International Development (read time: 37 min)

Written By Second Day

So you want to work in International Development?

International development is an expansive and complex field. Under the broad title of “international development” (or IDEV), lie opportunities as diverse as humanitarian work, economic research, government policy, public health, international education, and more. It is important to approach the IDEV industry with eyes wide open. On the one hand, academics, politicians, and NGO employees have contributed to some of the most significant advances in human prosperity in the past century. Many humble, empathetic, creative, tough individuals can find career, personal, and ethical fulfillment through IDEV work. But on the other hand, the international development field has been criticized for perpetuating colonial-era systems and employing staff who act condescendingly to the people they work for and with. This field is rapidly changing and it appears to be changing for the better. Many IDEV organizations have a renewed focus on hiring local staff in the countries they operate in. While this trend is long overdue, it does reduce the number of jobs available to non-locals. IDEV is a crowded field, especially  for US-based roles, so it’s important to enter into your IDEV job-hunt thoughtfully and deliberately.

Ask yourself: how important is it to you that the work you’re doing has an international scope? Are you willing to spend significant time living abroad and ingraining yourself in foreign cultures and languages? Because sub-issues of IDEV, such as poverty, illiteracy, and hunger, are also domestic issues, you can have direct impact within the US and avoid some of the more difficult elements of international work. But if you feel that you grow best outside your comfort zone,  are willing to listen and learn from local experts, and are excited to immerse yourself in a new community, IDEV could be the place for you. Clearly identifying your commitment to international development and maintaining that motivation will create a sustainable career in IDEV. If you’ve got a fire in your belly and are ready to do what it takes, there are lots of opportunities to dive in and make a difference!

To inform our work, Second Day has spoken to experts in the field and gathered the best information out there for upcoming and recent graduates. First, the guide will take you through the  different entry-level positions to look out for in this field. Then, we’ll provide tips on actually getting those jobs in IDEV. We’ll finish with our next three steps: actionable items you can take to make progress towards finding your first job in the field. Let’s get started!

This guide was written by Brigit Goebelbecker and Sonia Gupta (SDIF '20) in partnership with the Second Day team.

Many thanks to experts in the field who supported this work:

  • Alyssa Huberts Sullivan, Former Research Fellow, Inter-American Development Bank

  • Karyn Miller, Executive Operations Manager, MiracleFeet

  • Hannah Peterson, Former Senior Associate, Instiglio

  • Katherine Trujillo, Deputy Director, Libraries Without Borders

What is international development?

International development is a phrase with a nuanced, loaded history and tradition. Before diving into the specifics of how to get a job in this field, it is important to take a moment to understand the term, the industry, and its influence. Also referred to as “global development” or “human development,” the “international development industry” refers to the organizations that are working to combat inequities around the world. We use the term “inequities” expansively since there are numerous schools of thought regarding what truly defines the “development” of a country (GDP, life expectancy, etc.). The root of this “development” concept is the same as the idea of “developing” and “developed countries,” and one that has been called into question for perpetuating neocolonial classifications and stereotypes.

Lots of jargon, we know. At its most simple, IDEV refers to a distinct field of practice and research that focuses on improving the standard of living in countries around the world (with a focus on “non-Western,” “less developed,” “previously colonized countries”). The IDEV community has codified it’s goals into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

From the perspective of the United States, there are several key stakeholders in IDEV:

  • THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, specifically the United States Agency for international development (USAID). USAID is an agency of the federal government that is responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance. With a budget of $27.7 billion, it is the largest national aid agency in the world. Other agencies such as the CDC and the State Department also fund international development work, but to a lesser degree.

  • FOUNDATIONS. While most money for international development projects comes from USAID, philanthropic foundations play a major role in supporting the wide range of projects around the world that fit under the lens of IDEV. Examples include: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Ford Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation. For more details on careers at foundations, check out our guide to Philanthropy

  • INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANCIES are the organizations that implement the programs designed by USAID or other grant-making organizations. These consultancies apply for grants and一when they win the proposal一receive the money to launch a project. These consultancies then build a team, infrastructure, and plan to achieve the aims of the grant-making organization (often USAID). Because USAID has quite complex reporting requirements, an entire industry of contractors exists in DC that specialize in winning and executing on these projects. Examples include: Chemonics, DAI, AECOM, Dalberg, IDInsight, and Tetra Tech.

  • NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NG0) and other nonprofits are also selected by USAID or foundations to “do the work.” While the category of NGO or nonprofit is broad, these organizations are generally specialists in a certain type of work (health, agriculture, financial access, etc). Examples of NGOs in the IDEV world include: Amnesty International, the Red Cross, Oxfam, the World Wildlife Fund.

  • MULTILATERAL ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR SUBSIDIARIES are the umbrella organizations that work above, around, and outside national governments. These organizations are both the funders and implementers of international development work, and include organizations like the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), World Trade Organization (WTO), International Criminal Court (ICC), the Group of Twenty (G20), and others. This category also includes the subsidiaries of these aforementioned organizations, such as the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), UN-HABITAT and more.

  • RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS like think tanks, universities, and research organizations play a significant role in directing the priorities and trends of the IDEV industry. From designing research studies to analyzing the success of interventions, these organizations are often based in the United States or Europe and may employ staff to run their research studies in the field. Examples of these organizations include the Brookings Institution, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), and more.

Social enterprises use a revenue model to support activities that address IDEV goals, without relying on funding institutions. Examples include: Sanergy, Bboxx, Give Directly, and more. We will not go in depth into these opportunities in this guide, but recommend reading Second Day’s Social Enterprise and Startup career guide.

What types of jobs exist in IDEV?

Given the multitude of organizations that constitute the IDEV industry, there is no “typical job” in IDEV. Nonetheless, there are a few employment trends that are critical to know that depends on geography. Specifically一working in the IDEV industry while based in the United States requires a different approach from working internationally.

Working domestically

It is possible to pursue IDEV without moving abroad! Some organizations (like the US Government and IDEV consultancies) have the majority of their staff located in the United States. Other organizations will have a broad international footprint, but they might still have a US office or headquarters.  At it’s best, work in the US can focus on mobilizing resources for critical international work, led by partners on the ground. Typically, work in US offices focuses on advocacy, oversight, program management, and implementation. Common entry-level roles include:

  • PROJECT COORDINATOR OR MANAGER (USAID, IDEV Consultancies, NGOs, Multilateral Organizations) coordinates the implementation of distinct projects. At an entry-level, these roles can be very operations and administratively focused, with a significant amount of time spent communicating project goals and accomplishments across different stakeholders. Through the work of coordinating meetings, reports, and personalities, Project Coordinators get in-depth exposure to how things work. You’ll have the chance to build relationships with people working on the ground (“in country,” aka not in the US) and with the high-level decision-makers in the HQ.

  • COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE (all orgs) works to collect information on projects around the world and synthesize that information into fundraising materials, annual reports, advertisements, and more. Similar to the Project Coordinator roles, Communications Associates have the opportunity to interact directly with a variety of people at an organization. If you have any background in communications, these roles can be a great way to get your foot in the door at an IDEV organization. After some time in a communications role, it is not uncommon for individuals to transition to other teams in an organization.

  • POLICY COORDINATOR (Foundation, IDEV consultancies, NGOs, Research Institutions) generates research and communications to help lobby for increased US government spending on priority issues for your organization (e.g., HIV, Malaria, etc). If you are interested in the political nature of IDEV work, these positions can be an excellent first step.

  • DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE (NGOs, some IDEV Consultancies) focuses on fundraising for future projects. These roles can be communications focused (writing and designing reports and materials to share with funders) and/or grant-writing focused. NGOs and IDEV Consultancies rely on grants for everything they do, so grant-writing teams are a critical facet of their organizations. If you enjoy writing, data, and communications, there are often entry-level roles available on these teams.

  • OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE (all orgs) often supports reporting requirements and getting stuff done. IDEV is notorious for extensive reporting requirements (particularly to USAID). Working as an Operations Associate will enable you to understand the inner-workings of the industry: how funding works, how policy is implemented, and how the “pieces” of the industry fit together. This can also be a great position to learn the inner-workings of your organization and then transition to a team that you find the most compelling and effective.

