A New Milestone: Starting my MSc Sustainable Development at UCD and Reflecting on the Academic Path that Led Here

“You can still wake up one day and find yourself living a life you never even imagined dreaming of.” – My first master’s degree thesis begins with a quote from a thoughtful gift, Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. During my fulfilling time at the United Nations, I kept bringing up getting a second graduate degree, but I didn’t know how I would end up here. Now, I am writing this post fresh out of a lecture that was presented by the “Mother of the SDGs”. This isn’t a case of random name-dropping (otherwise I would’ve dropped the name). Learning from experts in the field is the reason I chose the MSc in Sustainable Development at University College Dublin (UCD) and nowhere else!

As I worked on complex, multi-country policies and programmes in food security, social protection, humanitarian emergency response support, and developed business cases, I realised that key institutions had commendable sustainable development targets. The problem? Some institutions struggle with aligning or integrating these targets into their work, communicating these targets effectively, and attracting funding for their initiatives. The combination of my educational background in international studies, journalism, and now sustainable development qualifies me to address these pain points in the private, public, and international development sectors.

Master of Arts Degree in Journalism, Stellenbosch University

My first master’s degree taught me that education can be about chasing your curiosity. The truth is, I had decided that I wasn’t going to get a master’s degree unless it was fully funded. Then, when I received the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, I found myself looking inward and thinking deeply about what genuinely mattered to me. What did I want to spend two years exploring further? The dominant conversations at the time presented entrepreneurship as an enabler of Africa’s economic growth, so I researched how Africa’s largest business magazine reported on successful entrepreneurship in the African business environment. My curiosity led to some interesting conclusions; the summary is that opportunity, diversification, internationalisation, partnership, competition, technology, and mergers were framed as benefits of the African business environment, while governance, finance, economy, infrastructure, electricity, gender, and instability were framed as challenges of the African business environment. So how does one go from studying business reporting to working at the world’s largest humanitarian organisation? My first two degrees have something to do with that.

Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Journalism, Stellenbosch University

After spending my days employed at the digital news site, Stellenbosch Media Forum (formerly Matiemedia) as a Journalist and Subeditor, working as a Newsreader and Presenter at the campus radio station, MFM 92.6, while balancing my studies, I have earned the right to call this my professional and practical degree. I was wrapped up in sheer exhaustion as I put in long hours to fulfil the many practical demands of this programme, from producing podcasts and documentaries to conducting in-depth investigations and producing photostories, as well as publishing a magazine and a newspaper. I then capped off the degree with an internship at the South African Broadcasting Corporation, shadowing a brilliant journalist, voicing a podcast on national radio that reaches over 20 million listeners, and breaking stories, including one on the effects of drug use in a community. I was too deep in the trenches to see it then, but this degree, made possible by full tuition coverage from the Stellenbosch University Africa Scholarship for Excellence in Campus Involvement, has been one of the most valuable investments of my life. The skills I gained during my honours year meant I arrived at job interviews with a portfolio of practical capabilities to complement my theoretical knowledge. It also made me a versatile colleague, someone who could be trusted to work across departments and provide value beyond my core roles. These experiences proved invaluable in an international organisation where multiple teams and business areas work toward the shared goal of supporting vulnerable communities and building their resilience to shocks.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies (cum laude), Stellenbosch University

Riding the momentum from Model United Nations sessions, a Toastmasters Presidency, Full Colours for Public Speaking, Debate Club membership in high school, and a diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy and International Relations from the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy, I began my university journey studying what I was passionate about: International Studies. My interest in the subject matter naturally led to hard work and excellence, which were rewarded with a membership in the Golden Key Society and some much-appreciated tuition rebates. During this degree, I explored the historical context of global affairs, found my academic voice, and was exposed to the opportunities available in international development. Outside the world of lectures, assignments, and exams, I was a tutor, moderated Student Representative Council caucuses, and participated in on-campus leadership programs. It was the solid foundation I needed to succeed in advanced studies and professional pursuits.

To sum it up

We navigate the world and its many milestones, constantly asking what’s next, without taking moments to look back on the impressive path we’ve paved. There were some challenges along my academic path, and no doubt, other difficult experiences I can’t remember or won’t write about on the internet. This trip down memory lane has reminded me of the strength it took to get here. I know that same strength will carry me through my MSc in Sustainable Development. As I take this bold step to work toward the sign-off, “Alundrah Martina-Ann Dadirai Sibanda, BA, BAHons, MA, MSc”, my resolve to learn and do work that builds sustainable futures, work that matters, remains unshakable.