Want to read more about this trip? Read Rod Lembvem’s reflections.
By Sarah Olia
As the Associate Director of the Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) Program at HKS, Sarah Olia assists with logistics related to the program, including all recruitment efforts. She joined Rod Lembvem in Africa on his three-week long recruitment trip, in hopes of spreading more information about HKS. Read her reflections below.
Why Africa? Why Now?
Identifying more qualified applicants from Africa is a key priority for the MPA/ID Program. As a program that is seeking to train the next generation of global development leaders, having more representation from Africa is essential. The opportunity to travel to Africa seemed like a logical first step towards understanding the local context and building relationships with existing organizations, employers, and networks that are aligned with what we do here at HKS.
Where did you go and how long were you there?
I spent several days in Nigeria, visiting Abuja and Lagos. Rod and I participated in large-scale college fairs organized by EducationUSA, a U.S. Department of State initiative that funds international student advising centers across the world. In addition, we held information sessions and alumni mixer events. Meeting with HKS alumni was a highlight for me. It was incredible to hear about the work they are doing and how their time at HKS influenced their career paths. They are truly the ones on the ground inspiring others to apply to HKS! Another highlight was meeting Yemi Cardoso MPA 2005, who is the current governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
I also traveled to Monrovia, Liberia. Compared to Nigeria, HKS has less of a footprint in Liberia, so my goal there was to raise awareness for our master’s degree programs and provide guidance for how to prepare a successful application. I met with a small group of alumni, visited two universities, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and the EducationUSA advising center at the US Embassy of Monrovia during my short visit.
Rod Lembvem (left) and Sarah Olia (right) with Yemi Cardoso MPA 2005, current Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria
What kinds of questions did you receive at events?
Most prospective students wanted to know how to navigate the application process. Especially for those who have never studied in the United States before, the application can be daunting and confusing. We also spent a lot of time talking about how financial aid is awarded at HKS and the importance of searching for external funding.
What was your favorite part of the trip?
My favorite part of the trip was absorbing the enthusiasm of the prospective students and our alumni who are answering the call to public service and working to make the world a better place. Since returning home, I have received messages each day from someone I met on the trip who is following up with a question, sharing an exciting career update, or signing up for a virtual event. These ongoing connections have convinced me that the effort was worthwhile.
“The opportunity to travel to Africa seemed like a logical first step towards understanding the local context and building relationships with existing organizations, employers, and networks that are aligned with what we do here at HKS.”
Sarah Olia
What advice would you give to prospective students who could not attend these sessions?
I would encourage anyone who could not attend our events in Africa to attend a virtual information session as a first step. From there, I always suggest that prospective students spend a good amount of time researching each of our master’s degree programs and determining which one is the best fit for their personal and professional goals. Looking closely at the curriculum, the composition of the student body, and the career paths of alumni are all ways to explore our programs.
Finally, I think it is important to remind prospective students not to rush the application process. It takes several months, or even years, for successful applicants to prepare their application materials. It’s okay to take it slow and to remember that we welcome engagement with prospective applicants, so feel free to stay in touch along the way.
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