Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

- Research;
- Advocacy;
- Campaigns;
- Social Media;
- Management of international interns;
- Grant proposal and fundraising initiatives;
- Capacity building of local staff.

In the morning I spend about half an hour monitoring the Burmese media identifying top news stories and interesting events in the human rights arena across the country. For the rest of the day I will prioritise upcoming deadlines. The week of writing this case study for example, we have a campaign launch the following week so I have spent a lot of my time finalising that; I have also had a grant proposal deadline looming on the horizon, and also writing open letters to influential people in Burma - i.e this week, to Burma's President: U Htin Kyaw.

I am extremely lucky to have had such an amazing opportunity come my way. I get to work in Thailand, five kilometers from the border of Burma, where I get to travel as part of the job. My colleagues are some of the most inspirational people I have ever met - the vast majority of whom are former political prisoners and have been subjected to human torment simply for voicing dissatisfaction at authoritarian and military rule. They have literally sacrificed their lives for a cause, and even post release continue to work towards a democratic country, continue to risk their lives for a cause - the role is very humbling and puts a lot into perspective regarding western privilege. I am further allowed and encouraged to suggest work and initiatives to work on and am trusted to complete my work independently.

The culture here is of course very different to the UK - while I have been in this context on and off for a couple of years sometimes the culture can be too foreign and hard to relate too - this can make the working environment occasionally difficult. My colleagues speak English incredibly well and day to day I have no significant issues however occasionally there are time where discussing an idea or topic is very difficult and can become frustrating.

Because for too long I took for granted the fact that my right to life, liberty and security of person was guarded because of the country I was by complete chance born into.

1) Research and writing skills
2) Critical Analysis/Thinking
3) legal analysis
4) Strong knowledge of international human rights mechanisms
5) Management

Undergrad (2:1) - 2009-2012
Masters (Merit) -2013-2014
Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Internship) - 09/14 - 12/14
Karen Human Rights Group (Research Fellow) - 01/14 - 07/15
Burma Campaign UK (Vol. researcher) 07/15 - 09/16
Advocates for International Development (A4ID) (Intern) - 01/16 - 03/16
A4ID - (Learning and Policy Officer) - 02/16 - 05/16)
A4ID - (Policy Officer) - 05/16 - 07/16)
Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Human Rights Officer) - 09/16 - Present

While I love the job I currently do, I am looking to move back to the UK by the end of 2017. My idea is to be working in an NGO / INGO in the UK (preferably on Burma issues) in a policy/advocacy position.

First: Unpaid internships are an unfortunate reality of the human rights world. This will eventually pay off, but it can be very de-moralising. Don't give up - the work is worth waiting for.

Second: If you want to undertake international work - research what it is you are going to do. DO NOT fall into the trap that so many do-gooders do and part take in extremely detrimental voluntourism. If you do not know what I mean - research it.