Brent, Human Rights and Humanitarian Action

>Brent McCann graduated in 2018 with a Master in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action with concentrations in African Studies and Methods. Brent is currently working for Camber Collective, a mission-driven strategy consulting firm engaging with philanthropic, humanitarian, and governmental organizations on a wide array of development topics e.g. women’s empowerment, family planning, climate change. Brent is based in Paris, while Camber Collective has additional offices in Seattle and San Francisco.

 

How did you secure this role?

I obtained the job offer by networking in my hometown (Seattle). I used LinkedIn to identify an acquaintance who was well connected in the global development sector in Seattle, and she introduced me to an individual working at Camber Collective.

What is your role and main responsibilities?
My role is to undertake qualitative and quantitative research and data analysis, mostly on the African continent i.e. West Africa at the moment.  A significant portion of my current work is focused on building a more nuanced understanding and constructing strategic plans for West African governments to improve family planning uptake and mitigate the effects of climate change.   

  

What is the most fascinating and/or surprising aspect at your role?

Working alongside prominent multilateral organization has felt quite rewarding, particularly the chance to provide strategic recommendations to entire departments on emerging topics e.g. the nexus of climate change and malnutrition. Having previously worked in East Africa before Camber, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to research and experience West Africa through its current family planning goals and climate change challenges. Coming from a previous position in academic research, the frequency of deliverables and focus on succinct recommendations has been testing and has required a slight refocusing on my research routines and thought processes.   

 

How did your PSIA experience help you with the role?

Overall, Sciences Po challenged me intellectually, enhanced my critical thinking skills (due in large part to the strength of the facility), improved my work ethic, and provided a substantial foundation of knowledge surrounding international politics which underpin global development topics in which I currently work. The qualitative skills and methods courses at PSIA created a solid foundation for my current research projects (with a nod to Prof. Ragaru and her research design course). Additionally, I suspect Sciences Po’s name recognition and reputation were material in my obtaining this position.  Even more concretely, without my ability to obtain an APS visa I would not have been offered this job.

What advice would you give to others?

Spend as much time as possible networking and accessing degree specific job announcement emails / lists (from human rights organizations, universities etc). LinkedIn, Sciences Po, my hometown’s university, and my undergraduate university’s careers centre were very valuable tools in that regard. Don’t get discouraged and be bold in your request for introductions. Most people understand the process. Networking is a numbers game, you meet enough people and have enough conversations, an opportunity that fits your interest will present itself. 

 

• Master in Human Rights and Humanitarian action
• Camber Collective