Zuzanna Smigiel
Greater London
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in policy research and analysis, conflict and security analysis, and project leadership. Demonstrated success in raising over £30,000 for international development initiatives. Skilled in intercultural collaboration, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement, with a proven track record of building strategic partnerships and producing impactful advocacy content. Experienced in programme and event management, public speaking, and training. Committed to advancing international security governance and human rights through effective communication and leadership.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Policy Analyst
Dods Political Intelligence
Remote
03.2025 - Current
- Produced high-impact policy briefings that informed decision-making for NGO, corporate, and public sector clients.
- Tracked Parliamentary debates and legislative changes using advanced monitoring tools, ensuring clients received timely intelligence.
- Developed subject-matter expertise in UK government structures, enhancing client advocacy strategies.
- Delivered concise analytical reports to senior stakeholders, improving strategic planning on domestic and international affairs.
Wellbeing Personal Trainer
Nuffield Health
Cheam, Sutton
09.2022 - Current
- Built and retained a diverse client base through effective relationship management and tailored fitness programmes.
- Exceeded monthly sales targets by 20%, securing the highest number of new client sign-ups in the team (Jan 2023).
- Delivered health workshops and training sessions, reinforcing leadership and communication in high-pressure environments
Team Leader/ Head Fundraiser
Dig Deep Charity
Lancaster, Lancashire
11.2021 - 09.2022
- Spearheaded a 15-member team that raised £30,000+ for clean water projects in East Africa.
- Designed and implemented advocacy campaigns on water inequality, achieving wide student media coverage and increased donor engagement.
- Delivered leadership training and logistical planning for Kilimanjaro summit, achieving 100% team success.
- Expanded campaign reach by establishing strategic partnerships with student societies and local businesses.
Waitress/ Front of House
Bay Horse Inn; Greaves Park
Lancaster, Lancashire
10.2019 - 06.2022
- Enhanced guest satisfaction through attentive and prompt service.
- Showcased extensive knowledge of menu items, heightened customer decision making.
- Assisted with inventory management, streamlined restaurant operations.
- Provided recommendations on specials or seasonal offerings for increased sales revenue.
- Utilised professional communication skills to resolve customer complaints.
Foreign English Teacher
Project Trust
Jiujiang, Jiangxi
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Delivered 800+ hours of English instruction to classes of up to 80 students, tailoring teaching methods to diverse learning needs.
- Designed inclusive lesson plans and extracurricular programs that improved language proficiency and engagement.
- Raised £6,200 pre-departure through events, sponsorships, and public speaking, demonstrating initiative and resilience.
- Strengthened intercultural collaboration by adapting to Mandarin-speaking environments and local customs.
Education
Master of Arts - International Conflict Studies (War Studies)
King’s College London
London 09.2024 - 09.2025
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
Lancaster University
Lancaster 09.2019 - 06.2022
A-Levels - Geography, Psychology, Arts
Nonsuch Grammar High School for Girls
Cheam, Sutton 09.2016 - 06.2018
GCSEs -
Holy Cross Catholic Girl’s School
New Malden, Kingston upon Thames 09.2011 - 06.2016
Skills
- Policy Research & Analysis: Monitoring legislation, synthesising data, producing concise briefings
- Conflict & Security Analysis: Conflict theory, counterterrorism, human rights, international security governance
- Project Leadership & Fundraising: Leading teams, managing campaigns, raising £30,000 for international development
- Intercultural Collaboration & Negotiation: Teaching, volunteering abroad, representing UK youth internationally
- Public Speaking & Training: Workshops, presentations, leadership development
- Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Communication: Building partnerships, producing advocacy content
- Programme & Event Management: Planning international campaigns and educational programs
- Languages: Fluent English & Polish; basic Italian
Certification
- Level 3 Diploma in International Volunteering – Project Trust / NOCN
- Level 2 & 3 Personal Training / Gym Instructing – Origym Centre of Excellence
- Health Coaching – New York Institute for Integrative Nutrition
- Qualsafe Level 3 Award in SWPSR (Shallow Water Pool Supervision & Rescue)
Languages
English
Native
Polish
Native
Timeline
Policy Analyst
Dods Political Intelligence
03.2025 - Current
Master of Arts - International Conflict Studies (War Studies)
King’s College London
09.2024 - 09.2025
Wellbeing Personal Trainer
Nuffield Health
09.2022 - Current
Team Leader/ Head Fundraiser
Dig Deep Charity
11.2021 - 09.2022
Waitress/ Front of House
Bay Horse Inn; Greaves Park
10.2019 - 06.2022
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
Lancaster University
09.2019 - 06.2022
Foreign English Teacher
Project Trust
08.2018 - 05.2019
A-Levels - Geography, Psychology, Arts
Nonsuch Grammar High School for Girls
09.2016 - 06.2018
GCSEs -
Holy Cross Catholic Girl’s School
09.2011 - 06.2016