I feel the foundation that IIFM provided through the course, along with the practical knowledge gained from all the non-academic activities, has been invaluable in shaping me.
Sneha Sharma is an International Development professional with nearly a decade of experience in leading and managing gender-transformative research, and policy review, to advance gender equality. She has an undergraduate degree in commerce from the University of Delhi.
Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharma-sneha/
Instagram : @snehsharma18 & @happybakesbysneha
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. A journey of almost 10 years now, and it has been quite a ride—one which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I got placed at ICICI Bank through campus recruitment, although I wasn’t fully convinced about it, I still, decided to give it a shot. I was posted in Mumbai as a Relationship Manager, and on my first day, I found myself sitting in the Chembur branch, realizing that this is not for me. After that, I spent my time looking for a new job in the development sector.
I landed an interview with NRMC and received an offer the same day. NRMC was a pivotal starting point for me. It helped me truly understand what it meant to work on development research and evaluation projects. I received tremendous guidance from Shailesh Nagar and Jayesh Bhatia, which was invaluable in helping me find work that I genuinely enjoyed.
After two years, I moved from NRMC to the International Center for Research on Women – Asia Regional Office. I feel this place truly helped me realize my passion. Over four years, I grew from Research Associate to Technical Specialist, working on several interesting projects, and was able to find my niche as a qualitative researcher.
I conducted participatory fieldwork with young girls, women and other stakeholders across several states in India, learning a great deal from the field. Through this process, I discovered my strength in designing visuals to communicate findings effectively, which led to the development of storybooks, podcasts, and short films.
During the COVID phase, I sought new challenges and joined Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO) as Project Manager, overseeing a project implemented in five countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This role provided me with invaluable global exposure. I am currently coordinating a global research project, acting as a grantee manager for multi-country teams, and have previously coordinated global research efforts and participated in several global networks and presentations. It has also been a learning experience working with colleagues and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, which has taught me to adapt my working and communication styles to meet various cultural norms.
I am also engaged with UNICEF as a consultant for analytical writing. The last three years have been incredibly rewarding, as I have learned more about strategy building, coalition-building, and stakeholder engagement.
Recently, I joined the board of Sahaj Sansthan, where the Executive Director is my IIFM batchmate, Harhini Santhanam. It’s been great to work with her in this capacity, especially since we hadn’t had the opportunity to collaborate on anything since IIFM.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. I feel that all the organizations I have been part of have taught me something valuable.
NRMC gave me the nudge in the right direction. It opened up my career to developmental research. I was learnt so much about research designs and research methods there. Also, it helped having two really good IIFM alumnus there.
Then came ICRW which has played a pivotal part of my career. The work done there forced me to introspect and question my own biases. I found a great mentor and team at ICRW, and I continue to lean on them even today.
WIEGO has been such a refreshing change. I got to work with a fully global team. Initially, I had a hard time adjusting with my Indian working style—the way everyone is clear about their boundaries and time was such a refreshing change. But WIEGO has been critical in my personal growth, teaching me lessons in independent work and self-discipline. This role has also given me a jump start in my advocacy career path, and I am glad to be here. Additionally, this role marked the beginning of my independent consulting career and taught me the true importance of branding yourself and networking.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. It is very hard in research to see the impact of your work, since the uptake of your work can depend on many factors. However, I have been lucky to be part of projects that have helped organizations build their strategies. For example, I was working on a review of adolescent empowerment projects that informed the Ford Foundation’s portfolio on gender and youth development. Similarly, during COVID-19, I was involved in data collection for the Sex Disaggregated Data Tracker. We reached out to several countries’ health departments that weren’t publishing disaggregated data. We advocated for and contacted several countries’ health departments, and eventually, we started seeing the numbers increase.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. Yes, absolutely. I come from a Fauji background, and while my entire childhood has given me exposure, it has mostly been very cosmopolitan. I had hardly ever visited a village or gained an in-depth understanding of on-the-ground issues. So, IIFM started that journey for me.
Apart from that, one of my biggest strengths at work is my ability to tackle administrative and management-related tasks. I have seen many technical people struggle with budgets and administrative work. I feel the foundation that IIFM provided through the course, along with the practical knowledge gained from all the non-academic activities, has been invaluable in shaping me.
Q. Who (or what) are the biggest influences or drivers in your careers? What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles.
