Lucas dos Santos Miranda, MA Globalisation, Business & Development student (class of 2025), joined IDS as part of a double master’s programme partnership between IDS and Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV). We asked Lucas to tell us a bit about why he joined IDS, his first impressions and his plans for his dissertation.
Interviewer: What were you doing before you came to IDS?
Lucas: Before coming to IDS, I was in my first year at Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV), studying for a Master’s in Management and Public Policy. I was also working as a Business Intelligence Analyst at iFood, the largest foodtech company in Latin America. In addition, I was — and continue to be — working part-time at an NGO I co-founded in Brazil called Se Mudando, which focuses on supporting homeless people through a Housing First programme.
FGV fosters a fantastic culture of encouraging its students to seek international experiences, understanding how crucial they are for both personal and professional development. In fact, this was one of the key reasons I chose FGV in the first place. From the moment I joined, I was already thinking about the possibility of pursuing a double degree programme.
When the partnership with IDS was announced, it transformed an idea into a clear goal, and I knew I couldn’t miss the opportunity to be part of the number one institution in the world in this field.

Interviewer: Can you describe your first term and whether IDS is meeting your expectations?
Lucas: The first term was an exciting and novel experience. Everything was new: the class formats, the IDS culture, new friends, and a new routine (including managing all the readings!) I can confidently say I was happy throughout this first term.
When I started at IDS my three main expectations were (1) studying, (2) building a strong network, and (3) living life to the fullest. And my mission was to find the right balance between these three important aspects. I’m happy to say that I am fulfilling all of these!
- Studying – I’m definitely studying. I’ve learned a lot through lectures, readings, and mainly assignments. One thing I truly appreciate is the notable flexibility to focus on topics that genuinely interest me.
- Building a strong network – Beyond the professional aspects, I’ve met many fantastic friends. We got along so well during this first term that I’ve even been invited to a wedding in the future! While I’m still in the process of building a strong professional network, I already deeply value the close friendships I’ve formed.
- Living life to the fullest – I’ve been enjoying so many new experiences, from IDS’s traditional cultural events to watching a pantomime (a style of theatre I had never experienced before). I even played sports I had never tried in my life, like frisbee. Some friends and I co-founded an IDS football team as well!
The unique sense of community at IDS is something I haven’t seen in other courses. Even my flatmates have noticed this — they’ve mentioned that their courses don’t have the same welcoming and supportive atmosphere. IDS brings together such a large group of respectful and good-intentioned people. When my girlfriend visited recently she was genuinely impressed by everyone’s kindness.

Interviewer: Many IDS students have never been to Brighton, or even the UK before, what has been your experience so far?
Lucas: This is actually my second time in the UK, though my first visit was just a short tourist trip where I spent a weekend in London, so I’m not sure that really counts! However, it’s my first time in Brighton. Brighton is a cozy place to live. The city feels like a global centre of freedom, respect, and inclusivity — qualities I admire. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by how thoughtful people are in respecting everyone’s needs. For example, I thought I might struggle a bit with food options, but I’ve found plenty of vegetarian choices, which I really appreciate.

Interviewer: Have you decided what your dissertation will be on, and who you will work with?
Lucas: I’m planning to study the feasibility of applying a Social Impact Bond (SIB) as a tool to fund a Housing First (HF) programme in Brazil. I hope to analyse the main cost-saving categories for the Brazilian government by examining existing HF programmes. While I have a few supervisors in mind, I still need to approach them to formalise my decision.
Interviewer: How will this double master’s help your career and what are you planning to do next?
Lucas: As my undergraduate degree was in Management Engineering, I can say that this experience is a kind of change in path for my career. My double master’s degree in Public Policy and in Globalisation, Business and Development will accredit me to move forward in a career that aligns with my passion for social impact.
I have several potential paths in mind that I would love to follow after my year at IDS, but I’m open to finding new opportunities. My dream is to work as a social entrepreneur and transform my NGO into a social impact startup in Brazil. However, I believe I need more experience in the development sector before taking this step.
That’s why I’m currently exploring roles at institutions like the World Bank or in social impact investment funds.