School of Global Studies

Careers

Our students make a difference. We prize the fact that so many of those who study with us go on to use the critical knowledge and skills gained at Sussex after graduation. Reflecting our global perspective, our students come from diverse backgrounds and our global network of alumni spans a broad range of professions.

The School of Global Studies works with the Careers and Employability Centre to help you build the future you want.

How we support you

The Careers and Employability Centre (CEC) is here to help you throughout your time at Sussex and for several years after graduation, providing 1-2-1 guidance, useful resources and lots of events (including workshops and careers fairs). We also offer a suite of career-readiness training through Canvas and advertise job opportunities, volunteering roles, internships and graduate programmes via CareerHub. 

For those who are looking to start a business, go freelance, or develop a social enterprise, the CEC also provides support through our Entrepreneurship Team who offer 1-2-1s, events, resources, competitions and funding.

Below you will find a few career-related resources that are particularly relevant to Global Studies students.

Career options for Global Studies students

Global Studies students acquire a broad range of skills, knowledge and experiences which provide them with the ability to follow a wide variety of interesting career paths. 

Here are some useful links for each Global Studies subject area to help you explore the kinds of careers open to you:

Anthropology

Geography

International Development

International Relations

Global Studies alumni careers


We love to hear about our students’ career journeys after graduation. Each year we invite a range of alumni to our Global Studies Careers event, where they talk to current students about their experiences and careers paths. about their experiences and career paths. Here are some case studies to help spark ideas for your own career:

In 2020 we were joined by...

David – Good Lad Initiative

David BrockwayDavid Brockway
BA International Relations & Development Studies, 2011


Current job

School Programme Manager, Good Lad Initiative.


Best thing about my job

The variety! I get to visit all types of schools, hearing from a range of young people as well as teachers. I also get to train and manage a team of volunteers, which brings me into contact with lots of really kind and interesting people.

CV

2011-2012: Admin Support at BUPA International

2012-2013: Intern at Wilton Park Conference Centre

2013-2014: Support Unit Administrator at Family For Every Child

2013-2014: Volunteer at Hackney Pirates

Top Tip for current students
  • Be prepared to take on any job, task or opportunity -just because it’s not the perfect one for you, doesn’t mean there aren’t skills & knowledge worth gaining.
  • It’s alright to fail, make mistakes or choose completely the wrong career path. 1 or 2 years now spent doing something that might not be “the right job” is miniscule compared to the 40+ year working life ahead of you!

 

Favourite memories of Sussex

The freedom!

Camilla – The Behavioural Insights Team

Camilla DevereuxCamilla Devereux
Anthropology BA, 2016; Gender, Violence and Conflict MA, 2017


Current job

Associate Advisor,The Behavioural Insights Team

The best thing about my job

I use my degrees every day. We design policy solutions rooted in behavioural science. We then test to see what works (and what doesn’t) using rigorous evaluation methods. That means I apply an anthropological lens to re-structure public services and products—constantly learning and adapting based on what has the most positive influence on human behaviour.

CV

At BIT, I am an Associate Advisor in the Home Affairs and International Programmes Team. My work involves the application of behavioural science to gender equality, violence prevention, sexual health, peacebuilding and security. Before joining BIT, I worked as a research executive at an insight and strategy agency, conducting qualitative and quantitative research for HM Government, third and private sector clients. During my Master’sdegree, I completed a placement with an NGOin Uganda, working on adapting and scalinga community mobilisation programme to prevent violence against women. During my Bachelor’s degree, I dipped my toes in a variety of industries —getting work experience at the UK Department for International Development, Save the Children, a televisionproduction company, a publishing house,and as a journalist.

Top Tips for current students
  • Read above and beyond the course. Not only will this improve your knowledge, it’ll tighten up your writing and fluency when presenting.
  • Flaunt what you do have and work on what you don’t. If you’re an articulate writer, then start a blog. If you’re a confident presenter, make the most of public speaking opportunities. If you want to learn a new language, immerse yourself. If you want to understand a new method, take a free course.
  • Transferable skills are often ‘soft’ ones—don’t forget them. Sussex gives you an edge because it teaches you to think critically and comparatively. My degree taught me to be open to alternative ways of seeing the world. These skills are useful in many different industries—from user design to diplomacy.
Favourite memory of Sussex

Retro Pac-a-Macs, reusable tiffin boxes, brutalist architecture, obscurantist readings and, of course, protests!

