Higher education has always served two purposes for me. The first is learning and developing a deeper and more informed understanding of how the world works through my chosen discipline. The second is improving future career opportunities. As I progressed further into higher education, particularly in deciding to pursue a master’s degree and take on the associated financial cost, my priorities shifted increasingly toward the latter. This shift has given me time to clearly define my career aspirations and think carefully about where I want to go next.

Where I started, where I am at, and where I hope to be.

Before starting my Master’s degree journey at the University of Manchester, I worked in politics for the State of Oregon, in the United States. I first worked for a State Senator as an intern during my Undergraduate studies, but then moved on to a legislative assistant position with a different Senator after graduating. I also had a stint with the federal government, under Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Currently, as I work towards an MSc in Global Development, I am simultaneously working part-time as a junior fellow for a modern economic think tank based in the US, the MMT Project.

As I look to the future, I hope to secure employment that advances me beyond my previous position. This can be measured by more than just salary increase (although it is a crucial measurement), but also by the overall utility gained in enjoyment from the work I am doing. Overall, my career aspirations are to secure economically stable work that I enjoy, and in a lot of ways, I have already been able to achieve this. Before coming to Manchester, I now hope to push this further, whether that be as a senior staffer for an elected official in DC or as a lead researcher for an economic think tank. Now, how does one go about acquiring this? Here are a few lessons I have learned over the years that have gotten me

For me, the number one skill I have utilized throughout my professional career has been my ability to network in a way that leads to work. Each stage in my career, whether it be securing an internship or moving up to a legislative assistant, and even my current position now, has all been secured because of my ability to network and be personable with the people around me. I have found that half of getting hired is the ability to demonstrate that you are the kind of person that people want to be around. Yes, the resume and practical skills are important, but being able to show off who you are as a person with confidence. I have found that this can push you over the top as a candidate.

Overall, the Global Development (Politics and Governance) course and Msc degree have already greatly guided me to my aspiration because of all the new connections I am making while in Manchester. Whether this leads to securing work in the UK or leveraging the newfound knowledge and connections to secure better wages and more meaningful work back in the US, I am very excited for what is next.

Written by Vincent Flores.

Related