Andrew Wilson

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Senior Policy Adviser (COVID-19) – British Embassy Kinshasa – Jan 2020 to present Private Secretary to the Minister for Middle East – DFID – Feb 2018 to Jan 2020 DFID Representative to the Kurdistan Region – Consulate General Erbil – July 2016 to Dec 2017 Syria International Engagement – DFID – Jan 2014 to Jun 2016 Programme Officer (Change Review) – Department for Education – Oct 2012 to Dec 2013 Trainee in Cabinet of Enlargement Commissioner – European Commission – Oct 2011 to Feb 2012.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

Passion for international policy, including humanitarian/development policy, global affairs, and travel. I most enjoy seeing first-hand the impact of UK aid on the ground, by meeting families affected by natural or man-made disasters and see how our programmes are supporting them.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

Debating Society.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

Living in Paris for a year and teaching English at a French high school.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Analytical skills and strong communication skills. Debating society helped both.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Engage people working in the sector early on to understand some of the challenges. Consider studying a language. Explore options for internships with international organisations or think tanks to better understand programme delivery and policy making.

What are your plans for the future?

Remain in FCDO for the foreseeable future. I expect to take up a new post in Beirut working on the Syria response later this year.