Patrick – Development Pathways

Patrick Llewellin

Patrick Llewellin
BA Geography and International Development, 2014

 

Current job

Research and Analysis Officer at Development Pathways Ltd


The best thing about my job

I get to engage in research and policy advocacy on subjects that matter, whether it’s advising the Government of Ethiopia on how to make their social protection systems more effective or providing the UN with evidence on the extent to which children receive a quality education in Mongolia it’s  meaningful and interesting, and sometimes I can explicitly see how my work leads to a change in the outcomes of some of the world’s most vulnerable persons.

CV

2016 –2018 Business Development Consultant and Programme Coordinator (DFID-funded Expanding Social Protection Programme in Uganda) ,  Maxwell Stamp PLC (Private sector consultancy)  London and  Kampala, Uganda

2016 –2018 (part-time) Research Assistant, United Nations University,Maastricht, Netherlands

2015 Business Development Coordinator, Peace & Community Action Sri Lanka(NGO), Brighton (7 months)

2014 Research Consultant (Independent), World Vision(NGO) Geneva (1 month)

2014 Programme Associate Organisation: African Evangelistic Enterprise (NGO) Rwanda (3 months)


Top tips for current students
  • Choose modules where you are able to gain an actual skill eg  ‘Development Tools and Skills’, ‘Geographical Information Systems’, ‘Ethnographic Research Methods’etc.
  • Learn to articulate the skills you have gained from your degree. If you are a graduate then you will all be skilled in 1) critical thinking and 2) conducting research –these are very valuable skills, which will likely be central to your future employment
  • Make and use a LinkedIn profile to articulate your skills and experiences. You can also use your account as a framework when writing job applications and to regularly consider how to communicate your experiences as well as your soft and hard skills. Learning to communicate through the language of a development professional can seriously set you apart from the crowd when applying to jobs
  • Gain overseas experience in low-and middle-income countries.  If you plan to work in international development then demonstrating knowledge through personal experience can be a powerful tool. Have a look at the UK Government-funded International Citizen Service
  • Be prepared to take unpaid positions and actively ask to get involved; international development is a sector with less money than other sectors which can mean that making that initial step into the industry is hard. Making experiences for yourself rather than waiting for a relevant entry-level job can help get you that entry-level job that many people will be competing for
  • Grades are not everything! Get involved with student societies, as the administrative and project management skills this will provide are highly valued in international development as well as many other industries
  • Become a computer geek.  Employment is often centred on the ability to use software. Make the most out of opportunities to learn statistics software such as Stata or R. Consider using a literature review software such as Zotero

 

Favourite memory of Sussex

It’s hard to centre around one particular memory from my time at Sussex as there was so much I enjoyed. I am particularly fond of my time enjoying the campus and the surrounding area during the summer. It was also very stimulating having such an engaging learning environment that continues to shape me even now

Ioana – Department of Culture, Media and Sport, HM Government

Ioana Badea

Ioana Badea
BA International Relations with a Professional Placement Year and Proficiency in Spanish, 2016

 

Current job title

Civil Service: Policy Adviser at Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport

 

The best thing about my job

The genuine feeling of wonder and excitement that comes with working on space & satellite policy

 

CV

Public Affairs Executive – Ford Smart Mobility (London)

Awareness Raising Intern – UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (Bonn, Germany)

Communications Executive – University College London

International Public Policy Review (London)

EU Public Affairs Executive – Fleishman Hillard (Brussels)

Various volunteering roles, including for: United Way Romania, Romanian Scouts, Youth for Youth NGO.

 

Top Tips for current students
  • It doesn’t matter if you think that what you studied is not directly relevant to the career you want to pursue. If it’s something you’re genuinely passionate about, accept you might have to initially start in a lower/learning focused position, but that you’ll eventually arrive to where you want to be.
  • Stay humble but never underestimate yourself.
  • Sometimes knowing how to sell your skills is as important as having those skills in the first place

 

Favourite memory of Sussex

Living on the seafront in Kings Road as a Residential Adviser in my final year and getting up to see the beach every single morning

 

Previous years

2019

Alia - Alzheimer’s Society

Alia Al Ghussain

Alia Al Ghussain

International Relations BA (2013); Human Rights MA (Sussex, 2014)

