Testimonials – dive Into The MARIHE Experience
Toritse Ikomi, MARIHE student in cohort 7
“My MARIHE journey is not something I take for granted. It has supported me both professionally and personally, shaping how I think, work, and engage with the world. It shifted my perspective, strengthened my confidence, and helped me become a more adaptable higher education professional. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t find myself reflecting on that time in my life. I met incredibly smart, driven, and like-minded people, and the experience continues to stay with me. The professional experience I gained has also helped me work more confidently in my current role, operating at the intersection of higher education and industry collaboration, where I support connecting higher education students to real-world projects that help them develop impactful, career-relevant skills.”
Ana Godonoga, MARIHE student in cohort 3
“The MARIHE programme played a formative role in shaping my international career in higher education research. It equipped me with interdisciplinary skills, a global perspective, and a strong professional network that continues to influence my work today. After graduating, I built a career across the university sector, including at WU Vienna, as well as international organisations such as OECD and UNESCO. I have stayed closely connected to MARIHE in many ways—as a guest lecturer at Tampere University, a mentor for students and alumni, and now as a member of the board of the MARIHE Alumni Network. The programme opened doors to meaningful opportunities and collaborations, and it remains an important part of my professional journey.”
Rediet Abebe, MARIHE student in Cohort 1
“MARIHE paved the way for my doctoral studies and my current career in higher education administration. I have the privilege of applying the knowledge and insights from my studies in my work each day. The network I built during MARIHE continues to expand my social and professional capital. I have plenty of nice memories from MARIHE days, but I particularly cherish the close friendships I formed with my classmates and the inspiration I gleaned from their qualities and diverse perspectives. Our multicultural group made the MARIHE experience unforgettable. We still reminisce fondly whenever we have the chance to reunite. The MARIHE family has expanded over the years, and I hope those who joined the programme after us continue to fully benefit from it, both professionally and personally.”
Georgiana Mihut, MARIHE student in Cohort 1
“MARIHE is an incredibly well connected program to both current research and policy actors in the field of higher education. The internship I underwent as part of the program in my case contributed to the formation of significant professional contacts.”