  • RESEARCH ASSISTANT (Research Institutions, Multilateral Organizations, NGOs, USAID, Foundations). “Research” is a broad term, but it generally applies to desk research to build or evaluate IDEV projects and policies. In some examples, it may include hands-on research like interviews or focus groups, but the work that involves interacting with communities is usually reserved for internationally-based staff. Research Associates generally support teams of academics in analyzing data and statistics, writing reports, and cross-referencing with other academic sources. If interested in a PhD or positions in policy or monitoring and evaluation, these roles can be a great first step.

Some important points to keep in mind about working domestically:

  • Most roles are in DC. The vast majority of domestic positions are based in DC, and the community there is tight-knit. If you want to build your IDEV network quickly, focusing on DC is a reliable first step. Nonetheless, other cities do have clusters of IDEV talent:

    • New York City is home to the United Nations, and a cluster of NGOs, research institutes, and foundations have sprung up here.

    • San Francisco is where some Asia-focused organizations will have offices, as well as tech-oriented organizations.

  • IDEV is an over-credentialed space. One of the experts we spoke to was an intern at an IDEV consultancy in college, and her co-interns were PhD and Master's students. For better or for worse (see Graduate School, below), the IDEV industry is overflowing with talent with secondary degrees. This means that entry-level roles domestically can be very competitive, as the standard of living and proximity to home is a rare commodity in the IDEV space.

  • Many roles expect experience abroad. We will talk more below about what this experience can look like, but it can be challenging to get jobs domestically if you have not worked “on the ground.” Without field work experience, it will likely take you more time to rise through the ranks of an organization.

  • Get your foot in the door. Due to the crowded nature of domestic IDEV work, the experts we spoke to recommended taking any job at an organization you respect, and moving your way to your desired team internally. When positions open up, it is common for organizations to prioritize candidates who they already employ. Thus, even if you can’t find a perfect entry-level job, taking a “good enough” role is an excellent way to learn the ropes and move into that perfect job down the line.

Working internationally

If you are hoping to work abroad early in your career, there are generally two paths: fellowships and finding open roles directly. We’ve detailed the most common fellowships here and then discuss options for finding open roles directly below.

FELLOWSHIPS

Fellowships or other cohort-based programs are one of the best ways to launch a career in international development. Moving abroad can be challenging logistically, mentally, and emotionally, and these programs provide structure and community to support you through the process. At the same time, the network provided by fellowship programs can be instrumental for the rest of your career. While that community will help you during your program, having a fellowship on your resume opens the doors to many career opportunities later on. Fellowship programs generally provide a high standard of living abroad, but can still be challenging if you have significant student debt to repay.

Importantly, Fellowship programs range widely in how sensitive they are to engaging with neocolonialism, community engagement, and existing power structures. Programs with a long legacy come with the benefit of credibility and significant alumni networks, but they also may have a complex history to recon with.

We’ve outlined some of the major international fellowship opportunities below. This list is not all encompassing, but it provides an overview of the top programs and potential pros and cons. Visit here for more fellowships of interest.

  • Peace Corps is the largest and most well-known IDEV fellowship program, with 7,000 participants per year. The placement is quite intense, lasting a bit over two years. We expand on it in greater detail below because of its popularity. Application deadline is rolling, but it often takes almost a year to get through the full application process and training.

  • Princeton in Latin America, Princeton in Africa, and Princeton in Asia are three linked but distinct fellowships. They directly place you with an NGO abroad to do substantive work for a year. Note that the program has an extensive application process with late fall/winter deadlines and typically requires an application fee.

  • The Fulbright Program is very reputable for those interested in teaching English abroad or conducting a research project. These programs are either one or two years with application deadlines typically in the late summer or early fall of senior year.

  • International Jesuit Volunteer Corps is a two-year intensive placement program with a predominant focus on Latin America. The intentional community often means not traveling home much, if at all, and typically requires fundraising as part of participation.

  • Global Health Corps is a 13-month placement program in Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, or Zambia. Because it is not just targeted towards recent college grads and there are only ~100 spots per year, this program is particularly competitive. See our Second Day Public Health guide if interested in global health opportunities.

  • VIA Global Community Fellowship is a 13 month placement with an organization in Asia focused on youth education or community development. Deadline is typically in the Fall.

