If you value a universally diverse atmosphere, are not just able but thoroughly enjoy debating and learning from controversial opinions, and can empathise deeply, ISS might just be for you.
Niyati Pingali
MA - major Governance and Development Policy (GDP)
Name: Niyati Pingali - Singapore
Major: Governance and Development Policy (GDP)
Your background/experience:
I recently did a count and realised that the Netherlands is the sixth country I've lived in. What's amazing though, is that every single country has overlapping problems, questions, and situations whether it's first or third world. I graduated from the University of Queensland with a BA in psychology before working for almost seven years first in advertising and later in social investment for Shell Singapore. This job in Singapore connected me with the less advantaged and made me realise the ease with which individuals, corporations and countries could be doing more to develop societies and livelihoods without compromising on financial security or cultural foundations. When I learned about ISS I realised I'd found a community that would question things the way I do.
What major are you in and why did you choose this major?
Selecting Governance and Development Policy (GDP) was a no-brainer. In my mind development is as much about understanding and empathizing with societies’ needs as it is about knowing how to develop systems of change, or understanding who holds the power and how they can potentially use it.
Why did you choose to study at ISS?
It started because I am not academically inclined and so was looking for great schools that don't require high grades to enter, and after reading more and more about ISS via the website, LinkedIn and Facebook pages, the kinds of discussions that were taking place, articles being written and research being done, and the kinds of jobs graduates were getting firmly swayed my decision to have ISS be my first choice. I only applied for two schools, and when ISS offered me a place there was no question I would take it.
What are your future plans after you have graduated?
Ambitiously I would love to go back to the corporate world in a large firm or consultancy with the possibility of global impact development, ideally working on strategies for local development within the company.