From Leeds to Sri Lanka: Alumni connection opens doors for Business Economics graduate
A conversation at graduation helped Business School alumnus Euan Taylor (BSc Business Economics 2025) turn his ambition for an international career into an internship opportunity in Colombo, Sri Lanka
As Euan prepared to graduate from Leeds, he already knew that he had a keen interest in a career in policymaking, around climate and environmental awareness for developing countries, particularly within large scale industrial practices and international trade.
A conversation with the Business School Alumni Team at his graduation helped him explore how he might take those ambitions forward. After discussing his career aspirations, the team were able to connect Euan with another LUBS alum, Anushka Wijesinha (MA Economics and Development 2008), CEO of a multidisciplinary think tank specialising in areas closely aligned with Euan’s interests in nature, climate and the economy.
Euan said:
The Alumni Team listened to my needs and experiences and directed me towards potential pathways and contacts to reach out to. They were very friendly and shared their experiences of what other students had gone on to do from a similar position as a recent graduate. They were a great initial link to introduce me to this new world of work and gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone in another country.
Euan then took the initiative to make the most of the introduction. After contacting Anushka for advice about his career ambitions and possible next steps, he asked about the possibility of gaining work experience with his think tank based in Colombo. Following the submission of his CV and cover letter, along with writing assessments on current economic issues, Euan was offered a two-month internship. He organised his own flights, accommodation, and visa before relocating to Colombo for the placement.
Putting his Leeds experience into practice
During the internship, Euan worked as an assistant researcher, using primary and secondary data to contribute to a policy brief examining the environmental impacts of international trade-related activities. His Business Economics degree provided a strong foundation for the work, from understanding why countries trade and the role of trade agreements, to considering how environmental provisions can address issues such as transport emissions, green goods and services, and wildlife trade.
Euan also drew on the research, referencing and persuasive writing skills developed during his degree. As part of the project, he had the opportunity to interview professionals at Colombo port, putting into practice the confidence he had gained through his involvement with the Leeds Policy Institute at the University.
Anushka said,
We enjoyed having Euan with us - he worked closely with a Research Associate on a research study and also joined our team on social outings. His experience at the Leeds Policy Institute meant that he already had a policy-oriented mind coming into this internship; it helped him hit the ground running. For me personally, it was wonderful to go beyond a typical mentoring engagement, but to have a LUBS alum actually work with me, in-country
Reflecting on the experience, Euan said:
My biggest takeaway was learning how to fit into a new firm in a new, developing country. The ways of working differed from that of a university think tank or local councils where I had prior experience and you have to immediately familiarise yourself with the context of the country you are placed in. Although this can seem daunting, it is a great opportunity to build yourself as a person and boost your interpersonal skills.”
Life outside work was an important part of the experience too. Euan recommends that students considering an overseas internship immerse themselves fully in their new surroundings, attending events and social activities, meeting people and experiencing the local culture.
This can lead to wonderful experiences in new countries. For me I got to celebrate the Sinhala new year with a local family at a historical worship site, played squash with the Sri Lankan national U19 Champion and became a certified diver!
Taking the next step
Alongside his internship in Sri Lanka, Euan was completing assessments for the Civil Service Assistant Economist Scheme. He has since received and accepted a provisional offer for a role in London with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. Euan believes his international experience helped strengthen his application and gave him greater confidence discussing contemporary economic issues during the recruitment process.
For other students and recent graduates considering their next steps, his advice is to make use of the connections available through Leeds and to be proactive when opportunities arise:
I would definitely recommend students contact the Business School Alumni Team to direct you towards work experience opportunities or events, domestically and worldwide. They are a very supportive team and really want to help. Working abroad is also a great opportunity to prove that you can relocate and be comfortable no matter where life may place you. That is a crucial skill upon graduating and entering the world of work.
Euan’s experience demonstrates what can happen when alumni connections are combined with the confidence to follow up, ask questions and create an opportunity.
