Graduate Andrew Bird, Wellington, New Zealand  Qualification Masters of Development Studies, Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) Learnings Undertaking a Masters of Development Studies at VUW allowed me to complement what had been a practical background (farming and development) with key academic skills such as critical thinking, research, writing, and communication, as well as improving my understanding of different ways of thinking and understanding the world. My studies and discussions with fellow student and lectures helped me develop my cultural awareness and recognition of my own positionalities. Some of the most impactful experiences and learnings over the course of my Masters came not from the lectures or academic articles but from the discussions and experiences with fellow students who came from all walks…

Graduate BA in Political Science with a focus on Humanitarian Interventions and a Master of Law – integrating Human Rights Based Approaches in development (University of Canterbury). BA in Political Science with a focus on Humanitarian Interventions and a Master of Law – integrating Human Rights Based Approaches in development (University of Canterbury). Learnings My university years helped me acquire knowledge and practical skills, including analytical skills to challenge the status quo and help me come up with a better alternative. These university years have equipped me with skills to deal with real life context; providing crucial emergency and development assistance to programme participants on the ground. As development practitioners, our focus is always to ensure there is equitable and sustainable assistance so that marginalized and vulnerable populations…

Graduate Denise Arnold, New Zealand Qualification Master of International Development, Massey University Learnings The programme was inspiring and at the same time cautionary. We need to be mindful of the impact of our actions and decisions, and we also need to challenge our assumptions. It is easy to think we are doing something good when in fact we are causing harm unintentionally. With much of the Development Studies programme being able to be undertaken as a distance student it was perfect for me and my work, and for the times when I was travelling in Cambodia. Many of my assignments were completed while working in remote areas of Cambodia. I really enjoyed the block courses too. Meeting other students and hearing…

Graduate Vilayvanh Phonepraseuth, Lao PDR Qualification Master of International Development, Massey University Learnings Studying in New Zealand was an amazing experience. The staff were really friendly and approachable, and I studied with a great cohort of students from all over the world. My interactions with everyone broadened my understanding about development and the differences between the issues in Asia and other countries. My study gave me the opportunity to follow what I am passionate about and apply my learning and research to Laos, my home country. During my second year I travelled back home to collect data on resettlement and livelihoods restoration programs for a hydropower development project. I wanted to know how people felt about the project and how it…

Graduate Jared Berends, New Zealand Qualification Masters in Applied Science (International Rural Development) at Lincoln University Learnings My development career started in rural Mongolia, where I spent three years living in small, rural towns teaching English, working alongside local NGOs and Faith-Based Organizations, and implementing small-scale community development initiatives. This caused reflection on my own life, the privileges and blessings of a growing up in New Zealand, and a sense of calling to help those most vulnerable. However, motivation did not provide the skills needed to work in the development sector.  I wanted to build on my Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and grass-roots experience in Mongolia with technical qualifications.  After searching for study options in New Zealand, I pursued a…