  • Leland International Hunger Fellowship is a two year international placement program focused on global agriculture and nutrition access.

Pros and cons of the Peace Corps

Pros: The Peace Corps provides clear structure, a solid safety net, and the opportunity to meet a vast diversity of people. The three month training program is more robust than many other fellowships, and professional development is reportedly a bit spoonfed一which can be a great thing for some people. Peace Corps volunteers (PCVs) increasingly have autonomy on the core project they are assigned and have more input than they used to on where they are posted. This program provides significant exposure, certifications, hands-on field experience, great networks, and personal development. The Peace Corps remains a respected credential in IDEV, and there’s an understanding that you’re going into your next endeavor with a specific set of soft skills (you’re flexible, a self-starter, and can look at large problems and figure them out with limited resources). PCVs are used to facing uncertainty with creativity and resiliency, and that’s something that stands out to future employers. The Peace Corps also offers support with transitioning back to the US and figuring out next steps.

Cons: The Peace Corps as an institution has not been very self-aware of its place in perpetuating harmful discourse and actions related to the developing world. For anyone concerned with the power dynamics and lens of race, class, and privilege inherent in IDEV work, the Peace Corps will likely confirm your cynicisms and/or breed new ones. While any PCV can be humble, respectful, and creative in how they engage with their community, there are many PCVs who perpetuate damaging white saviorism during their placement. The work itself is also very difficult and mentally taxing. Any international development work is inherently complex and the Peace Corps is no different!

INTERNATIONAL POSITIONS As a recent college graduate, finding fieldwork opportunities outside of a structured fellowship program can be challenging. You oftentimes will be required to network heavily with those in your target city, country, or region to identify what organizations exist and who is hiring. And in many instances, you will have to manage the complexities of moving on your own.  However, if you are able to find a role on your own, you will have much more flexibility to make what you want of the experience than you would with a structured fellowship program. You can stay in a country longer, move up the ranks of your organization, and usually get paid significantly more than if you were doing a fellowship program. Nonetheless, these opportunities often take some creativity, patience, and grit. It’s important to take work visas and country eligibility seriously alongside a nuanced understanding of the work that different organizations do. There aren’t a ton of centralized job postings, so this route requires more research and conversations to surface promising opportunities. Below are some potential routes to get your foot in the door internationally.

  • IDEV consulting positions abroad are extremely competitive, but they have a solid salary and sometimes allow you to “skip over” the expectation for a master’s degree when you’re applying for your next job (allowing you to compete with candidates who have master’s degrees but no field experience). See the appendix for a list of these firms.

  • You can get a position at a Multilateral Institution like the UN or World Bank, which are among the most lucrative positions in the IDEV industry. There are extensive and complicated rules about how long you can work on projects, so many contracts are only for a few months. However, if you are open to the risk, many of these short-term contracts can transition into full-time offers. These positions are highly competitive, and many require a master’s degree or previous field experience.

  • Another extremely competitive option is working at an international NGO. Many experts we spoke to recommended not applying for roles at big-name NGOs like Amnesty International or the Red Cross until you have experience or a graduate degree because these organizations will typically receive far more applications than lesser known organizations. If you see an opportunity that fits your skill set and experience, you can certainly still apply, but expanding beyond the biggest name brand organizations is often critical to finding an entry-level role.

  • Country-specific nonprofit: Small nonprofits around the world are doing IDEV work, with opportunities in fundraising, program evaluation, communications, or operations. It can be challenging to find contact information or get plugged into these networks, especially if you don’t speak the local language. A good starting place can be looking at the list of Ashoka or Acumen fellows and where they have worked. While finding these roles takes some creativity, this nuance means these roles are often less competitive if you go through the effort to build an in-country network. If you can build a relationship with a nonprofit and convince them you can be helpful, you stand a high likelihood of landing a job opportunity. Importantly, these organizations likely pay lower salaries, offering you the opportunity to live comfortably abroad, but not comparable to domestic salaries.

