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    <title>Alumni profiles</title>
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      <title>Sean Finch, BA International Relations with Political Science (2012)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/finch-sean.aspx</link>
      <description>I would advise those looking to study in POLSIS to make the most of the broadness of the subject as it gives you so many options and avenues to pursue your interests. Make the most of the specialisms of staff members and don't be apprehensive about asking them for help. The department is really supportive and can help you achieve your degree goal.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Riona Mulherin, BA International Relations with Political Science (2012)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/mulherin-riona.aspx</link>
      <description>Studying International Relations with Political Science gives a brilliant insight into how the world works; it shows you how politics, history, geography, economics, ethics and law are all interconnected at an international level, and the course allows you to look in close detail at all of these topics. I personally really enjoyed modules relating to economics and international development, and the great thing about this course is that you are encouraged to follow these interests.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Nancy Gray, BA Political Science (2012)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/gray-nancy.aspx</link>
      <description>To those looking to study Political Science, I would definitely recommend attending all the different career events held by both the department and the Politics Society; they are worth heading along to. Also, read the emails circulated, it is how I found this internship!</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Video: Pyone Kyaw, MSc International Development Department (2012)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/kyaw-pyone.aspx</link>
      <description>Pyone Kyaw describes her experience of studying an MSc in International Development at the International Development Department, University of Birmingham during her recent graduation.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:19:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Video: Anthony Gething, MSc Public Administration and Development by distance learning (2012)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/gething-anthony.aspx</link>
      <description>Anthony Gething describes his experience of studying an MSc Public Administration and Development by distance learning at the International Development Department, University of Birmingham during his recent graduation.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Video: Erik Fredrikson, MA International Relations (Terrorism and Political Violence) (2012)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/fredrikson-erik.aspx</link>
      <description>Erik Fredrikson describes his experience of studying an MA International Relations (Terrorism and Political Violence) at the Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham during his recent graduation.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Video: Chris Woods, Msc Development Management (2012)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/woods-chris.aspx</link>
      <description>Chris Woods describes her experience of studying an MSc in Development Management at the International Development Department, University of Birmingham during her recent graduation.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Video: Leisl Algeo, MSc Poverty, Inequality and Development by distance learning (2012)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/algeo-leisl.aspx</link>
      <description>Leisl Algeo describes her experience of studying an MSc Poverty, Inequality and Development by distance learning at the International Development Department, University of Birmingham during her recent graduation.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Video: Andrew Reid, MA Social and Political Theory (2012)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/reid-andrew.aspx</link>
      <description>Andrew Reid describes his experience of studying an MA Social and political Theory at the Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham during his recent graduation.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <category>sociology</category>
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      <title>Video: Anna Townsend, MSc Poverty, Inequality and Development by distance learning (2012)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/townsend-anna.aspx</link>
      <description>Anna Townsend describes her experience of studying an MSc Poverty, Inequality and Development by distance learning at the International Development Department, University of Birmingham during her recent graduation.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Video: Maria Anna Belka, MSc Development Management (Public Economic management and Finance (2012)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/maria-anna-belka.aspx</link>
      <description>Maria Anna Belka describes her experience of studying an MSc in Development Management at the International Development Department, University of Birmingham during her recent graduation.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Video: Ingrid Daude van Troastwÿkrik, MA Politics and Religion (2012)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/ingrid-daude-van-troastwÿk.aspx</link>
      <description>Ingrid Daude van Troastwÿk describes her experience of studying an MA in Politics and Religion at the Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham during her recent graduation.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Kamna Patel, International Development (PhD)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/patel-kamna.aspx</link>
      <description>I've gained two really important things directly related to my current career from my studies at Birmingham. The first is a thorough knowledge of the research process and approaches to research. The second is the exposure to teaching masters students I gained by acting as a PGTA and as a tutor on IDD's distance learning programme. Without this combination of teaching experience and a solid grounding in research, I would not have been prepared for the challenges in my new role.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Video: Christophe Laarman, MSc Contemporary Russian and East European Studies (2011)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/russian-east-european-studies/alumni/profiles/christophe-laarman.aspx</link>
