The impact of studying a migration MA at Sussex

Recent MA students share their thoughts about how studying the MA in Migration and Refugee Studies or the MA in Migration and Global Development has had an impact on their career and personal development.

Sami

After studying at Sussex, I feel that I have a solid foundation for a wide-ranging career. I feel more confident now that I can work competently and intelligently in grassroots organizations, international agencies, or that I could continue further in academia. My volunteer engagements off-campus with groups supporting asylum seekers complimented my academic work and was personally rewarding and influential. My experiences with those groups greatly informed my choice of work post-Sussex.

Okan

On a personal level, the course enhanced my understanding of international migration processes through diverse case studies. Career-wise, it has opened doors to managerial positions in international organizations within the migration field. Currently, I am in the interview process for several such roles, highlighting the respectability of the migration course at the University of Sussex.

Mami

I have met wonderful course-mates and Professors who have inspired me so much and convinced me that this is the path I would like to pursue. We will be friends for life, and some may also become future colleagues. I’ve already had two Sussex alumni from the same year who came to work in the same UN office within only five months in Tokyo! We have kept in touch to catch up on life and to support each other in our careers.

Ana

This course has significantly enhanced my understanding of migration conditions in general, the conditions of refugees, and the myriad considerations at each layer. However, if one aspect has profoundly impacted me and my career, it's my mindset towards interpreting events. Thanks to the diverse readings and guidance, my critical and analytical thinking skills have truly flourished here. Furthermore, I've had the opportunity to develop my writing and research skills, which I thoroughly enjoyed throughout the process. Each professor has offered guidance that matures the process and develops our writing without intervening too heavily. These skills are directly applicable to my current work. For instance, despite being relatively new, I've already been entrusted with conducting qualitative mini-research and assessments on the cases of non-schooling refugee children in Makassar, Indonesia. The research I conducted for my dissertation is also being utilized to develop a program I'm currently involved in, focusing on the Labour Mobility Pathway (LMP). Moreover, the degree I obtained from Sussex has significantly contributed to advancing my career and securing my current position.