Ellen's story
What I learned at Sussex made me feel confident that I was bringing something unique to my job interviews.” ellen cormack
International Development with French BA
"My time at Sussex helped me to see the world differently – and to imagine the role I could play in changing it.
I first became involved with NGO in my final year. I’d heard of the growing global movement to make ecocide an international crime before coming to ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ, but it wasn’t until my final year that I felt motivated to take an active role. I felt ready to apply the skills I had developed through my studies and to gain meaningful experience in environmental advocacy.
I’m now co-lead of Stop Ecocide International’s student network, which means I’m responsible for uniting students involved in the cause, supporting their advocacy efforts and crafting effective strategies for their involvement. Leading a coalition of around 40 students has given me a lot of experience in managing a team and being able to take initiative.
A module with in advanced sustainable development brought me to the work of the STEPS (Social, Technological and Environmental Pathways to Sustainability) Centre which was founded to highlight, reveal and contribute to just and democratic pathways to sustainability.
Growing my understanding of inclusive approaches helped me to secure a six-month internship at the shortly after graduation. In my interview for the UN post, I asked how the organisation ensured every voice was heard. What I had learned at Sussex made me feel confident that I was bringing something unique by having these important critical thinking skills. Having studied this extensively I felt confident I could bring some new and valuable knowledge to my role.
I work to champion faith-based organisations as key players in promoting environmental sustainability; my role involves supporting the Faith for Earth Coalition’s youth council, which mobilises young people of faith worldwide to take action on climate justice and engage in key intergovernmental processes. Our youth leaders range from those supporting resilience efforts in climate-vulnerable regions to others working with their places of worship to reduce waste and plastic use.
I feel that Sussex’s forward-thinking approach and reputation for disruption will continue to help me in whatever my future career holds. As we're first in the world for Development Studies, Sussex attracts people who really care about this work, and we're home to some of the best academics in the field. This is where it is all happening.”