Pamela Thindwa (MAIS 2015) was born and raised in Malawi, also known as the “Warm Heart of Africa.” The growth of social media and the globalization of digital entertainment meant that she was exposed to many different perspectives. She became particularly interested in the global North-South divide and she developed a passion to work in international development.
Pamela is currently employed in the International Markets division of the Government of British Columbia’s Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology. Their mandate is to support BC’s economic development with an international platform. This work requires strong writing and analytical skills as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. According to Pamela, she developed such skills and abilities during her time in the MAIS program. Pamela also credits the MAIS with expanding her understandings of international development. Furthermore, she appreciated having the option to complete two extended essays through which she could develop expertise related to two specific issues. The 12-month timeframe of the MAIS suited Pamela because she was eager to move on from the classroom and gain hands-on experience working in her field of interest.
Before the MAIS, Pamela earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the University of Nebraska in 2012. At the University of Nebraska, Pamela served as president and vice-president of several student organizations including the Model United Nations and Omicron Delta Epsilon (an Economics Honorary Society). She also interned for developmental influencers such as the Center for Global Health and Diplomacy, for which she worked as an Assistant Editor for their quarterly publication.
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