Current job title and organisation

Campaigns Officer Alzheimer’s Society

CV

2014-18: International Labour Organisation; National Citizenship Service; War On Want

Top Tip for current students

  • Be open to new opportunities, even if they aren’t what you thought you would be doing

  • Try as many different things as you can at university – it makes it a lot easier to figure out what direction you want to go in career-wise

Favourite memories of Sussex

Going for walks in the Downs, and “working” in the Meeting House

Jes - Crowdfund 360

Jes BaileyJes Bailey

BA Geography and International Development (2013); MA Communications Science (UEA 2015)

Current job title and organisation

Consultant and founder Crowdfund 360

CV

2016- present Crowdfund 360

2015-2016 Marketing Executive, Global Giving

2014 Communications Intern, BRAC (Bangladesh)

2014 Communications Officer, Global Human Rights Defence (Netherlands)

2013 - 2014 Country Manager, Housing Anywhere (Netherlands)

Top Tip for current students
  • Confidence, hard work and persistence are the key to everything
  • There is no single right way to do something

 

Favourite memories of Sussex

Taking study breaks in the sunshine on the beach or on campus alongside everyone else

Watching everyone walking really weirdly up the steps of that lecture hall where the steps are a ridiculous distance apart!

Tim - Kumi Consulting

Tim PerkinTim Perkin

BA Anthropology (2016); MA Social Anthropology of the Global Economy (Sussex, 2017)

Current job title and organisation

Consultant Kumi Consulting


CV

2017-19: Business Developer, ITAD, Brighton

Top Tips for current students

  • Make the most of connections that you have and people that you know. Volunteering can be a great way to make these connections. Uni connections or even family friends may be of help!

  • Don't be worried about being a corporate sell out after learning about how to change the world and resist capitalism! It’s ok, we all have to start somewhere and get a job. Just hold on to your values, but primarily see it as an opportunity to learn a new viewpoint and gain useful experience and skills

Favourite memory of Sussex

 Bumping into people in Library Square

Annie - Green Party

Annie PickeringAnnie Pickering

BA International Relations and French (2016)

Current job title and organisation

Senior field organiser Green Party


CV

2017-18 – People and Planet: campaigns coordinator

2016-17 – President, University of Sussex Students’ Union


Top Tips for current students
  • Do all those extra-curricular activities, sport, politics, volunteering, whatever it is - do it! You often feel like you can't get a job without experience but you need to get a job to get experience.  By doing sports and society things (being committee members/organising events/running campaigns) at university you can gain loads of valuable experience that 100% counts for getting jobs. Don’t be worried about being a corporate sell out after learning about how to change the world and resist capitalism! It’s ok, we all have to start somewhere and get a job. Just hold on to your values, but primarily see it as an opportunity to learn a new viewpoint and gain useful experience and skills 
  • Don't be afraid if you don't know what you want to do for a job. There are loads of jobs out there that you won't know that exist. Take your time to look around at jobs advertised, it is just as important to know what you don't want to do as well as aspects of jobs you might want to do
  • Be bold. If you don't think you're quite qualified to apply for a role, apply for it anyway (especially women*). It's good practice (and experience if you get an interview). And remember, you only have to be better than the other candidates who apply, and sometimes this competition is lower or higher 

 

Favourite memory of Sussex

 Swimming in the sea in October, January, June.....

2018

Ellen - Trees for Cities

Ellen OsborneEllen Osborne

BSc Geography (2012-15)

Current job title and organisation

Strategic Partnerships Coordinator, Trees for Cities


CV

2015-16: Part-time Sustainability Assistant at UBM plc and part-time Green Space Graduate Volunteer at the London Borough of Camden Council. This led to a full-time paid position as Sustainability Officer at Camden.

2017-to-date: Strategic Partnerships Coordinator: Develop, coordinate and roll out Trees for Cities’ strategic partnerships programme with local authorities and coordinate the planning, delivery and implementation of i-Tree Eco projects in London.


Top Tip for current students
  • Keep contacts warm– go for coffee with that friend of a friend that works with that company that you’re vaguely interested in
  • Don’t panic and go straight into a masters if it doesn’t feel 100% right

 

Favourite memory of Sussex

The twilight times between exams and the new term when you can kick back and enjoy what Brighton has to offer – make the absolute most of it!