  • Corporate roles internationally are another entry point to a country, city, or community. While it might seem odd for us to suggest working for the Mexico City office of Uber or Coca Cola, this can be a great way to establish yourself in a community outside of the United States for a few years and figure out your next step. Because it is so essential to have experience living abroad to build a career in international development, any opportunity to do so can be a great start. Sometimes, there will be interesting CSR initiatives that you could also get involved in.

  • Impact investing focuses on the quantitative side of IDEV. There are some investors based in the US and some based abroad. These roles are hard to get straight out of school since significant field work or investing experience is often a prerequisite. For more information on impact investing careers, see our Impact Investing and ESG career guide.

  • Teaching and research: there are many international English teaching programs and University research centers across the globe. Even if neither career trajectory is your long-term goal, this can be a great way to get your food in a foreign community and gain experience living abroad.

Some important points to keep in mind about working internationally:

  • Fieldwork experience is a requirement for some positions and a booster for others. The IDEV community strongly values experience working in-country一for good reason! Working in the field provides critical cultural context to IDEV work, illuminating the norms, power dynamics, and living situations of communities outside of the United States. Of course, not all international placements are created equal, and just because someone worked in another country does not mean they gained the empathy and emotional intelligence to engage with that community. Nonetheless, the IDEV industry uses field experience as a benchmark to assess, high-level, if you understand what it is like to engage with another culture. Some roles will require this experience. Other roles will value time spent abroad as “more experience” than the same amount of time spent at a domestic office.

  • Language experience: a significant benefit of working internationally is the opportunity to strengthen your language skills (a critical skill for success in IDEV). Carefully consider if you want to work in a country where you speak the language (or can learn) vs working in a country with a language you will be unlikely to learn while there. This choice will play a significant role in your ability to connect authentically with the community where you are living.

  • The “easiest” time to work abroad is right after you graduate. In terms of pay, family life, and job responsibilities, the younger you are for this work experience, the better. Cultural experience and operating in a challenging environment will teach you a lot about what you love and hate about the work, and will build skills to help move you on into a variety of different options for your next job. However, being abroad isn’t for everyone, and there are people working in IDEV who have never worked outside of the US. If you’re interested in working in policy or project management, domestic offices are perfect for that.

  • International work is uncomfortable. Working in another country comes with the thrill of immersion in a new culture, geography, etc., but it also comes with consistent challenges. How do I pay for electricity? How do I set up a phone? Will I have access to reliable internet? Am I prepared to not go outside at night if there are different safety standards? Am I ready for frequent power outages? Be sure to research the place you are considering living, but also spend time seriously considering if you are physically and emotionally prepared to deal with the realities of living abroad. It is not for everyone, and there is no shame in determining that international work does not make sense for your situation.

  • Thoroughly consider how your identity will impact your experience in another country. Working in Burkina Faso is vastly different than working in Slovenia, that much is obvious. But make sure you research not just “what it is like to work in X country,” but “what it is to work in X country as X identity.” Guidebooks have been written primarily by white men for centuries (though Travelling While Black is among the resources working to change that), and the IDEV industry has been predominantly white since its inception. As a result, it is far too common for people to “learn the hard way” how challenging it can be for someone from their identity group to live and work in another country. For example, we know one woman who was asked to sit outside the room during negotiations, a LGBTQ PCV in eastern Europe who hid their identity out of concern for persecution, and a Filipino-American working in Jordan was assumed to be a sex worker. Working abroad is inherently uncomfortable, but it is important to be prepared for the extent of what that “discomfort” could be for you as an individual. Before accepting an opportunity abroad, be sure to reach out to others who have lived there and specifically inquire about how your identity will shape your experience.

  • Loneliness and community. Remember that shaky internet connection we mentioned? That means it might be hard for you to have regular video calls with your family and friends. In some situations, you might be on a two-day, very expensive flight away from home. Some programs even explicitly forbid travel home, at least for the first few months. While this isolation from your home community is something to take seriously, it is likely the other “expats” (foreigners working in another country) are in the same boat. As a result, these expat communities are often extremely tight-knit and welcoming. IDEV professionals usually have built independence, confidence, and the ability to move between communities and cultures easily. The social community of IDEV professionals abroad fills in for families who are far away.

