Erika Loggin

Since leaving LSE, I joined the Graduate Development Programme at the Wellcome Trust. Wellcome is one of the largest health charities in the world, funding research into everything from vaccine access in low- and middle-income countries to running a free museum, the Wellcome Collection. I studied migration for my master’s and wasn’t very familiar with global health, but I was eager to get a range of experience while working for an organisation that is doing something good in the world.

I hadn’t heard of grad schemes before moving to the UK. The Wellcome grad scheme has been a good fit for me, though, because I wasn’t sure exactly what career I wanted to pursue post-master’s. Since starting at Wellcome, I’ve had the opportunity to work across different departments – first Diversity and Inclusion, and now Research Development for the Wellcome Collection. I’ve been involved in projects ranging from developing goals for inclusive research design, to learning about culturally sensitive materials in the museum. My colleagues have been hugely supportive, helping me learn new skills and always valuing my point of view.

Looking back, I’ve found my master’s to be so influential to me as a person and helpful for my career. I’ve always been interested in migration and was drawn to the MSc in International Migration and Public Policy at LSE to learn about the theories behind it. The programme gave me the chance to study the impacts of migration policy while living in a city that has been shaped by it for centuries. My courses touched on topics like integration, securitisation, guest worker programmes and more. Though for me, the best part of my master’s was having discussions with classmates who were all passionate about the same issues as I am.

Throughout my studies, I was grateful to the European Institute for bringing together students from across the department. I attended countless public lectures put on by the EI, and heard experts discuss everything from revoking Article 50 to governing the Arctic. The department staff were full of encouragement when I needed it, offering guidance while I wrote my dissertation and arranging career events with EI alumni. Belonging to the European Institute introduced me to people and perspectives from around the world – and helped me put my classroom learning into practice.

Both LSE and Wellcome have helped me realise that there are so many ways of looking at complex issues like migration and health. I’m glad I decided to try something new when I finished my degree, because it’s made me learn and grow in ways I never expected.