Case studies: MA student in international development: Gabi

Gabi graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in international relations. Having gained work experience in developing countries, she is now studying for an MA in International Development.

I really enjoyed my degree subject. It gave me the opportunity to study politics in regional and global arenas, examine international organisations and consider problems of security. I developed methods of analysis in foreign policy and state theory. I was also able to study social policy as a specialist minor subject and spend my third year abroad.

As my mum's Spanish, I was fortunate to grow up speaking the language fluently. I also studied Russian to GCSE and A-level and Japanese while at university. The ability to speak languages is really important for an international career, especially in developing countries.

I got involved in lots of voluntary work while I was at university via Community Action at the Students' Union.

When I graduated, I went travelling for six months mainly around South America. That trip confirmed my desire to work in a developing country, and I managed to get a job leading small-group adventure tours with a responsible tourism company, which ensured that local communities benefit economically from tourism. Although the job wasn't specifically in the career area I'd chosen, it was a fantastic opportunity to travel and work in a range of countries in South America, Africa and Asia. It meant that I gained solid work experience and developed my leadership and communication skills. I also got used to living in some pretty basic conditions.

When I got back to the UK, I applied for jobs with charities and NGOs and was lucky enough to get a job with Oxfam as a human resources administrative assistant in South America. I knew that I didn't want to do an office-based role long term but saw this as a great opportunity to gain some relevant experience with a charity, based in a developing country, before returning home to study for a Masters.

I am now studying for my MA in International Development, which focuses on poverty, conflict and reconstruction, and I'm really enjoying it. I'm so glad that I travelled and got a few years of experience before starting this course, as it has provided me with so much more context and first-hand experience. The course emphasises an appreciation of social difference and inequality for an understanding of development policy and practice. We are examining contemporary and established frameworks relating to poverty, conflict analysis, the reconstruction of conflict and disaster affected societies. I am learning so much!

I am so excited about completing my MA and then getting back out to work overseas. I have become really interested in doing a PhD, but maybe I'll get some more experience in the field first. Then I'll be absolutely sure about the area of research I want to specialise in.

My advice to students considering this area is to volunteer, volunteer, volunteer! Your time at university is an ideal time, and there are so many opportunities on offer. It's also essential to get some work experience, learn languages and do your research on what areas of development work interest you most.