Kareen Urrutia Estevez

What have you been doing since finishing your studies? 

I have recently finished, so I am looking for internships in UK or a job back home. I would like to work on an international development organization or with cooperation programmes supported by donors such as embassies or other organizations in my country or Latin America.

What experiences at Leeds do you think in particular will help with your future career?

I think doing research for my dissertation and the fieldwork in Tanzania were very helpful to learn new things and face real-life challenges for doing research. The fieldwork in Tanzania was very good for learning about development programmes promoted in developing countries.

Looking back, why did you choose to study your particular course and why did you choose the University of Leeds?

I was interested in the fieldwork in Tanzania and studying with teachers such as Monica Di Gregorio and Dan O’Neill because I read about their international experience. I was also interested to get to know the Priestley International Centre for Climate which is based at the University of Leeds.
 

What was the best aspect of the course and why? 

I enjoyed the fieldwork in Tanzania the most. But every moment, since the induction until the last meeting with the programme leader were great. I felt supported and welcome at all times.

During the course I went to the different seminars and activities organised by the school which frequently invited other professors from other universities or researchers from governmental institutions. I learned a lot from them and it was interesting to do additional to my classes. There was also an English teacher available for international students in our school which was very useful, as were the skills@library workshops and 1-to-1 sessions.

What other activities outside of your studies were you involved in?

I was a Link to Leeds ambassador, where I took part in different activities like giving campus tours and helping with the international summer school from Japan.
 

What would you say to students thinking about studying the same course at Leeds or thinking about the same career?

To definitely chose the University of Leeds and the course. You will have fun and learn a lot on a very friendly environment. I would advise to take very seriously the programme from the beginning and make all your efforts for a good time management, in order to also enjoy from the various social activities and trips organised for us by the Union and Get out Get active.