Yasmine
Tanjeer

Why NTU…

What inspired you to study your subject and what was your experience of studying your course at NTU?

Growing up in a country surrounded by conflict and unrest sparked my interest in policymaking, conflict prevention, and humanitarian support. I found myself drawn to understanding the complexities of these issues and felt a strong aspiration to pursue them as a professional career. After thorough research and reflection, I applied to my chosen course (International Relations), making it my top pick.

My experience at NTU was truly one of a kind. It was a journey of support, motivation, and transformation. During my three years at the university, I gained invaluable knowledge – not only through lectures and seminars but also through the friendships I built and the lessons I learned about adulthood.

The material for each module on the course was more interesting than the next. What I particularly appreciated was the diverse methods of assessment. Each module evaluated our knowledge differently, ranging from reports and group presentations to essays and other innovative techniques. These varied assessments helped me develop key skills, such as incorporating critical analysis into my writing and effectively prioritising information within word limits and space constraints.

The first year was particularly challenging. Having come from a different country, I had to adapt to a new academic culture, which included different writing and learning styles. However, the welcoming atmosphere at NTU and the dedication of the lectures made the transition much smoother. They went above and beyond to ensure students felt supported. The department organised workshops on citation and referencing to help us master these crucial skills and avoid losing marks unnecessarily. Lecturers were always approachable, offering one-on-one guidance whenever needed. These resources allowed me to develop new study techniques and refine my writing skills, making the following years much more manageable and enjoyable.

My second year coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant I had to return home and continue my studies online. While this was a challenging period, NTU provided all the necessary materials and resources online and worked hard to keep us engaged and connected.

Placement…

Did you complete any work placements or other work-like experience on your course? If so, tell us about your experience – where did you go, what did you do, did the skills you gained support your current role?

During my first year, I completed my required learning hours by attending workshops, learning sessions, and various activities designed to enhance my skills and knowledge. In my second year, we were required to complete working hours, which I fulfilled in Jordan due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I completed these hours at a shipping company, where I assessed their shipping policies and gained valuable insights into the work-life environment. During this experience, I also learned key administrative skills such as filing, inputting data, and scanning documents to be reviewed and sent to clients. These skills have been invaluable in my current role, as they have helped me become a fast thinking when addressing problems, efficient and thorough in data input, and highly organised when filing or archiving documents for various project.

Your graduate journey

What is your current job role? What does it involve? What was your journey post-graduation to where you are now?

My current role is Governance and Peace Team Assistant at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Jordan Country Office. In this position, I play a key role in supporting the implementation, delivery, and reporting of Governance and Peace (GP) project activities. This involves working closely with the team on initiatives related to social cohesion, human security, and other governance-related areas. My responsibilities include providing administrative support for governance and human security projects, drafting Terms of Reference (TORs), concept notes, and requests for proposals (RFPs), proofreading consultants’ research reports, and organising project documents. I also collaborate with other UNDP teams, such as communications and gender focal points, to ensure seamless support across different pillars.

The journey to my current role began after I graduated from NTU and completed my master’s degree in international security and Terrorism at the University of Nottingham in December 2023. After submitting my dissertation in August 2023, I returned to Jordan intending to take a short break before diving into job searching. During this period, I discovered an advertisement for a Gender Equality Internship at UNDP Jordan. Recognising it as a great opportunity to gain experience and enter the UN system, I decided to apply. I was fortunate to receive an offer and joined the team as an intern for what was initially a three-month placement, later extended to six months.

Following my internship, I was offered my current role as Governance and Peace Team Assistant by the Governance Team Leader. Over the past year, this role has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to UNDP’s projects while building my skills in governance, project management, and administrative coordination. It has been a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I am grateful for the opportunities that have shaped my professional growth so far.

Skills

How does the knowledge and skills you developed at NTU support you in your current role?

The knowledge and skills I developed at NTU have been instrumental in supporting me in my current role as a Governance and Peace Team Assistant at UNDP Jordan. During my time at NTU, I honed critical thinking and analytical skills through diverse methods of assessment, such as reports, group presentations, and essays. These varied approaches taught me how to prioritise information effectively, incorporate critical analysis into my work, and meet tight word limits – skills that are directly applicable to drafting Terms of References (TORs), concept notes, and proofreading reports.

Additionally, NTU’s workshops and learning sessions helped refine my academic writing and research skills, which are essential for preparing project documentation and ensuring the quality of governance and human security deliverables. The department’s emphasis on proper citation and referencing, along with the one-on-one support from lecturers, enhance my attention to detail – an invaluable asset when managing administrative tasks, such as filing, archiving, and data input for various projects.

My experience adapting to a new academic culture during my first year at NTU also prepared me for the adaptability required in my role. Working in a dynamic environment like UNDP demands the ability to learn quickly, think on my feet, and collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds – qualities I developed which navigating the challenges of studying abroad and engaging in group projects.

Overall, NTU equipped me with the academic foundation, practical skills, and professional mindset necessary to excel in my current role and contribute meaningfully to UNDP’s Governance and Peace initiatives.