My experience working on a Business Project at ICRC

I am delighted to have the opportunity to discuss my business project which was a splendid initiative by Sheffield University Management School to provide a real-time working experience to the management students.

My project was on the topic, "Research and Analysis on Critical Incident Intervention techniques for implementing at the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) to ensure staff well-being". This project represents a significant link between my MBA degree, prior industrial experience and the real-world application of my academic studies. The research-oriented design of the MBA modules including interactive sessions combined with in-class discussions of real-time scenarios, case studies and practical approach adopted in working on the assignments were crucial in conducting a comprehensive research for by business project on the latest editions of literature on critical incidents in the workplace; as well as mental health and psychosocial support for humanitarian workers facing critical incidents in challenging and complex work environments. More than meticulously putting together the keywords, strings and content required for the Staff Health guidance report, the entire research journey combined with stakeholder meetings and sessions helped me in defining my learning curve around mental health for staff, how to handle critical incidents at workplace, the importance of IGLO (Individual, Group, Leadership level and Organisational level) intervention mechanisms and how ICRC progress by supporting its staff through effectively implementing them with the support of a line of psychologists.

The project at ICRC offered me a unique opportunity to apply my academic knowledge and Human Resource skills to address real-world challenges in humanitarian settings, by opening doors to listen to some of the in-house staff, narrating about their experiences of handling critical incidents in different contexts. By conducting in-depth research and analysis, I was able to gain valuable insights into the intervention techniques required to effectively address critical incidents that occur in the workplace. This experience allowed me to put my strategic management skills to the test, ensuring that interventions guidelines recommended were aligned with ICRC's vision and objectives.

Furthermore, the project involved collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, researchers to explore innovative ways of supporting humanitarian workers during challenging situations. This required effective communication and leadership skills, both of which were emphasized during my MBA programme. As a team, we presented our research findings to a panel of academic staff and external experts, enabling me to leverage my presentation skills.

Additionally, the project delved into the development of support systems for humanitarian workers, which aligns closely with my specialization in Human Resource Management. By understanding the unique needs of humanitarian aid workers and designing Employee Value Propositions (EVPs) to support and retain talent, I was able to contribute my expertise in creating a valuable piece of work to building the overall recommendations.

Working at ICRC not only allowed me to apply my MBA knowledge to real-world situations but also provided me with a deeper appreciation for the importance of ethical leadership, responsible decision-making and social responsibility in humanitarian contexts. My time at ICRC has been an invaluable experience that has enriched my academic journey and reaffirmed my passion for making a positive impact in the world.

In conclusion, my academic project at ICRC has been a transformative experience that bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. It has reaffirmed my commitment to using my MBA degree to contribute meaningfully to the well-being and support of humanitarian workers in critical incidents. I am eager to bring this experience to build my career in human resources.

Written by Amrutha Sajeev in August 2023.