Adam Pitt - International Relations and Global Development
Despite its modest ranking in comparison with other universities, the University of Derby has given me the tools that I need to excel and has allowed me the freedom to use them in a way that has allowed me to pursue my career ambitions in full.
”Adam Pitt, graduate
Adam studied International Relations and Global Development and has been exposed to a world of opportunities.
What made you choose this course?
"When I started my degree at the University of Derby I could never have imagined the unique opportunities that would open up before me or the course that my life would eventually take after my graduation."
"Having always had an enthusiasm for understanding the complex world we live in and the reasons why nations and societies behave the way they do, I chose a degree that combined social and political science. I felt this would offer me the chance to explore my curiosities alongside my other great fascination - China. Although I only really developed an interest in China a few years before starting my degree, I knew that the degree programme that I took would need to put me in a strong position to be able to pursue a career there".
"Since my track record of studying languages suggested that my efforts might be put to better use elsewhere, I began looking at other alternatives. It was at this point that I became aware of the undergraduate degree programme in International Relations and Global Development at the University of Derby. Unlike other courses, I was excited by the field trips on offer to the Republic of the Gambia in West Africa and the United Nations Headquarters in Switzerland. This gave me certain reassurances that the University of Derby was committed to providing me with both the technical knowledge and practical experience that I would need to live and work in a developing country. And I can say that my trust has definitely not been misplaced".
What are you doing now?
"As a result I have now been living in China for almost two years. Together with my wife, whom I married during my second year of university, I spent a year teaching English in Shandong Province and Hunan Province, and later in Hebei Province. I was then offered an internship in the Partnership and Communications Team at the United Nations Development Programme in China (Beijing), where I have since been able to secure a long term contract as an International Communications Consultant".
"With so many graduates failing to find employment in their area of specialisation, I am fortunate to not only be able to use the skills I gained during my degree, but am gaining new training in communications and partnership building in one of the world's most influential development organisations".
"In turn, I have also been able to use the training I received at the University of Derby to gain employment with China Horizons - the company who first placed us in China, as Business Development Executive and as a Teacher Trainer. Through these roles I provide training and orientation to new teachers arriving in China, and work to improve corporate social responsibility".
Your time at the University of Derby
"As I reflect on the many memories that I have from my time at the University of Derby I realise that without the expert guidance that I received from dedicated staff and lecturers, none of this would have been possible. And by bringing together a range of students from diverse backgrounds I have benefited from an environment where like-minded students have been able to grow in confidence and knowledge".
"As I have also come to understand, a degree at the University of Derby is much more than gaining a qualification, it is about pushing boundaries and expanding horizons".
