What’s your Project Everest story?

I started out as a Trekker in December 2016 for the inaugural month of project in Malawi. Since then I have team led and worked as a business consultant across several projects.

Why Project Everest?

There are very few opportunities for young people to meaningfully engage in the development stage. It’s quite special to be a part of a community of passionate, driven and talented individuals. It is truly exciting and motivating to be in such an environment.

What has been the most rewarding aspect?

It has an eye opening experience being able to immerse myself in not only the beauty of Malawi, but also the frustrating inefficiencies present in the country. I’d always thought about poverty and economic development from quite an academic perspective; but by engaging with local communities on a personal level, I have able to appreciate the pains and pressures more holistically and it has helped me realise a greater passion and drive to work in this space.

What is your one tip for a student applying for a Project Everest Internship?

Really have a think about why you want to work in this space – what is the underlying reason that you want to get involved? Things will get tough in country, and there will inevitably be roadblocks along the way. But if you really understand your underlying drive, it will give you direction and the ability to persevere through such blocks.

Where are you now? And where do you see your career taking you?

I am currently working as a Consultant in a management consulting firm called WPP Consulting. I hope to further develop my skills in consulting in the next few years, but I would ideally like to work in the development sector in the long run.