5 Questions with Aakansha Das
Aakansha, Head of Operations, oversees the organization’s Policy & Grant management, advises the CEO, and collaborates with various Global Directors at Project Access International.
Aakansha has contributed to PA tremendously in her three years here, having held many previous roles such as being the Recruitment Officer, Global Director of Outreach, and not forgetting the Christmas Elf last year (she delivered presents all over the world to our team members)!
She is a Master’s student studying International Security at Sciences Po Paris and is currently interning in the Innovation Team at the UNDP.
Aakansha tells us her favourite parts of volunteering at PA, things she would change about uni application systems, and her top study tip for you!
1. Tell us the story of how you got into Project Access!
This was such a long time ago that I’m not even completely sure anymore! I vaguely remember seeing someone had posted on a Sciences Po Facebook group about one of the open roles at Project Access. Although, I don’t think I applied for that role but I loved everything PA was doing and applied for a role in the Talent team instead.
2. What's your favourite part of PA?
Having a genuine impact while getting to know the absolute coolest people around the world!
Aakansha as our very own PA Christmas Elf in 2023!
3. If you could change one thing about the university applications system, what would it be?
The ridiculous application fee for international students. Each application can cost you between €50 and €150. I remember that my own Sciences Po application cost me €99 back in 2020. It’s quite a financial burden especially when you want to apply to multiple universities to increase your chances of getting in. Most of the time you cannot get an application fee waiver as an international student, which means you often end up having to strategically pick and choose which universities you end up applying to.
4. Best study tip?
Taking 15 minutes to review the material the day it is taught. It helps me retain information a lot more easily for later otherwise I would just have to start afresh right before the exams.
5. Who's the most annoying person in PA?
Whoever made me write this damn blog, Michelle ily but never again.
Project Access London Social 2023