The Development Practice suite of postgraduate Programs is very fortunate to have a rich and vibrant student community with students from many different countries and cultures. Our Alumni share some of their experiences about studying Development Practice at UQ.
If you're wanting to share your experience please get in touch with us at socialscience@uq.edu.au.
2. Carla Martinez - Chile
What was the most important thing you learnt/or most defining experience, you had while studying Development Practice at UQ?
- All the tools provided for participatory development have been key in my work experience. They have helped me conduct small and large workshops with different types of stakeholders and be able to identify common goals and a path forward with the community.
How did your study help you to get to your current role, and what does your current role involve?
- Currently I work with the Department of Primary Industries as a Senior Evaluation Officer, the Program Evaluation course was key in providing me with the tools to create program logics and develop sustainable development performance indicators. Other research courses also assisted my understanding of research basics. In my previous role, I worked in community development for 5 years. This role involved working with Indigenous Communities in Chile where I was able to apply all the participatory development tools, and be aware of the different social impacts that development interventions may have on a community.
What advice would you give to students in the same degree you studied?
- To stay connected, share your practice with fellow students and practitioners, create networks and never forget to listen to the community, work towards their empowerment!
What was the best thing about your Development Practice program?
- One of the highlights of my MDP program was the opportunity provided to conduct fieldwork with partnering universities, through the course I was able to help address a real case and context. Another highlight was the diversity of students, which allowed me to know how development work has been carried out in different contexts.