Emma Best, Alumna MA Globalisation and Development Studies
What was it about this the MA GDS programme that made you think, ‘This is the one for me’?
When I had to choose a Master’s programme, I was really interested in global development. I was looking for a programme that was not just theoretical. The combination of the practical application of the programme and the subjects themselves stood out to me. Besides that, the Problem-Based Learning approach particularly appealed to me — I liked the idea of working in small groups, discussing real-world problems and learning through debate and discussion rather than simply sitting in lectures.
Another big draw for me was the international environment. Having classmates from so many different countries and backgrounds felt like a really important part of studying global development, and ultimately it was one of the things I valued most about the programme.
Could you tell more about your favourite part of the programme?
I chose to do the desk study, so I stayed at the university rather than going abroad. As part of this, I completed a research paper looking at intergenerational poverty and whether having a birth certificate could contribute to reducing poverty across generations.
I particularly enjoyed being able to work with quantitative data and explore a very practical development question. Looking at something as fundamental as birth registration and considering the longer-term implications it can have for people’s access to opportunities made the research really interesting to me.
The most important course for me was Brokers and Translators, as this links most closely with the work I do today
Looking back, what are the things you learned during your studies that truly help you in your current career or in your personal life?
One of the biggest things I took away from my time in Maastricht was learning how to produce high-quality work under time pressure. The pace of the programme was quite demanding, but I think this really prepared me for working life, where you often have to produce something good within a limited timeframe rather than having unlimited time to perfect it.
One of the biggest things I took away from Maastricht was learning how to produce high-quality work quickly. The pace of the programme is quite demanding, and I think that really prepares you for working life, where you often have to produce something good under time pressure rather than having unlimited time to perfect it.
The Problem-Based Learning approach also played an important role in developing these skills. It taught me how to debate, think critically and defend an argument, skills that I use constantly in my career today. At the same time, studying in such an international environment gave me a broader perspective on development issues. Having classmates from different countries and backgrounds challenged me to look beyond a purely European perspective and consider different approaches and experiences. That international perspective has stayed with me and is something I am particularly grateful for.
Could you tell us more about your current career?
I currently work for Action Against Hunger, one of the world’s leading NGOs working to tackle hunger and malnutrition. My role is Programme Funding and Contracts Manager. I support the organisation both in developing funding proposals, particularly for FCDO-funded projects, and in managing the contracts once funding has been secured.
At the moment, I manage and support a portfolio of more than four projects with a combined value of around £22 million, with the majority of my work focused on Somalia.
My time at Maastricht also had a direct influence on my career. While I was studying, I visited Maastricht University’s Brussels campus, and I would really recommend doing this if you have the opportunity. I found the experience really inspiring, and it encouraged me to move to Brussels after graduating. I ended up working on multi-million-pound EU contracts almost immediately after leaving Maastricht, and that experience is still something I talk about in interviews today.
What is your fondest memory from your time here in Maastricht as a student at FASoS?
I think my fondest memories are probably the simplest ones, being around my friends, especially my girlfriends, and cycling everywhere. Maastricht is such a lovely city to experience as a student and having that sense of independence while being surrounded by such an international group of friends is something I remember really fondly.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your time in Maastricht/at FASoS that we have not asked about?
One thing I would really encourage current students to think about is gaining some form of work experience alongside their studies, if they are able to. Looking back, I saw a significant difference in the career trajectories of people with some work experience compared with those without.
It does not necessarily have to be a prestigious internship or a paid position. Volunteering with a local charity, getting involved with an organisation, or finding a scholarship or other opportunity to gain practical experience can all be valuable. I appreciate that this is not economically possible for everyone, but if you can find a way to gain some practical experience, I would really recommend it.
I would also encourage students to take advantage of the opportunities Maastricht offers outside the classroom. The workload can be intense, but your time there is also about meeting people, trying new things and enjoying yourself.