Marie - Humanity and Inclusion

Marie De ColMarie De Col

MA Gender, Violence and Conflict, 2016


Current job title and organisation

Deputy Head of Desk, Humanity and Inclusion (formerly Handicap International) Lyon.


Favourite memory of Sussex

Hanging out with Clare Rogers!

Tesni - Hibiscus Initiatives

Tesni WoodfallTesni Woodfall

BA Geography and International Development (12-15)

Current job title and organisation

Family Project Worker, Hibiscus Initiatives: Promoting access to social and criminal justice system. I provide practical, emotional and international resettlement support to families in Gatwick Pre departure accommodation before they are deported from the UK.


CV

2016-2017: Syrian Refugee Resettlement Caseworker, British Red Cross. I welcomed Syrian families enabling them to resettle and become more resilient, with improved wellbeing and independence.

2017-current: Project Worker, Hibiscus Initiatives. I prepare families for overseas resettlement, providing advocacy, advice, emotional support and family liaison.


Top Tip for current students
  • Take every opportunity that comes your way, as you never know where it might lead.
  • Stand out from the crowd. Introduce yourself to lectures and make yourself known, make the most of all the networking opportunities you have when you are still at university.

 

Favourite memory of Sussex

Making friends for life and being able to share all of the highs and lows of university life with them. Also, Geography field trip to Vietnam was amazing!

Zoë - Horniman Museum

Zoë Lake ThomasZoë Lake Thomas

BA Development Studies (2010-13); MA Museum Studies (UCL) (2014-16)


Current job title and organisation

Youth Engagement and Volunteering Coordinator, Horniman Museum and Gardens

 

CV

2014-16: Worked part time while studying for my MA, volunteering in a few museums and completing a placement at the British Museum

2016-current: Started as a Community Learning Assistant at the Horniman Museum. Now work as there as the Youth Engagement and Volunteering Coordinator


Top Tip for current students

Try as many different things as you can/want to while you are here, it’s a great opportunity to find out what interest and motivates you, and what doesn’t


Favourite memory of Sussex

Drinking grey coffee in the meeting house when the daffodils are out.

Jade - Save the Children

Jade van Drie-BrownJade van Drie-Brown

BA Sociology & International Development (2007-10)
MA Human Rights (2011-12)

Current job title and organisation

Change Executive - Digital Transformation Programme, Save the Children UK 


CV

2013-current: Save the Children UK

Current role:

  • Change Executive, Digital Transformation Programme
    Leading an organisation of 1,200 people to adopt a new digital platform and new processes and ways of working. Communications lead with a focus on keeping audiences engaged and informed. Responsible for business readiness, including working with impacted teams and senior stakeholders to design and deliver training and communications plans based on change impact assessments for the organisation.


Previous:

  • Project Officer - Brand, Funding, Advocacy & Campaigns (secondment to Save the Children International)
  • Project Coordinator, European Refugee Response (secondment)
  • Supporters and Communities Senior Coordinator  
  • Individual Giving and Legacies Assistant


2011-2013: The Bhopal Medical Appeal

  • Communications and Administration Officer
  • Administrative Assistant


Top Tip for current students
  • Don’t dismiss future jobs because they aren’t what you thought would be your career i.e. they are not in programmes. There are so many types of work in the NGO sector that aren’t working directly on the ground that are amazing, and might be better suited to your skillset and your preferred lifestyle.
  • Volunteer a lot whilst you have a student loan! You may feel busy now but if you wait until the you have a full-time job it’s near impossible. This will give you loads of good experience as well as help you figure out what you like and don’t like.

 

Favourite memory of Sussex

Living at East Slope and working and socialising at the bar - I met so many friends there who I still see all the time – very sad to see it go this year.

Rick - Pharmacie Coffee

Rick CurtisRick Curtis

BA Anthropology 2008


Current job title and organisation

 Managing Director Ground Coffee Houses and Pharmacie Coffee Roasters

 
CV

2015-current: Founded Pharmacie Coffee Roasters – roasting speciality grade coffee wholesale and online; selling coffee equipment and other related paraphernalia

 2009-current: Founded Ground Coffee Houses in Kemptown – speciality coffee houses in Brighton and Lewes (3 in total)


Top Tip for current students
  • Read as much as possible, even if you think it’s not necessary – it will vastly improve your ability to contextualise your work
  • Exercise as much as possible – hit the trails on the South Downs, running or walking; make use of the gym facilities. It will improve your mental functioning and you’ll feel amazing.

