Prior to ODID, I studied International Development Studies and Social Anthropology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Studying development taught me to think global, act local. After leaving ODID, I knew I wanted to work in an industry that made a difference to people's lives. I started off working in charity sector operations but really missed doing primary research, which I was privileged to be able to do during the MPhil. My partner, a software engineer, told me about User Experience Research: a career which allows me to conduct primary research regularly, keep human beings and their needs at the centre of what I do, while also helping clients to improve their business practices and outcomes. I'm now a co-owner at a B-Corp certified digital agency called Torchbox, where our clients are almost exclusively charity and government organisations. I get to work on some important and meaningful projects for amazing clients every day (the coolest one to date was NASA!).

As a senior user researcher focusing on charity and government clients, my day-to-day work involves understanding the needs, behaviours, and challenges of the diverse clients we serve. I spend my time planning and conducting research activities such as interviews, surveys, and usability testing to gather insights directly from end users. Analysing both qualitative and quantitative data allows me to uncover key trends and pain points, which I then translate into actionable, human-centred design recommendations. I collaborate closely with designers, product managers, and stakeholders to ensure that our solutions are genuinely user-centred and meet the needs of the people who rely on them. My role is incredibly rewarding, as I get to see the real impact of my work – helping shape public services and charity initiatives that make a positive difference in people’s lives every day.

I chose the MPhil in Development Studies because I wanted to continue my studies in something interdisciplinary. I also wanted the opportunity to conduct fieldwork abroad, which was a fantastic and career-defining experience for me.

The biggest things for me were having studied something interdisciplinary, which has made me comfortable wearing multiple hats in my day-to-day work. The MPhil also gave me a strong foundation in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and the ability to put these into supervised practice during fieldwork. The hands-on learning allowed me to develop a deep understanding of various research techniques, and I find myself drawing on these lessons every day in my career. Whether I'm conducting interviews, analysing data, or collaborating with stakeholders, my ability to blend different approaches and adapt quickly to new challenges has been invaluable in my role.        

What I found particularly valuable at ODID was the incredible community – everyone there is so down-to-earth, and the staff genuinely make an effort to get to know students on a personal level. It’s a supportive environment where you feel seen and heard, and that makes a huge difference. I also really appreciated the funding that helped support my fieldwork; it allowed me to gain practical experience while reducing financial stress, which was invaluable to my learning. And I can’t forget to mention private Alpha Bar lunches – I was always very well fed!

OxPolicy. I also taught yoga at a yoga charity part time. 

My advice to current students would be to embrace the Oxford experience, even though it can be intense at times – remember to take a step back and enjoy the unique opportunities and community around you. Also, keep an open mind when thinking about your future career. Jobs are constantly evolving, and you may find the perfect fit in a place you never expected (I certainly didn’t imagine myself ending up in tech!). Focus on what genuinely excites you, and don’t be afraid to explore paths that might seem unconventional – you never know where they might lead.