Asia’s Story

Written August 4 2024

Est. 3 minute read

Asia is a Christian and a policy researcher in the UK. She aims to tackle extreme poverty and policy.

She is a CFI impact mentor and staff member.

Academic Background

I am currently completing my Master's in International Social and Public Policy at the London School of Economics (LSE), with the aim of shaping policy around AI to tackle global poverty. Last year, I graduated with an undergraduate degree from the University of Cambridge in Human, Social and Political Sciences. I am originally from Poland, and I would say that my interest in global development was shaped by my experiences of international education as I have interacted with diverse cultures and topics. Initially aspiring to work for the UN, my focus shifted towards more impactful avenues, leading me to effective altruism (EA) and policy work. In the next 2 to 5 years, I hope to specialise in a certain aspect of policy.

Early Career

During my undergraduate studies at Cambridge, I became involved with Christians for Impact, which deepened my interest in foreign aid policy. Attending a policy conference in Berlin confirmed that this is the right career path for me. This experience led me to work with the Centre for Effective Aid Policy, where I learned about the challenges and opportunities of policy advocacy to influence policies that affect the global poor.

Impact of Faith and CFI

  • Faith as Motivation: My Christian faith has been a guiding force in my career decisions, shaping my values and aspirations. Growing up Catholic, my faith has influenced all areas of my life, motivating me to use my career and resources to serve others.

  • Influence of Christians for Impact: CFI provided the frameworks and ideas that have informed my career choices. The CFI community has helped me ensure that my ambitions align with my goals for impactful work. The community of like-minded Christians have been such an inspiration.

  • Practical Skills and Opportunities: My internship with CFI helped me develop practical skills and open doors to significant opportunities, including attending the EAGxBerlin conference, where I connected with key figures in policy advocacy.

Advice for Young Christians

Based on my experience, I encourage young Christians to:

  • Explore different ideas. Time at university is an excellent time to explore new ideas, and this is where I discovered my passion for foreign aid policy!

  • Write essays and dissertations on key topics. Dive deeper into topics that you care about, and take advantage of the opportunity to use your thesis and papers to connect to experts in your fields. 

  • Make the most of your summer breaks! Pursue flexible opportunities that provide valuable experience and help you better understand your areas of interest.

Need help discerning your career? Sign up for our free one-on-one impact mentorship here.

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Do you have any career uncertainties? Click here to read our article on three big career uncertainties you can trust God with.