Describe your journey from student to project manager
Determined to work in the development sector, I moved from Sweden to the UK to pursue mu bachelor’s degree in International Development at the University of Sussex. After completing my degree, I was thrilled to be offered a place at King’s College London to pursue a Master’s in International Political Economy.
My journey to finding a job in this industry began early. Although I had been passively looking for opportunities, I started actively researching potential employers and graduate programs about halfway through my master’s program. This proactive approach paid off when I secured an internship at MetricsLed as a Junior Project Manager while completing my master’s dissertation.
After graduation in September, I transitioned to a full-time role as a Project Manager at MetricsLed.
What does MetricsLed do?
MetricsLed is a tech for development company. We provide technology solutions and expert advisory support to improve the impact of development projects. Our goal is to empower these projects to achieve maximum effectiveness using technology.
We provide support in areas such as e-government, anti-corruption, digitisation, and cybersecurity. We also play a big role in emergency response and preparedness scene.
Did you expect to end up where you did?
Honestly, not at all. As a social science student, you often get locked into thinking certain sectors are off limits, working at a tech consultancy was therefore not something I thought I would ever do.
However, since starting I’ve learned so much. Technology has such a huge role to play in development, but it is generally not being utilised enough, both in aid programming and in the management of aid programmes.
It is exciting being a part of the emerging tech-for-development movement.
Describe your current role at MetricsLed
As Project Manager I do a wide variety of things, however, my main responsibilities include supporting the team in running out current projects as well as working to idenitfy new avenues of business for the company. This means writing proposals for projects and recruiting experts for our roster.
As MetricsLed is a software company communications and social media are also an important part of my job, making sure people understand what we have to offer.
What’s the best part of your job?
I really enjoy that is is a very varied job, I get to manage programmes in conflict affected countries on issues spanning from cyber security to emergency response.
What’s the worst part of your job?
The impact of tasks can often feel quite overwhelming. For example, when writing a proposal, you’re not just presenting a solution – you’re arguing why your approach is the best for delivering that project. When the project’s outcome has the potential to impact lives, it can be incredibly daunting. The stakes are high and the pressure to get it right can be intense.
Any advice for someone wanting to get into the sector?
While my professional journey that I described earlier may sound straightforward, the personal journey was anything but. Throughout the years I worked in extremely diverse roles, from being a construction worker and substitute teacher to law firm intern, in total across about ten different jobs. It often felt as if I was very far away from achieving any larger professional goals I had.
However, these varied experience s have taught me a lot about my strengths and weaknesses and what I can bring to the table. For anyone aspiring to land a graduate job in international development, remember that untraditional paths and diverse experiences can be incredibly valuable. They build character and make you stand out in interviews. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.