      <description>Christophe Laarman describes his experience of studying an MSc in Contemporary Russian and East European Studies at the Centre for Russian and East European Studies, University of Birmingham during his recent graduation.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Aug 2012 12:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Video: Katherine Tonkiss, PhD Local Government Studies (2012)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/alumni/profiles/tonkiss-katherine.aspx</link>
      <description>Katherine Tonkiss describes her experience of studying a PhD in the Institute of Local Government Studies, University of Birmingham during her recent graduation.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Video: Claire Kueh, MSc Public Management (2012)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/alumni/profiles/kueh-claire.aspx</link>
      <description>Claire Kueh describes her experience of studying a MSc in Public Management at the Institute of Local Government Studies, University of Birmingham during her recent graduation.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/alumni/profiles/kueh-claire.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/alumni/profiles/kueh-claire.aspx</guid>
      <category>pgalumni</category>
      <category>public management</category>
      <category>masters</category>
      <category>Masters degree</category>
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    <item>
      <title>Video: Alyson Nicholds, PhD Local Government Studies (2012)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/alumni/profiles/nicholds-alyson.aspx</link>
      <description>Alyson Nicholds describes her experience of studying a PhD in the Institute of Local Government Studies during her recent graduation.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/alumni/profiles/nicholds-alyson.aspx" />
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      <category>phd local government studies</category>
      <category>pgalumni</category>
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    <item>
      <title>Sippi Azarbaijani-Moghaddam, MSocSc in Rural Development (1996)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/alumni/profiles/sippi-azarbaijani-moghaddam.aspx</link>
      <description>Sippi has worked for many years as a consultant and country expert on Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. From informing the military and UK Ministry of Defence to defending Afghan women's rights both before and during the reign of the Taliban, Sippi spent 16 and a half years working both in Afghanistan and all around the world imparting her wisdom on Afghan politics, development and culture.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Jun 2012 16:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/alumni/profiles/sippi-azarbaijani-moghaddam.aspx" />
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      <title>Video: Kate Barry, BA Law with Politics (2001)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/barry-kate.aspx</link>
      <description>Just remember how much you've been given and how much you know and remember how difficult it was at the beginning for you to understand all those weird concepts and the theories and political views and ideas and how you've managed to translate them and how that will help you in being a voice and an advocate for other people because it's invaluable having people who can speak for other people because not everyone can do that.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/barry-kate.aspx" />
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      <category>ugalumni</category>
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      <title>Video: Adrian Bradley, BA Political Science (2003)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/bradley-adrian.aspx</link>
      <description>My main piece of advice is make the most of your time.  What you get out of being at university, the degree is the hygiene factor that will make sure your application is read but no more than that.  What you get out of the university is all these experiences that you can have while you're here and the CV you can build...</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <category>ugalumni</category>
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      <title>Video: Derek Lowe, BA Political Science (1976) and MA Social Science (1980)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/lowe-derek.aspx</link>
      <description>Get the most out of it when you're here and get the most out of it in terms of your course, make sure you engage with the teaching staff and get the most out of your tutors and your friends, enjoy the social side of things but really focus on where you want your degree to lead to...</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/lowe-derek.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/lowe-derek.aspx</guid>
      <category>ugalumni</category>
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      <title>Video: Chris Richardson Wright, BA International Relations (2011)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/richardson-wright-chris.aspx</link>
      <description>The best thing for me was the opportunities that I got in my extra-curricular activities. I made full use of the opportunities available in the students union and I really enjoyed all of the work I did in charity fundraising, volunteering and events management as well.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/richardson-wright-chris.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/richardson-wright-chris.aspx</guid>
      <category>ugalumni</category>
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      <title>Raam Thakrar, BSocSco International Studies with Politics (1998)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/thakrar-raam.aspx</link>
      <description>Really think through what you want to do – and where career choice overlaps with intellectual interest and skills. And importantly the amount of money you want to earn.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/thakrar-raam.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/thakrar-raam.aspx</guid>
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      <title>Elena Lynch, BA Sociology (2011) with International Study Year</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/lynch-elena.aspx</link>
