“Step outside of your comfort zone.”

How DEN took me from undergraduate project manager to the Embassy of Oman

Tasneem Fadel, BA (Hons) International Relations and Development; former Project Manager at DEN (2018–2021); now Academic Advisor and Events Manager at the Cultural Attaché Office, Embassy of Oman, London

Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network.

* * *

How did you first come into contact with DEN?

I first came into contact with DEN through Farhang. During my very first lecture at the university, he gave a short talk about DEN: what it was, what they did, its purpose, and the opportunities being part of it offered. His introduction sparked my interest and encouraged me to get involved.

Which DEN activities have you taken part in?

Three stand out for me: the DEN Conference, Students4Refugees, and the DEN Book.

Was there a moment at DEN that has stayed with you?

One experience that has stayed with me is the constant encouragement and constructive feedback I received from the DEN team. We created an environment where ideas were valued, and where I was encouraged to take initiative and develop my skills. Those conversations helped build my confidence and shaped the way I approach leadership, teamwork and problem-solving in my professional career today.

What aspects of DEN have had the biggest impact on you?

The aspect that had the biggest impact on me was the opportunity to work on meaningful international projects that addressed real-world challenges. Through coordinating programmes across different countries, managing diverse teams, and engaging with non-profit partners, I developed valuable leadership, project management and cross-cultural communication skills.

DEN also broadened my understanding of global issues, while giving me practical experience in advocacy, research and community engagement. These experiences have continued to influence my professional career and my approach to working in different settings.

How has DEN helped you develop personally?

DEN has helped me develop confidence, leadership and communication skills by giving me the opportunity to manage projects, coordinate volunteers, and work with diverse teams across different cultural backgrounds. It encouraged me to take initiative, adapt to new challenges, and broaden my understanding of global issues, all of which has had a lasting impact on my personal and professional growth.

Has DEN helped you with employability or professional development?

Yes. DEN has helped me develop practical skills in project management, leadership, event coordination and stakeholder engagement. The experience of managing international programmes and working with diverse teams contributed directly to my professional development, and has been valuable in my current role as Academic Advisor and Events Manager at the Cultural Attaché Office of the Embassy of Oman.

What is one thing DEN has given you that you would have struggled to find elsewhere?

DEN gave me the opportunity to gain hands-on international experience at an early stage, working on meaningful projects with real-world impact. That level of responsibility, exposure to global issues, and experience working across different countries is something I would have struggled to find elsewhere.

What advice would you give to students thinking of joining?

Take the opportunity to get involved and step outside of your comfort zone. DEN offers a unique chance to develop practical skills, build meaningful connections (which are long-lasting), and contribute to projects that make a real impact. The more you engage, the more you will gain from the experience.

What would you say to a colleague at another university?

If you are looking to develop professionally while making a meaningful impact, that is what DEN is about. It provides hands-on experience, leadership opportunities, cross-cultural exposure and engagement with global issues in a collaborative and supportive environment, where the friendships and connections you build can last a lifetime.

Should DEN do anything differently in the next decade?

As DEN continues to grow, it could further strengthen its alumni network and create more opportunities for past and present members to connect, collaborate and mentor one another. This would increase networking opportunities and sustain long-term engagement well beyond students’ time at university.