We caught up with Callum MacLean, a dedicated alumnus sharing his inspiring journey from undergrad and postgrad studies here at Kent to a fulfilling career as an Emergency Programme Officer at CAFOD. Overcoming personal challenges and embracing academic opportunities, they reflect on the value of perseverance, passion, and the support received at the University of Kent.
Tell me a bit about yourself!
I did my undergrad at Kent in Conflict, Peace and Security and enjoyed it so much I stayed on to do an MA! I come from quite a non-traditional background e.g. socio-economic deprivation and was in my mid-twenties when I began so at times I felt like a fish out of water but it’s the best decision I ever made.
What made you apply to Kent?
Kent offering a conflict-specific degree was a big pull. Being able to further tailor my experience to my specific interests really helped me enjoy the course and get the most out of it. I was able to do modules in Arabic, in the Theology of Islam & Judaism and in Human Rights Law! Being interested in the content really helps keep you on track when you have multiple deadlines and things feel like they’re piling up a bit.
What are you up to now?
I work as an Emergency Programme Officer at CAFOD (Middle East at CAFOD). My role is the day-to-day management of the humanitarian response in Gaza. We’re a partner-based organisation so I work with local Gazan partners responding on the ground to design, implement and monitor interventions that support those who are suffering. Honestly, a lot of the job is emails, spreadsheets, meetings and reports but it also means I get to travel and spend time with partners and that I am constantly learning. This is essentially my dream job but it’s taken me many years to get here doing lots of different jobs that slowly built up the right skills and experiences.
When you first started your Master’s degree here, how were you feeling?
Both incredibly proud that I’d made it that far but also quite apprehensive that I’d bitten off more than I could chew! I didn’t do a dissertation at BA level so worried that I wouldn’t know where to start.
Fave thing about the course?
In the end it was actually the dissertation. Don’t get me wrong it was long, HARD work and I still can’t bring myself to re-read 6 years later but it felt like such an achievement, and it was so interesting seeing it through from start to finish. Being able to pick an area of interest and put your skills and knowledge to the test to create new knowledge was tough but rewarding. I had a really great supervisor who was knowledgeable, supportive and not afraid to challenge my assumptions and approach to help me do better.
Any stand-out memories from your time at Kent?
I’m going to go against the grain of the expected answer a bit here but bear with me. One of my strongest memories from my time at Kent is actually how ill my mum was and how isolating that felt at times. It’s important to acknowledge that students often have hidden struggles, and I share this for two reasons.
First, for anyone reading this who relates – know that you’re not alone. Talk to someone at the university. There are pastoral support staff, and provisions can be made to help you balance academic life with personal challenges.
Second, for those who don’t relate – be mindful of your friends and housemates. I had a reputation for throwing a lot of parties, and many wouldn’t have guessed what I was dealing with behind the scenes.
“University life can sometimes feel like a blur of socials, but making the effort to truly connect with people can lead to incredible lifelong friendships. Two of my uni friends will even be groomsmen at my wedding this summer!”
How was the careers/employability support at Kent?
Brilliant. The School of Politics and IR integrated employability into both courses and extracurricular activities. In one module, we had a series of talks from professionals working in conflict, including a diplomat, a journalist, a human rights protector, and even a soldier. It was invaluable in showing the many ways my degree could be applied.
My first job after university—as a policy and research assistant—actually came about thanks to my academic tutor. She sent me a job ad to consider that I’m not sure I’d have been brave enough to apply for on my own, but I worried about letting her down by not going for it… and it led me to where I am today!
What are you hoping to do next?
I’d actually like to stay in my current role for a bit. It was the one-year anniversary last week! I’m still learning so much about the sector and still building my relationship with our partners. I’m currently managing quite a large donor project that will run for another year so I’d like to at least see that out before thinking about what might come next.
Advice for your first-year self?
Three lessons:
- As soon as practically possible, get yourself a week ahead with your reading. Life is full of unpredictable ups and downs; breakups, family illness, work commitments – it’ll create a nice buffer so you don’t fall behind.
- Your lecturers/seminar leaders are academics and they love an academic chat (some very much so!). Take your essay plans and questions to their office hours, engage with them and get their help. It can feel a bit odd at first but you are part of an academic community with them. Use this resource!
- Use your gym membership!