      <description>What I found most beneficial about taking the course was the ability to study a wide range of issues that have, and arguably still do, affected our daily lives. For example, I found the study of multiculturalism particularly interesting especially whilst living in as culturally diverse a city as Birmingham.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/lynch-elena.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/lynch-elena.aspx</guid>
      <category>alumninews</category>
      <category>sociology</category>
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      <title>Video: Dominic Morris, MA International Political Economy of Development (2008)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/morris-dominic.aspx</link>
      <description>I work as a consultant for a consultancy in Bristol. We work with the British Government across DIFID and the foreign office and the Ministry of Defence in the Security and Justice arena and the stabilisation agenda at the moment.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/morris-dominic.aspx" />
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      <title>Video profile: Caroline Littlewood, MSc International Development (Urban Development)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/littlewood-caroline.aspx</link>
      <description>What I enjoyed most I guess was first of all studying within a really international range, being able to work with students from all over the world. Also what I really liked about the IDD programme is that it allows you to do the research for your dissertation abroad so it's combined with very hands on field research which was really the deciding point for me why I choose this degree</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Charlotte Barnard, BA Sociology (2011)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/barnard-charlotte.aspx</link>
      <description>Sociology has developed my way of thinking. Before I used to look for answers that were matter of fact and obvious, but Sociology taught me to 'think outside the box' and explore my own logical interpretations and challenge others.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/barnard-charlotte.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/barnard-charlotte.aspx</guid>
      <category>ugalumni</category>
      <category>sociology</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Abi Gill, BA Sociology (2010)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/gill-abi.aspx</link>
      <description>The teaching quality is outstanding and staff go out of their way to support students throughout their degrees and also beyond with applications for jobs and further study. Crucially, studying Sociology develops the transferable skills that graduate employers desire in their applicants and the fact that Birmingham is a Redbrick has really advanced my career and further education options.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/gill-abi.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/gill-abi.aspx</guid>
      <category>alumninews</category>
      <category>sociology</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Video profile: Zainab Usman, MSc International Development (International Political Economy and Development)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/usman-zainab.aspx</link>
      <description>There were so many things I had learnt in my undergraduate degree but then as I was doing my Masters doing my research. It's like my brain was expanded I got to learn so much about so many different things, I met a lot of incredible people from all over the world, it was amazing. The people, the staff, my fellow students the close nit environment, all those counted.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/usman-zainab.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/usman-zainab.aspx</guid>
      <category>pgalumni</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Video profile: Virginie Lacroix, MSc International Development (Governance and Statebuilding)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/lacroix-virginie.aspx</link>
      <description>I choose to study at IDD mainly because they have Governance and State-building specialisation. They teach a lot about conflict and post-conflict it's one of the best schools for international development in the UK and it's very good for governance and civil servant management and that's what I was looking for so that's why I came here.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/lacroix-virginie.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/lacroix-virginie.aspx</guid>
      <category>pgalumni</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Veronika Fafienski, BA Sociology</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/fafienski-veronika.aspx</link>
      <description>Studying at The University of Birmingham has been such an exciting and rewarding experience. When I first arrived, I was instantly captivated by the campus atmosphere. All the things you need as a freshly baked student – department, the library, student union and all the friends you made along the way – were in one place. Of course everyone is unique but for my part I can say that at Birmingham I have been able to set the foundations for both career and personal development.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/fafienski-veronika.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/fafienski-veronika.aspx</guid>
      <category>alumninews</category>
      <category>sociology</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Laura Greaves, BA Sociology (2010)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/greaves-laura.aspx</link>
      <description>The sociology programme was challenging especially when tackling the theoretical aspects of the course. However the broad choice in interesting and relevant topics such as, Gender and Sexuality, and Family, kept the theoretical side of study contemporary and most importantly interesting.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/greaves-laura.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/greaves-laura.aspx</guid>
      <category>ugalumni</category>
      <category>sociology</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sundeep Johal, BA Sociology (2010)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/johal-sundeep.aspx</link>
      <description>What made this programme stand out for me was the dedication of the lecturers which helped further strengthened my passion for the subject. The knowledge and support I gained from lecturers was priceless and provided me with an ideal foundation for my chosen career: social work. This course is ideal for anyone with the desire to question the taken-for-granted aspects of society and will be sure to challenge and stimulate the mind."</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/johal-sundeep.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/johal-sundeep.aspx</guid>
