Danielle's story
My experience at Sussex pushed me out of my comfort zone, which played a crucial role in building my confidence and preparing me to tackle challenges.” danielle mclean
International Development with Criminology BA
“After graduating, I took a year off to travel before beginning my job search. Finding your first job after university can be daunting, so once I started looking for work, I made an appointment with the Careers team at Sussex to review my CV and receive career advice.
During our session, I learned that many international development careers start in fundraising. This insight was pivotal to me as it provided a clear starting point in what had felt like an overwhelming search; before that, I had struggled to understand where to begin or what types of roles even existed in the field of development.
Following their advice, I uploaded my CV to various job boards and began applying for roles. After some time, a recruiter contacted me about a programme assistant role at : having previously missed out on a job there, I was really happy to have a second chance. That first rejection had been tough to take, as I felt a strong connection to WeSeeHope and believed it was where I was meant to be, but the new position aligned with my interests even more than the original fundraising role I had applied for.
I am incredibly passionate about my role and deeply inspired by the amazing work that WeSeeHope does. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m proud to be part of an organisation making such a meaningful impact. We provide children in Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda who are vulnerable to isolation, exploitation and lack of opportunity with access to community-led education, child rights and economic empowerment programmes. Developed and delivered in partnership with a network of local NGOs, these programmes teach children skills to change their own futures including working with their families and communities to make sure they are supported along the way.
My time at Sussex provided me with valuable insights into the field of development such as the importance of sustainable and community-led programmes, while equipping me with essential skills that have been invaluable in my professional journey. The essay-focused nature of the course significantly enhanced my writing style, taught me how to efficiently locate and utilise resources, and improved my ability to skim and extract key information from extensive reading materials.
Additionally, my experience at Sussex pushed me out of my comfort zone, which played a crucial role in building my confidence and preparing me to tackle challenges in both my personal and professional life.
What would I tell my younger self? Trust your instincts, and believe in yourself and what you stand for. Remember that everything happens for a reason, even if the purpose isn’t clear at the time. Setbacks are a part of the journey, and it’s okay to feel upset when they happen. What matters most is picking yourself up, learning from the experience, and continuing to push forward toward your goals. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your dreams.”