Bridget Silk
I was born in New York City and raised in Pennsylvania. I would describe myself as adventurous, curious, empathetic, and outgoing. I love learning new things; I have a lifelong dedication to understanding and learning more about the world around me. I think it’s really important to connect with people from all over the world and to share life stories and experiences. I love to constantly challenge myself and am extremely passionate about working for causes that impact human rights, equity, and social justice.
"It truly feels like I learn something new every single day. Plus, I get to hear various perspectives, which makes the experience always interesting."
Putting her experience to the test: building her own journey in the world of data and international development
Bridget Silk is a global citizen with a mission to do good in the world. Her bachelor’s degree in management information systems and minor in business analytics allowed her to build a strong foundation in data analysis, opening her up to a number of different career paths. However, Bridget was clear on one thing: she wanted to use her skills not just with the goal of boosting a company’s bottom line, but for “social good.” So, after graduating, she moved to Nicaragua to work for an international development nonprofit.
Bridget stayed in that role for two years and during that period she also spent time living and working in Honduras, Panama, and Ghana, conducting international program monitoring and evaluation. Following that, she spent a year doing research and development, data analysis, and grant writing for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization fighting for all people in the world to have a decent place to live. There, she helped in acquiring funds so that families could get access to homes and also contributed toward getting a new home repair program off the ground.
Bridget’s most recent role was one that was very close to her heart. Back in her home state of Pennsylvania, she carried out data evaluation for 988, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the United States that provides 24/7 confidential support for people in distress. It was, she says, a project that was “extremely impactful.”
Having already built up a range of on-the-ground work experience in the field of international development, which she describes as “very enriching experiences that led me to where I am today,” Bridget decided that she wanted to gain some more theoretical knowledge so that she could more deeply understand the perspectives that she had been exposed to in her work. It was then that she came to IE University to enroll in the Master in International Development.
“I have a lifelong dedication to understanding and learning more about the world around me.”
In terms of the program itself, Bridget loved the fact that it covered many different facets of international development, from governance and human rights to statistics and economics. She also couldn’t pass up an opportunity to study in Madrid. “The city has so much to offer—from a wide variety of things to do to the amazing restaurants and people from all over the world.” Being passionate about meeting and connecting with people from different cultures, she felt drawn to the diverse and international community that IE University offers. “It truly feels like I learn something new every single day. Plus, I get to hear various perspectives, which makes the experience even more interesting.”
Outside of the classroom, Bridget has made no hesitation in seizing the opportunities open to her at IE University. Seeing the commitment that the institution has to empowering women and creating gender equality, she applied for and was honored to be awarded an IE Women Scholarship. This scholarship represents Bridget’s motivation to be a change-maker both in her professional and private life, as well as being a role model for other women.
She’s also proud to have been elected her class’s ethics representative—a further example of her own commitment and dedication to working towards a more equal world. With these new experiences to add to her resume, along with the knowledge and skills that she is building on her master’s degree, Bridget is well on her way to achieving her goals.
Bridget is incredibly happy with her decision to study at IE University. In fact, her advice to anyone considering the Master in International Development is to “do it, and do it with intention.” She encourages people to take advantage of the “amazing” opportunities that will be presented to them in the program and at IE University as a whole. “You have the opportunity to truly learn from experts in the field, make meaningful connections, and experience new and exciting things—but it’s all about the effort and intention you put in!”