      <category>ugalumni</category>
      <category>sociology</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rosie Jennings, BA Sociology (2010)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/jennings-rosie.aspx</link>
      <description>I found that the course gave you a lot of freedom to tailor your own learning. There were a lot of module options to choose from as well as the core subjects in sociological theory. As a result the knowledge I got from the course was balanced and of interest to me personally.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/jennings-rosie.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/jennings-rosie.aspx</guid>
      <category>sociology</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Alessandro Capozzi, BA International Relations (2010)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/capozzi-alessandro.aspx</link>
      <description>"Birmingham is a hugely diverse university with students from every corner of the world with unbelievable experiences and different motivations for coming to Birmingham."</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/capozzi-alessandro.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/capozzi-alessandro.aspx</guid>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk%2fImages%2fcollege-social-sciences-only%2fgovernment-society%2falumni%2fcapozzi-alessandro-Cropped-100x100.jpg" />
      <category>ugalumni</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Marie Houdart, MA International Studies (International Political Economy) 2010</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/houdart-marie.aspx</link>
      <description>"The POLSIS has great modules and great teachers who are available and here to support you in your studies and the search of jobs afterwards. The classes are very interesting and since we are not many, there is a great space left for debates."</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/houdart-marie.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/houdart-marie.aspx</guid>
      <category>pgalumni</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Annie Tickell, BA International Studies and Political Science (2009)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/tickell-annie.aspx</link>
      <description>"I would definitely recommend Birmingham to any prospective student because I had such a fantastic time there. The opportunities you have as a student are endless and Guild really does have something for everyone. Studying politics was incredible because the course was so structured and the teaching was exceptional."</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/tickell-annie.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/tickell-annie.aspx</guid>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk%2fImages%2fcollege-social-sciences-only%2fgovernment-society%2falumni%2ftickell-annie-Cropped-100x100.jpg" />
      <category>ugalumni</category>
      <category>alumnihighlight</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Laura Harris, BA Political Science (2009)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/harris-laura.aspx</link>
      <description>"The best points of the course was the choice of modules in second and particularly third year and the level of support you could get from the lecturers before essay hand in and exam time – I really enjoyed being able to take place in open but informed discussions during every seminar as well and that for me was the best part of studying politics"</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/harris-laura.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/harris-laura.aspx</guid>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk%2fImages%2fcollege-social-sciences-only%2fgovernment-society%2falumni%2fharris-laura-Cropped-100x100.jpg" />
      <category>ugalumni</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Beth Saffer, BA Russian Studies (2009)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/russian-east-european-studies/alumni/profiles/saffer-beth.aspx</link>
      <description>"The Russian department! It was a great place to study, a very supportive environment and lovely people. I got on with everyone on the course and have some fantastic memories."</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/russian-east-european-studies/alumni/profiles/saffer-beth.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/russian-east-european-studies/alumni/profiles/saffer-beth.aspx</guid>
      <category>ugalumni</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Steven Pitt, MSc Public Management</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/alumni/profiles/pitt-steven.aspx</link>
      <description>This position became an opportunity for him through his work on the Graduate Scheme and was too good an opportunity to turn down. Although he has left the scheme, Steven is still funded to complete his part-time postgraduate study – a Masters in Public Sector Management at the University of Birmingham.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/alumni/profiles/pitt-steven.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/alumni/profiles/pitt-steven.aspx</guid>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk%2fImages%2fcollege-social-sciences-only%2fgovernment-society%2falumni%2fpitt-steven-Cropped-100x100.jpg" />
      <category>pgalumni</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Simeon Whittingham, MSc Public Management</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/alumni/profiles/whittingham-simeon.aspx</link>
      <description>When the chance to apply for the graduate management programme came up, Simeon decided this would be a very good way to broaden his general experience of local government as the scheme allows you to do three placements over 12 – 18 months and funds a Masters course in Public Sector Management. The postgraduate study he is doing is paid for by the Council and he is undertaking this on a part time basis at the University of Birmingham.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/alumni/profiles/whittingham-simeon.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/alumni/profiles/whittingham-simeon.aspx</guid>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk%2fImages%2fcollege-social-sciences-only%2fgovernment-society%2falumni%2fwhittingham-simeon-Cropped-100x100.jpg" />
      <category>pgalumni</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Caroline Davis, MSc in Public Management</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/alumni/profiles/davis-caroline.aspx</link>
