Recent MA Global Development student, Jenny Oster Warriner, recently spoke to Queen Mary about her experience undertaking an internship with London International Development Centre (LIDC) as part of her studies.
I completed my Communications internship with the London International Development Centre between February and March 2021 whilst completing my MA in Global Development. It was an invaluable experience with a huge variety of responsibilities including creating and scheduling social media content, writing the monthly newsletter, producing videos, assisting with events organisation, podcast ideas and website posts.
I really enjoyed the mixture of communications projects I was involved in and the wealth of knowledge I gained. Each day I would learn about a different social issue (from migration, animal rights, digital technology and gender equality). A real highlight was helping to run the International Woman’s Day campaign where we produced profiles on inspirational women in the sector.
If you are hesitating about applying, definitely do it! You will not regret it! It greatly complemented my degree as I was able to utilise a lot of what I had learnt about global development issues in lectures whilst gaining a huge insight into the development sector more widely. The people at LIDC were also so helpful and encouraging. They want you to get as much out of the experience as possible, providing you with social media communication training and valuable career advice on the development sector.
The internship can be a useful way to see if you would like to work in the international development sector. For me, it really cemented my passions. The internship is a great thing to be able to put on your cv as it shows commitment and good organisation skills in being able to undertake it at the same time as doing your Masters. I am now undertaking a Digital Communications role in a charity and my internship experience has been invaluable. Also, once you complete the internship, you join a talented alumni network with whom you can valuably make connections.
Many thanks to Jenny for her responses.
For 2022, the LIDC internships is open to students on the new BA Global Development programme, MA Development and Global Health, MA Global Development and MSc Development and International Business students.