Bella May

Reflecting on her studies, Bella enjoyed all the core development modules and particularly benefited from choosing optional modules that appealed to her interests and curiosity.

“I really enjoyed studying a subject that intrigues me and motivates me to always learn more. As a core degree topic, I enjoyed learning about ‘power’ in development – the teaching used topical recent case studies to unpick different elements and layers of power, which was fascinating.

"A favourite optional topic was learning about politics and human behaviour around consumption and sustainability. We studied a wide range of topical issues, and considered sustainable behaviour change, and in particular how to scrutinise media sources.”

Bella completed her dissertation on a topic related to her fascination with understanding the dynamics between politics, livelihoods, and the environment in food production.

“I wrote my dissertation on the combined effects of government policy and private initiatives on smallholder palm oil farming in Indonesia. My research explored the corruption within the industry and the consequences this has for farmers and their families.”

Bella made great friends through her course and sports, which helped her balance studying and enjoying the social side of university.

“I was on the women’s rugby team, which kept me busy with socials and a game every week. Working out and having fun training with the team kept me going throughout university. It was an opportunity to just think about the training or games and de-stress during a busy week.”

The opportunity to do an integrated placement year within her degree was a big draw for Bella, and it led her to an exciting professional journey.

“I was lucky enough to secure a placement as an International Development Intern at DAI, a UK-based frontline international development company. As an introduction to being a professional it was great, as I was able to experience working in the office environment in a team, and remote working too. I made great contacts through this job and friends for life.”

However, the international development work that Bella was involved in was the highlight of her experience.

“I supported Project Managers with whatever they needed help with, meaning I got to work on a variety of projects and develop a range of skills. For example, I was involved with the quarterly reporting for the UK Department of Health and Social Care ‘Fleming Fund’ Project on antimicrobial resistance in animals and humans in the Asia-Pacific region.

"I also assisted with producing the weekly company-wide newsletter, which involved contacting colleagues in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia for project updates.”

Armed with her placement year experience, Bella successfully gained a further part-time remote working internship through DAI, which she completed during the final year of her studies at Reading.

“I was fortunate to be offered a role off the back of my placement as an Operations Assistant at the Centre for Disaster Protection – a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office sponsored project.

The project focused on disaster risk management, helping countries become better prepared for future disasters. I am proud of how I balanced studying and working which are both very important to my career.”

Reflecting on her work experience, coupled with her International Development degree, Bella adds:

“Working with a renowned development company such as DAI, gaining first-hand experience, I’m sure, will set me apart from future employers in the sector.

"While I’m still figuring out where I want to go next in my career, I am drawn to working within sustainability, but I also think that AI is going to play a large part in future development projects, so I am considering a master’s or work experience in this field too.”

Learn more about BSc International Development with a Placement Year

Read about life as an undergraduate in the Department of International Development