      <description>The MSc in Public Management is paid for by the Council, but still involves time spent outside of work to keep up with the work. Caroline feels a scheme such as the one at Birmingham, gives a variety of experience in the breath of placements available to you.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/alumni/profiles/davis-caroline.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/alumni/profiles/davis-caroline.aspx</guid>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk%2fImages%2fcollege-social-sciences-only%2fgovernment-society%2falumni%2fdavis-caroline-Cropped-100x100.jpg" />
      <category>pgalumni</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Jemma George, BA Sociology (2008)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/george-jemma.aspx</link>
      <description>Birmingham is a fantastic and vibrant city.  The University campus is just two stops away from the city centre so it's brilliant if you want to explore the area. The University Main Library hosts most of the Social Sciences material and is an excellent resource for students. My fondest memories were being part of the Social Sciences Society and getting to organise events and nights out for SSS members.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/george-jemma.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/george-jemma.aspx</guid>
      <category>ugalumni</category>
      <category>sociology</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ben Nunn, Political Science BA (2008)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/nunn-ben.aspx</link>
      <description>"There is a great atmosphere around the campus and Birmingham, as a city, is fantastic. On top of this, the POLSIS department is really well established and has a great course to offer."</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/nunn-ben.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/nunn-ben.aspx</guid>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk%2fImages%2fcollege-social-sciences-only%2fgovernment-society%2falumni%2fnunn-ben-Cropped-100x100.jpg" />
      <category>ugalumni</category>
      <category>alumnihighlight</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sarah Kelleway, BA Political Science (2008)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/kelleway-sarah.aspx</link>
      <description>"I frequently recommend Birmingham to my students when I know they are very sociable individuals, and would do well in a large university. I always comment on the range of societies and activities available, many of which I took part in myself. I also emphasise what a fantastic city Birmingham is."</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/kelleway-sarah.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/kelleway-sarah.aspx</guid>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk%2fImages%2fcollege-social-sciences-only%2fgovernment-society%2falumni%2fkelleway-sarah-Cropped-100x100.jpg" />
      <category>ugalumni</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Katie Ramsay, BA Sociology (2007)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/ramsay-katie.aspx</link>
      <description>I am still fascinated by sociology and my love for travel has been greatly enhanced by my sociological background.  I spent one year driving through Africa and often found myself dissecting my experiences and surroundings in a sociological way.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/ramsay-katie.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/ramsay-katie.aspx</guid>
      <category>ugalumni</category>
      <category>sociology</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Concy Aciro, MSc Poverty Reduction (2007)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/aciro-concy.aspx</link>
      <description>Concy Aciro is an opposition MP in the Ugandan Parliament and is involved in peace talks between the government and the Lord Resistance Army rebel group to resolve the long-running armed conflict in Northern Uganda.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/aciro-concy.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/aciro-concy.aspx</guid>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk%2fImages%2fcollege-social-sciences-only%2fgovernment-society%2falumni%2faciro-concy-Cropped-100x100.jpg" />
      <category>pgalumni</category>
      <category>alumnihighlight</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Maya Atwal, MSc Contemporary Russian and East European Studies (2007)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/russian-east-european-studies/alumni/profiles/atwal-maya.aspx</link>
      <description>"I wished to broaden my knowledge of the region to include comparative politics in the region alongside continuing to develop my Russian language skills in a centre that was renowned for its research excellence in Russia and Central and Eastern-Europe."</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/russian-east-european-studies/alumni/profiles/atwal-maya.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/russian-east-european-studies/alumni/profiles/atwal-maya.aspx</guid>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk%2fImages%2fcollege-social-sciences-only%2fgovernment-society%2falumni%2fawal-maya-Cropped-100x100.jpg" />
      <category>pgalumni</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Katra Sambili, MSc International Development (2007)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/sambili-katra.aspx</link>
      <description>"The best thing about the International Development Department (IDD) was the wonderful global environment in which we learned and relished the freedom to add to the development discourse through our experiences as representatives of our respective countries and continents."</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/sambili-katra.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/sambili-katra.aspx</guid>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk%2fImages%2fcollege-social-sciences-only%2fgovernment-society%2falumni%2fsambili-katra-Cropped-100x100.jpg" />
      <category>pgalumni</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Martin Shapland, BA Modern History and Political Science (2007)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/shapland-martin.aspx</link>
