Sering Touray
Dr Sering Touray
PhD in Economics (2017)
What made you choose to study at Heriot-Watt?
As one of the participating Universities in the SGPE program, a collaborative Economics graduate program by Scottish universities, the Economics Department at Heriot-Watt offered a conducive environment to broaden my knowledge and skills in economics following the completion of my Masters program. The department (much like the University) is unique in its diversity - in economics and as a multidisciplinary department. In addition, the beautiful city of Edinburgh is an incredible place to live and study.
Why were you thinking about a PhD in economics in particular?
Prior to starting my MSc. Program, I was a Teaching Assistant at the University of The Gambia. On the basis of this career trajectory, an advanced training was a natural starting point. The PhD program at Heriot-Watt – which combined both research and teaching; not only prepared me for this career path; but in an increasingly uncertain world, it equipped me with the skills for an alternative career choice. Evidently, this has turned out to be very useful.
What's your favourite or most memorable memory of your time as a Heriot-Watt student?
Although I very much enjoy my current work, I must confess at times I miss the classroom. During my time in Heriot-Watt as a PhD student, I was also a teaching assistant – directly interacting with students from various academic (including economics, finance, accounting, actuarial science, etc) and cultural backgrounds. Through these interactions, I learnt a great deal of multicultural coexistence. I have also missed our events at the Muslim Society – particularly the Islamic Awareness Week which often culminated in a multicultural dinner.
How would you summarise your time studying in the Economics Department of the Edinburgh Business School?
My time in the Economics Department at Heriot-Watt was fantastic – an incredible and intellectually stimulating environment to learn and grow. In addition to advancing my own research agenda, it was a great place to be update with cutting edge issues in other disciplines through the department-wide seminars.
You have been working for the World Bank Group in Washington DC since you graduated - how has your Heriot-Watt University education contributed to your success at the World Bank Group?
The PhD program at Heriot-Watt (with its fine blend of research and technical skills training) provided me with a strong foundation and a competitive edge for a career in the complex world of international development. With the education from Heriot-Watt, I support World Bank interventions in client countries – particularly in the most fragile countries of the world; through knowledge generation to inform operations which seek to address the most pressing challenges in the fight to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality.
What would you like to achieve in this role?
I hope to continue to utilise my training from Heriot-Watt to contribute towards addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. With emerging challenges such as climate change, fragility and now the COVID-19 pandemic, international development practice (particularly the poorest parts of the world) now more than ever must come up with effective programs to lower vulnerabilities and build resilience in places where these challenges pose eminent threats.
What advice would you give to your past self when you were a student?
I wish I had been a more active member of the University community. Unlike undergraduate students, graduate student activities are often sometimes very limited. For instance, during my second year, I participated and presented in a multi-disciplinary research conference in Heriot-Watt. Events like those expose participants to knowledge beyond the frontiers of their areas of expertise. I wish I participated in more of similar events – because one only gets such learning opportunities in university settings. Most of the seminars and conferences I attend today are (in)directly linked to my area of expertise and seldomly involve other disciplines.
What advice do you have for current students?
With its international presence, Heriot-Watt university is well placed to provide students with a unique multi-cultural education. I hope current students will leverage this unique opportunity – particularly in our increasingly globalised world which requires multidisciplinary synergies to address the challenges of our time.
Describe Heriot-Watt University in five words
Once a Watt, Never Not – is true in every sense of the words.
What is your lasting impression of Heriot-Watt University?
An incredible environment for living and learning.
What are your aspirations for the future?
(a) For your career?
To continue to work in the international development space so that children today have hope for a better tomorrow – one step at a time.
(b) For your local and wider community?
To be a better citizen of the world and ensure that we bequeath a better world than we currently live in.
Can you tell us a little about your own background away from work, family, other interests etc.
I am from The Gambia – West Africa. Therefore, you will understand that adjusting to the weather in Edinburgh was the first of many challenges I had to cope with. I spent most of my school holidays in summer visiting Ballangharr – the home village of my parents. I enjoyed the village ambience. My observations during these trips – particularly of their agricultural activities, the semi-formal and informal institutions in the village economy; among others; laid the foundation for the direction of my PhD research and later on in shaping my perspectives on international development.