Brenda Eucianne Duarte Fonseca, a Chevening Scholar from Brazil who graduated in 2025, is turning her MSc in Human Resource Management into a career in healthcare recruitment.
What were you doing before starting your masters degree, and what made you decide to pursue postgraduate study at this point in your career?
Before my masters, I was working for four years as an HR Coordinator at a local company in Brazil, building strong professional experience and taking on leadership responsibilities.
I had always envisioned an international career and wanted to study abroad, but given my financial background it felt out of reach. Being awarded the Chevening Scholarship and accepted at Royal Holloway allowed me to take a significant step toward that goal.
Why did you choose Royal Holloway and this course?
As an autistic and ADHD student, as well as an international student, inclusion and student support were key factors in my decision. Royal Holloway stood out as an inclusive university that genuinely valued diversity and wellbeing. I felt confident it would be an environment where I could thrive academically while being respected and supported.
I was also drawn to the course itself. The MSc in Human Resource Management offers a strong and relevant curriculum, combining academic depth with practical, real-world perspectives. It gave me the opportunity to build both my knowledge and research skills in ways that aligned with my long-term career plans.
The university’s facilities were another important factor. The libraries and academic resources provided an ideal environment for focused study and the proximity to London gave me access to wider cultural, professional and networking opportunities.
What are you doing now, and how has your masters degree shaped your next steps?
I currently work remotely from Brazil for an American company. I initially joined as an HR Assistant and have since progressed into a recruitment role, which means more responsibility and the opportunity to develop expertise in international talent acquisition.
My masters degree played a key role in this progression. It strengthened my analytical skills, expanded my understanding of organisational dynamics, and gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities beyond my local context.
The course also reinforced my interest in building a career that combines people-focused work with a strong academic foundation, particularly in areas of inclusion, wellbeing, and human behaviour. I plan to continue developing my career in recruitment and HR internationally, while also pursuing further studies in Psychology to deepen my understanding of human behaviour.
What aspect of the course had the biggest impact on you — personally?
The multicultural environment had the greatest impact. Studying alongside people from different countries, backgrounds and professional experiences challenged my perspective and supported my personal growth.
Engaging with diverse viewpoints helped me better understand how HR practices differ globally and made me more adaptable, and confident in international settings.
What aspect of the course had the biggest impact on you — professionally?
Completing a masters degree at a prestigious university significantly strengthened my professional profile. It increased my visibility in the job market and opened up opportunities that would likely not have been accessible to me before.
It also gave me credibility, expanded my network, and boosted my confidence to pursue more advanced roles long-term.
Why did you apply for the Chevening Scholarship?
Studying abroad had always been a dream, but for most of my life it felt completely impossible. I grew up in a rural area in Brazil and attended a very small school with limited resources – we didn’t even have internet access. Despite this, I was determined to learn and taught myself English through independent study.
Later, I earned a full scholarship to study Law, becoming the first person in my family to attend university. Over time, I transitioned into Human Resources, where I found my professional passion. But even then, an international opportunity still felt out of reach.
When I discovered Chevening I immediately recognised it as the opportunity I had been waiting for - not only to study in the UK, access to a level of education and international exposure I could not have afforded. I applied twice before being selected, and that moment changed my life.
Chevening allowed me to be the first person in my family to leave the country and pursue a masters degree abroad. For me, it represents social mobility, personal achievement, and the possibility of transforming my future.
How has your experience as a Chevening scholar impacted your life and your future?
It’s been transformative, both personally and professionally. It gave me access to world-class education and an international environment that expanded my perspective and challenged me to grow. It elevated my profile and accelerated my career progression, directly contributing to my role in an international company.
On a personal level, the experience helped me build independence, resilience, and stronger sense of purpose. Living abroad and connecting with people from different cultures showed me that I belong in international spaces and that my background doesn’t define my limits.
Chevening gave me the tools, network, and confidence to pursue a career focused on people, inclusion, and long-term impact. It’s been a life-changing experience that has fundamentally expanded what I believe is possible.
In what ways has Royal Holloway supported your experience as a Chevening scholar?
Royal Holloway played a key role in my Chevening journey by offering consistent support throughout my time in the UK.
Beyond academic guidance, the university provided practical and personal support, from accommodation to financial advice and wellbeing services. As an international student this was especially important helping me adapt to a new environment.
The focus on physical and mental health made a real difference. Knowing support was available helped me feel secure and able to fully engage with my studies.
Overall, Royal Holloway created a supportive and inclusive environment that allowed me to make the most of my experience without feeling isolated.
What does being part of the prestigious Chevening community mean to you?
It means being part of a global network of inspiring individuals committed to making a positive impact.
Coming from a rural, low-income background, Chevening is deeply personal. It represents how far determination and opportunity can take you. It is both an honour and a responsibility.
Chevening is more than just a scholarship, it’s a platform that encourages leadership, collaboration, and impact. Being part of this community motivates me to keep growing, to think bigger and use what I have learned to contribute meaningfully to society and creating opportunities for others.
What advice would you give to anyone considering applying for Chevening?
Be prepared, authentic and persistent.
Take time to understand the application process and what Chevening is looking for. Learn from others, especially alumni who share their experience and advice.
Most importantly, do not give up. Chevening is highly competitive, and many applicants succeed after multiple attempts – I applied twice before being selected. Each application is a chance to improve and refine your story.
If you believe in your potential, stay committed. Chevening rewards clarity of purpose, resilience, and a genuine desire to make an impact.
