MA Global DevelopmentMarsya Maiddin

What have you been up to since you graduated?

After finishing my Masters in Global Development at UEA, I spent a few months unemployed, as a stay-at-home daughter but found myself re-immersed in my passion for painting. Despite feeling the pressures of finding work, I went on to exhibit at local art galleries, volunteered to paint murals for Brunei's national day celebration, done a few paid commissions, and participated in several panels alongside other creatives in Brunei. I finally got the news about a job interview I did for the Brunei High Commission and accepted the job immediately. I settled in London after attending the graduation ceremony in July, and can confidently say that my time here so far has been very insightful and welcoming. I do a range of tasks, from providing detailed reports of changes in the UK's and foreign policy, drafting letters between the High Commission and relevant correspondents, writing situation reports on latest political news in the region, administering support for bilateral and multilateral events and meetings hosted at the High Commission, ushering Bruneian VIPs in London, and more. The last three months has been a very fulfilling and rewarding, and I look forward to opening doors for more opportunities that interest me in the future.

What was your ambition for your career when you started at UEA? Did you have a specific career path in mind?

Ironically, I dedicated most of my primary and secondary education in a tunnel-vision pursuit to becoming an architect. I pursued Maths, Art, and Design and Technology in my A-Levels, completed two internships at local architecture firms, and even got accepted to my dream architecture schools in Canada. But the pandemic signalled a different path for me. My father threw me a wild card and suggested studying International Relations in the UK after an unsuccessful attempt for a scholarship and contemplating other personal challenges. I went into UCAS clearing blindsided and uncertain about my future. It was an overwhelming period having to acclimate myself to the complete opposite end of the academic spectrum my younger self once worked so hard to achieve. I nevertheless embraced my parents' advice and pursued a Bachelor's degree in International Relations at the University of East Anglia (UEA) with an open mind. After a challenging first year online and away from home, I soon came to appreciate the significance of the course in shaping future global leaders and grew a newfound passion for international relations. Going into second year, I was already re-aligning my goals, interests, and habits to suit those of one a diplomat may be characterised with.

Tell me about your experiences studying at UEA?

During my bachelors' degree, I found that my personal growth was partly due to my extensive commitment to leadership roles across societies offered at UEA. I was elected President and Health and Security Officer of the Bruneian Society, Southeast Asian Society's Events Coordinator and Publicity Officer, while also doing Yoga and Volleyball. It was also during this time where I've gained invaluable experiences participating in UEA-funded overseas opportunities such as engaging in a panel discussion at the European Institute of Asian Studies in Brussels, alongside my professors, Ra Mason and Soul Park; a policy research placement on cycling infrastructure across the Netherlands accompanied by my supervisor Beth Derks; selected as a UEA representative participating in the European Student Assembly at the European Union Parliament in Strasbourg. Even through my Master's degree, I was able to expand my horizons, asserting my career aspirations to revolve more closely toward humanitarian communication and social research. The Development Work Placement the UEA DEV School offered was an incredibly practical module, helping me complete a 9-week internship at WaterAid, as their Community Voices assistant. I was also able to attend the exclusive Summer School hosted by the Association of Town and City Management in Glasgow before my placement began, which helped me gain a better understanding of the Net-Zero urban-planning initiatives the UK were innovating.

I'd say that my most memorable highlight studying at UEA was taking the Beginners Japanese module in my second year. I connected with the students very closely and a favorite core memory was going to some free Japanese film showings at Cinema City with them.

Did you participate in any Societies or Sports clubs? Did this influence your outlook?

I definitely think my roles as President and Health Security Officer of the Bruneian Society, and as Events Coordinator and Publicity Officer for the Southeast Asian Society was influential to where I am now. I surely would not have met such wonderful and hard-working people if I did not join the societies at a more managerial level. They refined my organisation and communication skills to a high standard, supporting me in preparation for working at the High Commission. I became more confident in being reliable to my committee members, public speaking, managing projects, and coordinating logistics for social events. Having to learn my way through the leadership commitments at the societies (somewhat) independently, I felt less afraid to take risks, fail, and try again in other 'real-world' situations.

