Our Alumni
Here at McAndrew Leadership, our team aspires to fulfil two main purposes. The first of these purposes is to train and compacity-build young professionals in the various skills which are integral to succeeding in the Charity, NGO and International Development sectors. Our ultimate aim here is to inspire and empower a new generation of future leaders!
Below are a number of testimonies from previous McAndrew Alumni. You can read about their experience working within McAndrew Leadership; the insights, training and opportunities that they received; the skills that they developed; and how their time with McAndrew helped boost their career progress!
Imogen Rogers
Programmes Research Intern with McAndrew Leadership between November 2020 an May 2021.
“In September 2020 I graduated from my master’s in International Development and was faced with applying for jobs amid the pandemic. The internship opportunity at McAndrew Leadership allowed me to put my academic knowledge to good use, and to strengthen my CV in preparation for job applications.
I had a variety of roles and responsibilities throughout my time at McAndrews, from fundraising applications and research tasks to client management and administrative roles. I was able to learn new skills, and experience various roles within the charitable world. Most importantly, it reassured me that my choice to work in the charitable sector was the right one for me.
I now work at a national children’s charity – and am part of the fundraising team. My time at McAndrews was invaluable for not only securing the role (giving me much to talk about in the interview!) but allowing me to be successful at it. I work across three streams of fundraising: corporate, trusts and foundations and statutory bids, and my previous experience in writing funding applications has allowed me to carry out this role with ease. I am so thankful for my time at McAndrews, and for all my colleagues who taught me so much. For anyone thinking of applying – do it!“
Francis Aubee
Programmes Research Intern with McAndrew Leadership between May 2021 and September 2021.
Francis Aubee is an economist from the Gambia. He holds a BA degree in Economics and Political Science from
McDaniel College, USA. Francis obtained his Master’s degree in Emerging Economies and Inclusive Development
from King’s College London, graduating with distinction. He has conducted in-depth CSR research in Nigeria and
the UK, looking at a wide range of companies and issues. Aubee’s current research interests include political
economy, institutions, informal economy, migration, and financial markets.
“My time at McAndrew Leadership was educative, informative and filled with personal development opportunities.
As a programme researcher, I was engaged in researching and writing project proposals, and grants. I was also able
to conduct rigorous, in-depth research on CSR and this provided me with a new viewpoint on sustainability.
Through McAndrew Leadership, I was able to partake in a CSR training program for which I received certification.
My experience has been a wonderful one, aided by passionate and driven professionals. The flexible and supportive
work environment enabled me to feel welcomed and at home from day one.“
Freya MacMillan
Development Research Intern with McAndrew Leadership between March 2021 and July 2021.
“As a Development Research Intern at McAndrew Leadership I gained valuable training and experience in grant writing and researched funding opportunities that aligned with the interests of clients and focus areas. I also prepared and drafted blog posts for their social media platforms on notable international days such as the International Day for Living Together in Peace. This gave me a real insight into key international development issues and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Working with a small team of innovative and creative individuals with a focus and passion on enhancing the presence of McAndrew Leadership’s consultancy services significantly helped develop my confidence. Saif, Mostafijur, Isabel as well as my Team Leaders Barney and Oliver were extremely welcoming and supportive, actively encouraging me to get involved in all aspects of the organisation and partake in educational training programmes to further my professional and personal development.“
Harry Cottrell
Research and Development Intern and Officer with McAndrew Leadership between January 2020 and July 2020;
Institutional Fundraising Lead with the McAndrew Leadership between July 2020 and June 2021.
“Working with Saif and the McAndrew team was an extremely helpful experience for me as a fresh graduate. In my year-long employment, I was exposed to tasks and responsibilities that in other organisations would still be years away, including leading large bids and projects, managing clients and interns and consulting with organisations all over the world. It allowed me to develop hard and soft skills in a multitude of areas and has equipped me for a third sector career going forward.“
Louise Horn
Research and Development Intern with McAndrew Leadership between April 2019 and July 2019.
“My time at McAndrew Leadership was instrumental in helping me develop the confidence and skills necessary to succeed in a professional environment. Saif was a pleasure to work with. He put in the effort in to mentor me and give me responsibility which allowed me to learn a lot. The amount of experience he has reflects in everything he does and makes him a great person to learn from. This experience was crucial to me succeeding and getting my first job. A huge thank you to Saif!“