Mallory Hilkewich
Class of 2009 (Honours B.A.– International Development Studies)
My time studying international development at Trent brought so much understanding to my approach leaving school. It challenged the tunnel vision I had regarding the field of development and enabled me to see the diversity of its applications post University. Since graduating I have been able to apply both the hard and soft skills I learned. Though I would highlight that these are skills I learned both within and outside of the classroom as the faculty and school offer many extra opportunities that were integral to my personal development.
Through course offerings the faculty ensured students don’t just gain global context of development issues but practical skills to research, methodology and report writing. This skill building has been integral to my work outside of Trent in proposal writing and reporting within non-governmental, charitable and social innovation organizations.
The structure of lectures and discussions also increased my understanding and confidence in expression of topics related to development and simply being actively engaged as an employee. I have been working internationally in Kenya, Ghana and India as a facilitator of youth and educator groups. My capabilities as a facilitator to be present and critical were greatly enabled during the discussions professors created in class.
I believe most generally the degree really acted as a starting off point to connect me to the multitude of opportunities that exist within and outside of Canada. I came to understand that acting as a researcher wasn’t the only way to apply my degree and have thus had the pleasure to focus my current work around education of youth on international issues and their responsibility as global citizens. I am soon hoping to embark on a Masters in Social Work and can’t say thanks enough to the IDS Department and Trent for offering me the freedom to study with such passionate peers and professors alike.