The Development Practices and Policies Programme at the Geneva Graduate Institute conducts an effects survey every four years to assess the programme’s influence on participants’ professional and personal development. While measuring the true impact of a diploma on an individual’s growth is challenging, we strive to design questions that accurately reflect this progress. In addition to the survey, we closely monitor the careers of our alumni and regularly receive updates on their achievements.

Mariapia Ngeze, who completed her Executive Diploma in Development Policies & Practices in 2022, recently reached out to share her insights on how the DPP Programme has significantly contributed to her professional development. Currently serving as a Governance Advisor at the British High Commission in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Mariapia highlighted several key skills she honed during the programme that have been pivotal in advancing her career.

Articulating my perspectives

I still have memories of our cohort and how we would discuss our different perspectives and experiences. It made me appreciate that there are many ways to explain a problem, and different people experience things differently. I have become a better manager and thrive as a coordinator in some areas of my work. I have learnt to appreciate others’ perspectives, share my perspectives with confidence and find a middle ground.

Analytical skills

DPPs approach to undertaking a thesis is very practical. Having Matteo Guidotti as my supervisor allowed me to think of the questions I wanted to answer, have an approach to solving them from the start, and professionally write my findings.

I have had to adapt my approach to meet the demands of my job, but the foundation started with my thesis. Recently, I reviewed an FCDO complex governance programme in Eastern Europe and received excellent feedback. Following this, I will soon be doing another similar exercise in Asia.

Communication skills

I can vividly remember that after I presented my thesis, Matteo told me it was good, but my presentation did not do it justice. This was a big lesson for me. Since then, I have honed my presentation skills. I have become more effective in digesting complex analytical work and presenting it to my audience depending on their level of interest in the matter, level of expertise, and decision-making responsibilities. For example, I recently digested complex analytical reports (about 1000+ pages in total), produced a 10-minute presentation to high-level stakeholders and was able to send key messages effectively. I later expanded it to a 30-minute presentation, allowing for technical deep-dive discussions. This sparked great interest in the subject, and I received excellent feedback for this work. Matteo would be proud of me!

Since participating in the DPP, I have recommended the programme to many of my friends and colleagues, as it was a transformative step in my professional development.

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Want to learn more about our Executive Programmes in Development Policies and Practices? Visit the programme page.