Alainah Mirza

A 2021 English and American Literature graduate, Alainah Mirza has built a career in the international NGO sector, starting with Play Action International in Uganda, where she managed volunteers and later promoted their programs in the UK. Now an Events Officer at mothers2mothers, she leads on impactful events like gala dinners and health talks.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

2019: I was delighted to work as the International Events Coordinator at Play Action International straight after university. I had a fixed term contract working in Uganda for most of the year, and this is where I knew I wanted to stay within the international NGO space. My role included managing up to 120 volunteers who came out to Uganda to volunteer that summer, and line manage 4 interns. It was a fantastic experience.

2019: Back in the UK, I worked as a Recruitment Intern for Play Action International, promoting the volunteer trips to Uganda at different universities including UKC!

2020: COVID! I worked as a Support Worker for Lifeways Group, supporting adults living with autism while studying Swahili, international development and courses and planning a move to London.

2021-2023: Fundraising Assistant at the British Asian Trust. This was a fantastic experience working back in the international NGO space and supporting on the delivery of special events.

2023-current: Events Officer at mothers2mothers. I lead on the delivery of special events including virtual health talks, Gala dinners, PR days, challenge events and more.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

Every day is different, which I love! At the moment, a typical day consists of building out the events calendar for the year, thinking strategically with the team on how best we can support bringing in revenue for the organisation. Lots of brainstorms, event concepts and discussions!

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

Supporting with an event at Buckingham Palace with HM The King, to celebrate the arrival of Ugandan Asians into the UK.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

I volunteered with Play Action International as a student at Kent. I came across the trip at one of the fairs. If I never went on this trip, I may never have worked for them years later and found my passion in the international NGO space. My degree also provided me with a wealth of knowledge in different communication styles, which has been helpful when creating content, blogs and fundraising at various points in my career.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

For the NGO side, volunteer locally and internationally as much as you can, and build up your experience. Stay up to date with current affairs and there are lots of free online short courses that can help grow your knowledge. For the events side, there are lots of groups on LinkedIn that welcome students who want to learn more about working in events. They provide workshops, as well as regular volunteering opportunities.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

It is a cliché, but I met friends for life at Kent! It’s hard to choose just one favourite memory, but I’ll say all good times spent with friends. From Glitterbomb to Ruby Tuesday’s to Venue, it was the greatest fun!

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

I think I would join more societies, and turn up to more of those 9am lectures in my first year! I loved my course and learnt so much, but if I had to go back now I would love to specialise in another area.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

YES! Kent friends are truly friends for life. Almost 10 years since starting university, I still regularly see my UKC friends whether that’s in my home town in London or visiting them in Kenya or Brussels!

What are your future ambitions?

To continue growing in the NGO sector. I’d also like to do a distance Master’s degree in International Development and Humanitarian Aid in the next few years.

I’d like to travel more and would love the experience of working internationally again. Watch this space!