 

Favourite memory of Sussex

Lounging about in the warmer months, reading on the lawns. I love the open spaces on the campus and access to Stanmer Park and The Downs

2017

Alex - PhD student, Sussex

Alex Ghionis

Degree

BA International Relations and Contemporary European Studies (08-11)
MA Geopolitics and Grand Strategy (12-14)


Currently

Doctoral Student, SPRU (Harvard Sussex Programme): “In a dynamic and unpredictable global system, how can the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons navigate its changing priorities whilst ensuring its continued success?”


CV

2014-16: Research Assistant at the Harvard Sussex Programme, project on data collection regarding chemical weapon allegations in Syria

2016-current: Impact-Tracking Data Administrator with the Research Quality and Impact unit in Falmer House. I train academics to use an online research impact tracker, and develop support material and guidance


Top Tip for current students
  • Bring your own coffee to uni
  • Remember that we are uniquely placed to actually make a difference in the world, so it might make essays and assignments a bit less boring if you keep that in mind

 

Favourite memory of Sussex

My favourite memory(ies) of Sussex is thinking about all times that I have tried to leave here. For some reason I keep being sucked back here for more degrees and jobs!

Amira - Escape the City

Amira Aleem

Degree

BA Anthropology and International Development 2012


Currently

Social Media Lead in Escape the City, giving everyone access to a 21st century career


CV

Worked in social enterprise and business models for international development, then tried my hand at a food waste prevention startup. Now I run social media accounts as well some freelance writing and research about social issues


Top Tip for current students

Do lots of different kinds of things. Instead of focussing on an area of interest, try focussing on getting better at a particular kind of work


Favourite memory of Sussex

Watching the fireworks in Freshers’ Week, with a boy I would later marry.

Juliet - Environment Agency

Juliet Amoruso

Degree and year

BA Geography 2015    


Currently

Planning Advisor at the Environment Agency


CV

Whilst completing third year dissertation gained valuable contacts with Brighton Housing Trust, also completed work experience with the Environment Agency. After graduating from Sussex completed an MSc in Urban Design in London and working in a full time position at the EA. Looking to pursue a career as an Urban Designer or Urban Planner.


Top Tips for current students

Work Experience is key, the more experience and skills the better!

Network Network Network…. Try to create contacts through events and dissertation research

Go for it! You’ll gain more experience in interviews, jobs application and career skills


Favourite memory of Sussex

Living in the brand new Northfields halls of residence + being a part of different societies + Field trip to Los Angeles

Kevin - Peace Direct

Kevin McCann

Degree

MA International Security (2014)


Currently

Research and Engagement Officer, Peace Direct


CV
Kevin studied French and politics as an undergraduate, and then spent a couple of years working in Spain. After completing an MA at Sussex, he moved to London, where he works for Peace Direct, supporting local conflict resolution organisations in war zones around the world.

Top Tip for current students

Networking isn’t hard – it’s just another way of saying ‘be nice to people’. So make sure you stay in touch with everyone you meet. You’d be amazed how quickly people turn up again in your professional life. And have fun. Work hard, but play hard as well.


Favourite memory of Sussex

Smoking a Cuban cigar with Clare Rogers to celebrate dissertation hand-in day.

Rosie - Anthesis Consultancy

Rosie Sibley

Degree

 BA Geography 2014


Currently

Community Manager Assistant, Anthesis consultancy group


CV

I studied Geography at Sussex. Whilst at University did two summer internships at Kent County Council and with the Church of England environment teams. Then began working at the Sustainability Consultancy, Anthesis on their partnership project with the Tesco. The Tesco Supplier Network aims to connect the supply base to help build a sustainable supply chain.


Top Tip for current students

There are great jobs out there where you can really can have positive impact. Look out for ways to build experience in what you are interested in.


Favourite memory of Sussex

Studying in the Global Studies Resource Centre

How to access careers support


Visit the Careers and Employability Centre website here to explore our full range of support and events.

Book a 1-2-1 careers appointment with Helena Joyce, the Careers & Enterprise Consultant with a special responsibility for Global Studies students via CareerHub.

For Careers and Employability Centre (CEC) general enquiries, contact careers@sussex.ac.uk