A. I can’t talk about my career without acknowledging the influence and support of my family and, now, my husband. I come from a Fauji background and am now married to a Fauji. This whole environment, in which I spent my childhood and now my adult life, has influenced me deeply. I handle curveballs with calmness, adaptability, and a continuous drive to change and innovate. The ability to find depth and meaning in routine tasks is largely shaped by my surroundings. This environment helps me every day, making me a better researcher and professional.
I don’t know how qualified I am to give advice, but I would like to say that whatever path anyone is taking, don’t discount how your personal and professional lives merge together. You can learn so much from your personal life and apply it to your professional life as well. Be open to learning from any kind of activity or task you encounter, both professionally and personally.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. I think it’s all of it! Of course, the field trips have their own charm and fun, but looking back, even the mundane aspects of daily classes—coming back and going to the canteen for chai, going to the mess, and casually chit-chatting away during those walks—have become such great memories. All of it really made the two years complete.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution (courses, faculty, library, friends, alumni.. Anything else!!) or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. I feel IIFM has influenced me significantly. It has helped me develop stronger critical thinking and logical reasoning skills, among other things
My strengths at work lie in the organizational and management skills I bring, which I’ve seen lacking in many cases. The subjects you are taught at IIFM serve as the foundation for your professional life, and you just need to find the right way to apply them in your work. I believe the courses, the friends, the faculty, and especially the alumni—particularly in the early stages of my career—that played a critical role in shaping my journey.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share.
A. IIFM has some great faculty and teaching methods that truly push you out of the usual rote learning. I really must appreciate Ujjal Sarma Sir, AK Dharni Sir, Advait Sir, Professor CSR, YD Sir, and CVRS Sir.
I found a really great group of friends at IIFM, they still continue to be really important people in my life. We’ve been having reunions at each other’s weddings, and it’s been great to stay connected. A special shoutout to my two closest friends, Harhini and Ankita—I’ve always received incredible support from them, and I know we’re all constantly rooting for each other.
Also, I was blessed with a great roommate, Urvi Porwal, either of us would have F.R.I.E.N.D.S turned on all the time and it was always such a vibe in our room.
Q. As an alumni, what’s your advice to freshers or those who are joining IIFM to get best out of the 2 years there?
A. IIFM has a lot to offer. Get yourself involved in activities, engage with different batchmates, and push yourself out of your comfort zone. You’ll truly learn so much from everything that happens at IIFM. You’ll learn time management, collaboration, and teamwork, so be open, engage, and you’ll gain invaluable experiences.
More importantly, have the greatest time; it will remain one of your best memories.
Q. What was your typical day at the work?
A. A typical workday can vary greatly depending on the project and the stage of research we’re at. Generally, it involves brainstorming, reviewing literature, sense-making, data collection through field visits, analysis, writing, developing communication outputs, attending meetings, managing logistics for events, monitoring partners, budgeting, participating in external meetings, and contributing to discussions through our work. Sometimes, all of this happens in a single day, while other times it’s spread out, allowing time to breathe.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. Because of my husband’s job, we have moved three times in the last three years. Weekends are spent exploring the town and nearby areas, going hiking, or finding some adventurous activity. When he is on field deputation, I stay with my family in Gurgaon, and all of my waking moments are spent fussing over my dog, Shea. I also run a home bakery, so my weekends often involve a lot of baking.
Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors?
A. I find joy in reading books and watching shows and movies that are light-hearted and happy. Recently, I read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, which is really good, and I am a big fan of the Before Coffee Gets Cold series. I also annually revisit Harry Potter, still waiting about my letter of acceptance from Hogwarts. As for shows, I keep going back to Schitt’s Creek, The Office, Modern Family, and similar ones.
Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitments towards its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, students? Your engagement with IIFM Placement or OT/SI?
A. At ICRW, we did hire a student for an internship for a few months. Unfortunately, right now at WIEGO and UNICEF, they don’t typically hire directly from campus or take on many interns. However, I am still open to guiding students who are interested in gender research or gender programming.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there?
A. There are so many things that are different now, and a lot of it has to do with the current students. I feel they are much more aware and clear about what they want. Alumni connections have grown significantly, which is a positive change for both students and the institute.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. I’m sure all IIFMites have such diverse and vast experiences to share, and I would love to read about everyone. In particular, my batchmates Harhini Santhanam, Ankita Sardana, Ram Prasad, Saurabh Shukla, and Trapti Moonat all have truly fascinating journeys to share. Another one would be from our senior batch, Nupur Maruti, who has been doing some great work at Habitat for Humanity. I’m sure there are many women alumni in leadership positions, and I would love to hear from them.