In your career what key tasks & skills are involved on a day-to-day basis, and what are/have been the most rewarding/challenging aspects?

At the Chancery department, I am responsible for providing administrative support, drafting political research reports, managing incoming and outgoing documents, and analysing political affairs in the UK, Ireland, and Iceland. I also work on hands alongside the Protocol department, accompanying diplomatic officers, at relevant posts, ushering VIP officials, and preparing for various multilateral meetings amongst different consulates (i.e. ASEAN) in London.

The most rewarding aspect is the diverse learning environment I am in at the office, as each day is never quite the same. My three months here has so far been very interesting and useful in broadening my knowledge in this industry. On the other hand, I definitely do feel the disadvantages being away from home and having to start fresh in a different city. It has been quite challenging transitioning to where I am now but I'm grateful to remind myself how my previous experiences at UEA has allowed me to stay resilient and positive in difficult times.

Has your degree influenced your career?

My degrees has influenced my career massively. I feel much more informed about history, international politics, bureaucratic systems, global injustices, and contemporary development than I would have if I otherwise decided to do architecture. Critical learning of these overlapping disciplines have also subconsciously led me to practice more virtuous and sustainable habits in everyday life such as mindful eating, and supporting second-hand fashion stores.

Furthermore, I feel more confident in doing quantitative and qualitative research to a high standard. I'm able to write policy briefs, engage audiences actively through developing my speech-writing skills, prepare successful interviews, manage site visits, and proliferate meaningful group projects.

What personal or professional achievement are you most proud of?

In my Masters module, Project Design and Management with Helen Campbell Pickford, myself and four other team members presented a group project proposal designed to elevate Ugandan Civil Society Organisations in the agriculture and education sectors. The module challenged our group in drafting and producing a development program in five months. This involved a program that aimed to emphasise the importance of grassroots organisations via servicing technical and systematic capacity-building mentorship and training workshops to ultimately empower CSOs to be better positioned in securing government grants and international funding. I thoroughly enjoyed the creative aspect of this module, where I supported the team in designing a webpage, a Gantt chart, and our TOC diagram.

Additionally, on a more personal note, I was proud of being a part of the Decolonising HUM Symposium project where I was commissioned to make a series of paintings focused on the theme of 'Decolonisation: The Other History'. This was the first time I was paid to paint, and where I had to present others the story and meaning behind my paintings. It was a truly awe-inspiring and sentimental moment to share this collective narrative with other students at UEA. This project also showed me how much my creative talents are valued, and how they impact other people's lives.

What were your experiences of Norwich as a city? Is there anything in particular that you miss or have fond memories of?

I love Norwich as a city, it felt very convenient for me and I found a lot of comfort living there. I loved how luscious the environments were, and how welcoming the people are there. Of everything in Norwich, I miss the home-y meals sold at Taste of Shanghai located in the Norwich Market. Shoutout Uncle Alan.

Would you recommend studying at UEA? Why?

Yes, because there is so many opportunities and so much freedom to express yourself and strive for a future you desire. At the same time, there was a lot of peace, that I don't think living in London can offer. Because of the friendly and welcoming people I had in my first year, I felt like I adjusted to living in a different country easier than I expected. UEA was also diverse in people that you can easily make friends with, I am thankful to know that some of my longest-standing friendships are with my housemates in my Masters year. Shoutout Bat and Shoey! I also really enjoyed attending gigs at the LCR. Suffice to say that going to UEA was a fulfilled adventure, and I have no regrets!

Is there any advice you would give to current students, wishing to follow a similar career path to you?

My advice is to harness your curious self and do more. Showing up for yourself is the best thing you can do. Trust the process, reach out, and don't be afraid if your path changes completely. The world is your oyster and your are limitless!

What is next for you?

Stay working at the High Commission in London until my contract ends, while simultaneously find ways to make my art more seen. Looking to apply to international organisations such as United Nations or the Commonwealth Secretariat afterward