The knowledge and skills gained throughout different courses were immensely useful, with the right balance of theory and practice, making it very helpful to implement on the job.
Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani
2007 - 2008 - MA Development Studies (Specialization: Governance and Democracy)
Name: Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani
Country: Pakistani
Organization: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Position: Head of UNICEF Seoul Office
Study at ISS: MA Development Studies (Specialization: Governance and Democracy)
Year of graduation: 2008
How did the study contribute to your career?
The study at ISS contributed a great deal to my career. First, it was an excellent learning platform where students (most of them with already professional work experience in the development sector) from all over the world brought an immense practical knowledge of realities and development solutions. Second, ISS has a credible reputation in the development sector as it is one of the few academic institutions that focuses solely on development studies. Third, and most importantly, the knowledge and skills gained throughout different courses were immensely useful, with the right balance of theory and practice, making it very helpful to implement on the job.
Would you recommend ISS to others interested in studying Development Studies
Without a doubt.
What was your overall experience at ISS?
It was one of the best experiences of my life, especially because of the people that ISS managed to attract to the Masters programme from all over the world – creating a sense of community – like a mini United Nations. We learnt as much outside the class room as inside the classroom. Now I have friends all over the world and I have met them in Africa, Europe, North America and Asia.