      <description>"I found the course and environment at Birmingham to be supportive and motivating - the lectures, seminars and student support offer the right mix to impart knowledge, go away and discover your own perspective on that knowledge and then have them challenged by peers – I found, especially with politics, that there is never a wrong answer which challenges yourself or others."</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/shapland-martin.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/shapland-martin.aspx</guid>
      <media:thumbnail url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk%2fImages%2fcollege-social-sciences-only%2fgovernment-society%2falumni%2fshapland-martin-Cropped-100x100.jpg" />
      <category>ugalumni</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Hadianto Wirajuda, MA International Studies (Diplomacy) 2007</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/wirajuda-hadianto.aspx</link>
      <description>"I found that the course offered the perfect combination between practical and theoretical modules. We live in a changing world where on the one hand, practicality plays an important role in our job and on the other hand, the significance of concept is also a vital element of any profession."</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/wirajuda-hadianto.aspx" />
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      <category>pgalumni</category>
      <category>alumnihighlight</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gareth Wall, MSc Poverty Reduction and Development Management (2007)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/wall-gareth.aspx</link>
      <description>"The field study component of the course was what made the programme stand out from the other international Development masters in the UK. Also, the course covered a broad area of development studies, ideal for someone like myself who is coming from an arts background."</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/wall-gareth.aspx" />
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      <category>pgalumni</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rebecca Young, MSc Poverty Reduction and Development Management (2007)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/young-rebecca.aspx</link>
      <description>"The actual content of the course was intense but really brought us up to speed and I still use logical frameworks and various tools for participatory research. My fellow course mates were a joy."</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/young-rebecca.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/young-rebecca.aspx</guid>
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      <category>pgalumni</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Dalvinder Singh, BA Sociology (2006)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/singh-dalvinder.aspx</link>
      <description>Do the reading each week, study hard in your last two years. Try to get some work experience or an internship whilst at Uni, as this could be invaluable experience or can lead to a job offer once you've graduated.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/singh-dalvinder.aspx" />
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      <category>ugalumni</category>
      <category>sociology</category>
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    <item>
      <title>Namawu Alhassan Alolo, PhD International Development (2006)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/alhassan-alolo.aspx</link>
      <description>The combination of distinguished faculty, innovative research, diverse student body and a global network of distinguished alumni was, indeed, a major attraction to the University of Birmingham.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/alhassan-alolo.aspx" />
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      <category>pgalumni</category>
      <category>alumnihighlight</category>
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    <item>
      <title>Andrew Futter, BA Political Science and International Studies (2006)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/futter-andrew.aspx</link>
      <description>"Since completing my degree at Birmingham I have studied for an Ma in Intelligence and International Security at Kings College London, before returning to Birmingham to studying for an MA in Research Methods – a prerequisite for studying a PhD."</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/futter-andrew.aspx" />
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    <item>
      <title>Terry Goodwin, BA Political Science (2006)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/goodwin-terry.aspx</link>
      <description>"The University of Birmingham was a brilliant experience. The course was challenging and the lecturers approachable, the Guild and its societies were a great way to learn new skills, and the city as a whole is an amazing place to spend three years."</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/goodwin-terry.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/goodwin-terry.aspx</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Nick Renshaw, MSc Poverty Reduction and Development Management (2006)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/renshaw-nick.aspx</link>
      <description>"By the time I had finished at Birmingham I felt much more confident in my academic abilities and felt ready to continue my career in development… I recently worked on a multi billion dollar programme for national urban renewal in India."</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/renshaw-nick.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/renshaw-nick.aspx</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Emily Gray, BA Sociology (2002) and MA Social Research Methods (Cultural Studies and Sociology) (2005)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/gray-emily.aspx</link>
      <description>I found both of my courses challenging for varying reasons. Intellectually they challenged the way I thought about the social world and led me to question my own place within the social world.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Bethany Baxter, MSc in Poverty Reduction and Development Management (2005)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/baxter-bethany.aspx</link>
      <description>My time at IDD allowed me to gain exposure to and skill development in a number of disciplines that have proven essential for success in my current line of work. I have found coursework in participatory development tools and project planning to be particularly beneficial.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Kate Dixon, BA Political Science (2005)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/dixon-kate.aspx</link>
