Making Tough Choices

Prioritising different things in life is always tough and decisions made on the basis of priorities can either prove to be a milestone or a setback for personal and professional life in future. I have been in permanent employment with Government of Balochistan since May, 2011. When I look back at my decision of taking a career break from my job and attending IDS for MA program in Development Studies (2014-15), I feel contented. As the programme ended at the IDS and I returned to my country, Pakistan, I am happy that everyone, including those who disapproved my decision in the beginning, appreciated me for availing the opportunity of studying at this reputed research-based educational institution.

I take this moment to thank the whole team of the IDS Alumni for providing me with this opportunity. I have dreamt of studying in the United Kingdom and always looked forward for opportunities. Without the support of the IDS Alumni Scholarship, it would be difficult for me to come and study at IDS. My entire stay in the UK it was a great learning experience. I am highly grateful to the kindness and continuous support of the entire team of IDS including teaching staff, faculty members and others.

Building a Bespoke Learning Programme

The IDS offers a comprehensive range of subjects that affects the lives of the common people around the world. I really liked the availability of a variety of subjects and the opportunity to choose from the list of modules and tailor-make the selection according to ones needs and requirements. This flexibility was very helpful in enhancing my knowledge in those areas that are needed the most. I came from Balochistan, the most under-privileged, downtrodden and conflict-ridden province of Pakistan. My learnings from different courses such as Public Management and Organisational Development; Poverty Violence and Conflict; Democracy and Development; and Empowering Societies has greatly helped in understanding the key challenges in this regard.

Applied learning in practice

I feel that attending the IDS was a very pleasant experience and very rich in terms of learning. I not only benefitted from the classroom academic teachings but also from the rich multi-cultural experiences of fellows and faculty members who worked in different countries and shared their experiences with us. This has enabled me to look at different issues critically with a multi-dimensional lens. The peer learning has helped in understanding how different theories can be applied keeping in view the local dynamics as no single model is universally applicable.
 
After completing my programme at the IDS I resumed my services with Government of Balochistan as Zonal Director Levies Force for Mekran Division to serve the people. My IDS experience has greatly improved my performance in day to day business at my work place. I feel more confident in contributing my views on different issues related to bad governance, ways of eradicating poverty and conflict in the region. I am optimistic that the knowledge and skills I have gained at the IDS will be beneficial in working for organisational benefits and to uplift the living standards of the people in future.

Passing it Forward

I am taking with me a lot of rich memories of this great Institution and lovely people. Hence I once again thank the IDS Alumni for their help, support and cooperation in providing me a valuable chance to have an IDS experience. I will try my best to keep my commitment to continue my efforts in making this world a better place for human beings.

I am positive that the IDS Alumni team will continue to encourage and support educational ambitions of potential applicants around the world. In the end I assure that on my individual capacity I will do my utmost efforts to create a support base for IDS Alumni Scholarship Fund among my family, friends and colleagues so that this forum can continue to grow in order to support more and more individuals in their educational and professional development.

Why not read Mir's open letter on his arrival at IDS in 2014.


50% of Mir's fees were paid by the IDS Scholarship Fund.  To find out more about how you can support students like Mir at IDS please see our support us pages or contact the IDS Alumni Office.

You can also read blogs from the 2016/17 scholarship students Fia and Rebeca