke with my UG professors and was reminded of the development studies field. This aligned perfectly with my interest in working in an international setting, in a sector that does net good and gives something to others. 

I decided I wanted to continue with education and specialise in development studies. I researched postgraduate programmes and was drawn to the University of Edinburgh, partly for love (my now-fiancé was applying for a PhD programme at Edinburgh too) and partly for the programme! I was able to get a good sense of the programme on the School of Social and Political Science’s website, and I joined an online information session to learn more about what I would be studying. There were a range of development studies and adjacent programmes on offer – and I decided to pursue my MSc in Africa and International Development. With my background in French I thought this would be a perfect fit, given the Francophone African countries, and given that Africa is a region where the field of development studies is concentrated. 

Edinburgh interested me as it was a bigger city, in an interesting part of the world. I also love history and the city really impressed me!

How did you get to where you are?

During my undergraduate I studied two programmes, French and Global Studies, so I always had an interest in learning more about the world and gaining language skills. This led me to living in Paris after graduation, working as an administrative assistant. It was a big moment for me to be that person that moves abroad and makes my own way; I was the first person in my family to move away from the USA. This really started and continued my desire of wanting to live around the world and learn from these experiences. And so, I ended up at Edinburgh, doing my 1-year MSc. It was great – I loved getting to know my cohort, made up of people all around the world, and I loved (and still love) living in Edinburgh. 

My dissertation focussed on pandemic-era border closures between West African countries and how this impacted the flow of trade and the relationship between the people who lived there and the state. I found it a really enriching experience and super fulfilling.

After I graduated, I worked at a café whilst I job searched. I secured a role in 2023 with the Institute of Development Studies, a research institute based at the University of Sussex. I specifically work within the International Centre for Tax and Development (ICTD), a research centre at the forefront of tax for development work. My role is on the project management side of ICTD research projects, where I specialise in supporting dozens of research projects which investigate how lower income countries can improve their tax policy and administration and raise revenue to fund public services in a more equitable, efficient, and accountable way. 

A highlight for me is the opportunity to travel with my job. I’ve been able to visit Kenya and Ghana to help run international conferences and workshops, and I’ll be going to Uganda soon. The Kenya event was the biggest event and really stands out – we were running a conference for 120 academics, practitioners and researchers from around the world. It was great to meet so many of our project partners and coordinate a large-scale event. I also got the chance to see Nairobi and be a tourist!
 

How have you used the knowledge and skills gained from your time at Edinburgh in your career journey? What did you gain from your time at the University?

Both the mandatory and elective courses were hugely beneficial in helping me to form a good baseline understanding of the fields and themes within International Development, which I use daily in my role now. Writing my dissertation was also a great opportunity to gain experience conducting independent research, with strong support and guidance from my supervisor, and helped me learn a lot about research ethics and writing for academic audiences. 

I also volunteered to be a student representative for the programme, alongside 2 friends, working closely with the programme leads and students.  I found this to be a very useful experience when it comes to my current role, such as my work collaborating with faculty and staff at the Institute of Development Studies and planning ICTD events. For example, as student reps we planned a weekend away to The Burn, coordinating 30 students, the transportation, meals and budget. 

Beyond that, the programme cohort really does stand out to me. It was such a multinational group, I loved getting to know everyone and learning their stories. To me this is an important part of any university experience, to broaden your perspective and understand what it took for some people to get to Edinburgh, understanding how their life growing up was both different and similar to mine. I feel very fortunate to have built these friendships through my MSc, and believe that learning to understand different journeys and appreciate diverse perspectives is extremely important when working in a field as international as Development.

What 3 words describe your time studying at the School of Social and Political Science?

Exploration, Development (pardon the pun), Fun!

What is your favourite memory from your time studying at the University, or SPS?

I remember fondly a Galentine’s meal with the girls on our course! We all got together in Buccleuch House, in one of the common rooms, and had a potluck dinner. We had so much fun sharing food and stories and laughter. It was a great opportunity for all the women on the course to really connect. It’s a warm memory of mine.

Graduation day also stands out – standing alongside friends and colleagues in our caps and gowns, celebrating how hard we had worked. I felt a real sense of pride.

What advice would you give yourself if you were just starting your academic journey?

Don’t be as shy with your professors. They are leading experts but they’re also just people. Speak to them as often and as much as you need to, read their published works, ask them about their specialisation in the field or anything else you’re curious about.      

I think sometimes people fall into the trap of being too serious in your masters year – join a society or an activity! These things are important. The year goes so quickly. 

And explore Edinburgh and Scotland whenever you can!

Written 2025