      <description>"I now manage the Constituency Office for Robin Walker (MP for Worcester) completing a variety of research, casework and political campaigning functions."</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:06:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/dixon-kate.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/dixon-kate.aspx</guid>
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      <category>uglaumni</category>
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    <item>
      <title>Sam Grundy, MSc in Poverty Reduction and Development Management (2005)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/grundy-sam.aspx</link>
      <description>For masters graduates looking to work in international development, the best advice I can offer is get into the field and stay there. Employers look for results and the best way to move up in your career is to prove that you can make things happen on the ground.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/grundy-sam.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/grundy-sam.aspx</guid>
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      <category>pgalumni</category>
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    <item>
      <title>Tendongmo Ntemgwa Patience, MSc Governance and Development Management (2005)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/ntemgwa-patience.aspx</link>
      <description>"I was able to pick up skills that I am now putting into practice… [and] I built life-long relationships with people I met in the University."</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/ntemgwa-patience.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/ntemgwa-patience.aspx</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Elena Roffi, MSc in Poverty Reduction and Development Management (2005)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/roffi-elena.aspx</link>
      <description>"When I began studying at IDD in 2004 I already had done some research and field work. Nevertheless, I felt I needed a boost to my professionalism. I found this in IDD's MSc in Poverty Reduction and Development Management, and even more - a new family and true friends."</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/roffi-elena.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/roffi-elena.aspx</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Dr Julius Sandy, PhD Public Policy (2004)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/sandy-julius.aspx</link>
      <description>"My time as a research student at Birmingham was very challenging but extremely rewarding and exciting. IDD offers an excellent mix of academic expertise and first-hand experience in public policy / governance, making IDD degrees very useful in real life situations."</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/sandy-julius.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/sandy-julius.aspx</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Victoria Westwood, BA Political Science (2004)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/westwood-victoria.aspx</link>
      <description>"Every day is different, I have an extremely varied job. I could be out meeting one of my customers one day up in Scotland, developing new marketing ideas in our head office in London the next."</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/westwood-victoria.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/westwood-victoria.aspx</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Rachel Cunningham, MA Political Science (2002)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/cunningham-rachel.aspx</link>
      <description>"I love politics and working in politics is the best thing I could ever have hoped for. I very much enjoy the diverse nature of my job. I meet fascinating people and get to travel across the UK."</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/cunningham-rachel.aspx" />
      <guid>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/cunningham-rachel.aspx</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Bakari Khamis, MBA (Public Service) 1999</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/khamis-bakari.aspx</link>
      <description>"The education and learning in Birmingham helped me further shape my vision and understanding of public service delivery in all spheres of government. I worked in the Ministry of Finance and later in the Ministry of Health with diverse portfolio."</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:17:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/international-development/alumni/profiles/khamis-bakari.aspx" />
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      <title>Roland Buerk, BSocSc Political Science (1995)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/buerk-roland.aspx</link>
      <description>Tokyo Correspondent, BBC News</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/buerk-roland.aspx" />
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      <title>Michael Hughes, MBA (Public Service) 1995</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/alumni/profiles/hughes-michael.aspx</link>
      <description>"I applied to study at Birmingham because of its unrivalled reputation in the study of local public services."</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/local-government-studies/alumni/profiles/hughes-michael.aspx" />
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    <item>
      <title>Dr John Tedstrom, PhD Russian and East European Studies (1994)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/russian-east-european-studies/alumni/profiles/tedstrom-john.aspx</link>
      <description>"I learned to appreciate the larger context of the experience we're all having - it's one thing to have experts in particular subjects and another to share that experience in a useful way."</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/russian-east-european-studies/alumni/profiles/tedstrom-john.aspx" />
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      <title>Dee Reid, BA Combined Honours in English and Sociology (1973)</title>
      <link>http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/reid-dee.aspx</link>
      <description>As I trained as an English teacher and initially taught English and Drama, the Sociology part of my degree formed less of a part of my initial working role but it widened my horizons to different ways of seeing and thinking.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/government-society/departments/political-science-international-studies/alumni/profiles/reid-dee.aspx" />
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