Janet Tembo Dube, Degree of Master, Zambia, graduated in 2011

I chose the programe because I wanted to learn more about my field of study and especially hear form what perspective Chinese University approach development studies. I must say that the theories of development were same except China took a different approach in application of those theories, more of a country -specific- needs -approach which in my opinion has contributed to what china is today.

China broadened my view of cultural diversity in all area of life (family, economy, culture and politics).In what ways you might ask? generally by putting up very strong institutions that can handle any wind of change and still remain and choose a relevant path that will benefits the nation for generations to come.

Before graduation, I was a student at the University of Zambia studying Development studies and Economics. After graduation, I proceeded to China for my master.However, while I was a student in Zambia during my Bachelors degree, I used to do some work with RuralNet during vacations as a research assistant. After graduation from China, I got a permanent job with RuralNet associates Limited as Researcher. We are development consultants in developmental issues.

The degree from China has enable me to secure the job I have because the company is now only employing persons with Masters degree (this is a new company policy) and I can get a job in any institution and government ministry as anthing (banker, researcher, project manager and anything related to the humanities field)

The job I do depends on the needs of a client.Clients include the government, NGOs, multilateral and bilateral institutions such as World food programme, the world bank, USAID and others. The starting point demanded by all are invitations to submit proposals (both technical and financial) on how a study would be conducted.

To do the job, we all write proposals, budget for the whole assignment, write reports, train enumerators that will go and collect data in the field, supervise enumerators in the field and handle all field logistics, conduct Focus grou discussions and Key informant interviews with stakeholders, present findings to the client, they comment and we work on their comments and the work is done till the next assignment. Most of my work revolves around these items. In terms of impact, My expertise contribute to the running of the company in one way or another by carrying out these activities. In relation to the programe, the job requires someone who understands issues of development both on national and international level and that's where the training in in both Zambia and China contribute to my job.

Despite the fact that we have learnt all the different topics at school, there are some challenges that a country may be going through that do not require application of knowledge from school but rather approaching the problem as is by firstly understanding what the problem is, then find problem specific solutions. For example, the country is experiencing power shortage due to low level of ground water which has led to low power generation capacity.We depend on hydro power.Each home is finding ways of surving based on available options.We have power for limited number of hours in a day but the pattern is sporadic. The county is encouraging the nation to look to other energy sources such as solar and this can be a good business opportunity for nations that manufacture such equipment. But the majority of us have resorted to use of charcoal for cooking and yet to invest in gas stoves.This is one of the biggest developmental issues the country is facing right now.