Humanitarian Quiz

What kind of humanitarian are you?

I am willing to commit a lot of time in studying and preparing for a career in humanitarian affairs.

I have a strong desire to learn from field experts and alongside those with careers or have a deep interest in humanitarian affairs, like me.

I like helping people but I feel like I’m missing the knowledge and training to do so effectively.

I am ready to commit at least six hours per week in studying, building, and networking for a career in humanitarian affairs.

The idea of a short intensive excites me. I am even willing to travel to fully experience the importance of localisation, site visits, and capacity building.

I want to connect with career professionals who share this same attitude and vision. I am also interested in surrounding myself with different humanitarian experiences.

I would jump at a study abroad opportunity or internship in humanitarian affairs and join clubs that meet on this topic.

The idea of attending a few online evening classes per week and meeting others with international backgrounds excites and motives me.

I have a little extra time to spare to commit to learning additional skills for my own good and/or my career.

I am preparing to graduate with an undergraduate degree in humanitarian affairs.

One or more of the following topics interest me: mental health, responding to international disasters, advocacy, humanitarian fundamentals, forced migration, or human rights in humanitarian crises.

I see myself participating in a four- week long training in Pretoria or Bangkok to fully immerse myself in humanitarian assistance learning.

I’d be interested in one more year to become a master of humanitarian studies.

I am new to humanitarian studies.

The following topics would motivate me and equip me at work: management, logistics, health, psychology, social sciences, communication, agriculture, environment, education, conflict resolution, international law, politics, and economics.

You are a soon-to-be master in humanitarian studies! Have you learned about Fordham University’s Accelerated Master of Science in Humanitarian Studies (MSHS)?

I am curious and have courage to face upsetting realities and a am willing to work toward meaningful solutions in an office setting or in the field overseas.

I have access to a computer and am interested in learning and meeting people virtually.

I think adding an official diploma in humanitarian assistance to my resume would benefit me, my career and those I serve.

I am socially conscious, I love to write, think critically in group and individual settings, and am very in tune with current world events and crises.

I am ready to commit at least 6 hours part-time or 12–18 hours full-time of online studying where I am currently deployed or living.

Mastering humanitarian operations, disaster management, and leadership sounds exciting and motivating for my career.

I want to virtually meet international humanitarian practitioners from various aid and humanitarian support organizations.

I need to earn my master's degree on a budget and on my time.

No, I'm not there yet or I'm already 5 years into my career — which best describes you?

Holly Curtis

Assistant Provost for Corporate Relations at Fordham University

Holly Curtis is an accomplished education leader, currently serving as the Assistant Provost for Corporate Relations at Fordham University. In this role, she fosters partnerships between academia and industry, driving innovative collaborations and advancing strategic goals. Prior to this, Holly was the Chief of Staff at Ascend Public Charter Schools, where she oversaw strategic planning for one of New York’s largest charter networks, and she also led MBA Admissions at NYU Stern School of Business.
With a strong background in strategic leadership, education management, program development, and recruitment, Holly’s career began in international development with Pencils of Promise in Laos. Her work there shaped her expertise in strategic planning and talent development.

Holly holds an MBA from NYU Stern and a BA in International Political Economy from Fordham University. She is deeply committed to advancing diversity and inclusion, and is a certified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). She is also an alumna of NYU’s Global Inclusive Leadership Management Institute.

Martine van der Does

Helen Hamlyn Humanitarian Fellow and Global Program Director

Work Location
  • Netherlands and Jordan
Martine van der Does is a Dutch humanitarian expert with over 20 years of international experience in humanitarian action, diplomacy, policy and education. With a background in architecture, she started her career working on humanitarian shelter at Delft University of Technology before moving into field operations with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) as a Construction Logistician.

In 2010, Martine joined the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she has held various policy, coordination and diplomatic positions, including assignments in Afghanistan and Jordan. She has also worked for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Myanmar, focusing on protection and water and habitat programmes in remote areas. From Amman, Jordan, she served as Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Netherlands Government, covering humanitarian developments and crises across the Middle East. Martine continues her work with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a Strategic Policy Advisor on Humanitarian Affairs.

Alongside her work with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Martine has been involved with Fordham University’s Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) for over 15 years. Since 2024, she has been involved as the Helen Hamlyn Humanitarian Fellow at the IIHA, where she has also held the role of Global Program Director, contributing to the development and delivery of international humanitarian education and training programmes. She has also served as Course Director of the International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA) and lectures at Fordham University and Delft University of Technology.

Martine holds a Master of Science in Architecture from Delft University of Technology and a Master of Arts in International Humanitarian Action from Fordham University.

She co-hosts Corporate Humanity, a podcast produced by Fordham University’s Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs. 

Academic Background

Master of Science in Architecture (MSc) and Master of Arts in International Humanitarian Action (MIHA) and IDHA 24 

With the IIHA since: 2008

Current courses: IDHA and non-academic courses

In my free time I enjoy: Outside of work, Martine is a passionate cyclist and runner who enjoys endurance sports and ultraraces. She is also a qualified sports massage therapist. 

“In a world you can be anything, be kind to yourself and the people you work for and with. ”