IDEV by the numbers (pay and hours)

WORKING DOMESTICALLY

This varies significantly depending on who you’re working for. Entry-level USAID positions pay around $50K. IDEV consultancies typically pay around $40K, and domestic branches of international NGOs (particularly smaller offices) usually have salaries of $30-45K.  Multilateral institutions pay around $50K as well, though it is common to take short-term contracts at these institutions.Hours also differ based on which organization you work for as well, but are generally comfortable. Some organizations, specifically IDEV consultancies, are known for working extreme hours (60+ hours per week). Most multilateral organizations, NGOs, US government organizations, and research institutions have more traditional, 9-5 hours.


WORKING ABROAD 

You will likely get paid fairly well for the standard of living abroad, and expats often make significantly more than the local staff on the team. You can anticipate about $20K per year, but there is often a stipend or re-location cost for moving. Some orgs will cover two flights per year or some of your rent or additional vacation days etc.

US government and multilateral institution jobs abroad are the most lucrative international positions. By US government regulations, you are given a living allowance. Your apartment is paid for, you have very few expenses, and you are usually paid high above the local standard of living. While this varies based on the country, that number is usually around $45k. Multilateral institutions have similar expectations.

Hours vary based on a multitude of factors, but work/life balance abroad is considered more extreme internationally than domestically. Especially if working in crisis-response on the ground, hours can be intense. The emotional labor of working abroad extends beyond the workplace into your everyday life, and it is possible your colleagues may be a key part of your social circle.

If you have significant student debt, but want to do this work right out of school, getting a job at a multilateral or US agency contractor will often provide the highest income-earning opportunity. Often, if you work for a few years in DC or New York in an entry-level position, you are often near the top of the list for the lucrative international jobs abroad.

How to get a job in IDEV

Pathways to get your foot in the door

As you’ve likely noticed throughout this guide一IDEV is a competitive industry. And in some ways一this is a good thing! Working with vulnerable populations around the world is something that should be taken very seriously, and it is critical that people working in this environment are educated in the nuances of their work and experienced in the cross-cultural communication required to do this work well.

So as you begin your career in IDEV, you should focus on building (1) your intellectual understanding of the IDEV industry and/or (2) your intercultural experience. Across the board, landing a position within any of the diverse organizations in the industry is a strong first step. This may feel incredibly broad, but the competitiveness of this space means that getting your foot in a door will be a huge benefit in enabling you to specialize and advance through your next role.


WORKING DOMESTICALLY

Generally, entry-level jobs will be at the Assistant or Coordinator level. Fundraising can often be a great way to get your foot in the door, since nonprofits almost always need support in raising money (see our Second Day Fundraising Guide). Marketing and Communications provide similar exposure, though the skillsets required and developed are slightly more niche (see our Second Day Communications Guide). These roles tend to be better entry points right out of college than more technical positions (like monitoring & evaluation, area specialties, program management, etc.) which often require higher-level degrees.

It may make sense to take a role that you don’t love if the organization is aligned with your values. For example, you may want to work in monitoring and evaluation down the line, but there is an opening in communications at an organization you’re passionate about. Seriously consider this role, because when another position opens up, you’ll be the first to know. It’s typically easier to make lateral moves within IDEV organizations vs. coming in externally.


WORKING INTERNATIONALLY

For international work, begin your research by assessing what geography you are interested in and which organizations you particularly admire. If you feel more driven by a desire to be in a specific location, then begin heavily networking with as many organizations as you can find in that space. If less geographically driven, then broaden your search to explore other avenues. For example,  research people like the Ashoka fellows and reach out to founders of the projects that interest you and see if there is room for you to support them. Multilateral institution contracts are good options, but you have to be willing to take short-term, ad hoc contracts. These can often lead to long-term jobs, but there is a fair amount of uncertainty involved in the process.

Existing international experience can help your job search both internationally and domestically. Spending a summer (or a few months/years postgrad) interning in a country and building your network while you are there can help enormously. Once you are in-country, it is way easier to get another job after that opportunity, and your employer may keep you on full-time. Many universities have international internships and programs in place, whether they’re formal fellowships or informal opportunities via professors. These placements typically give you a chance to get hands-on experience at community-based organizations. Studying abroad can provide great exposure as well, especially particularly if you are working on a research project.

There are many ways to show you have built and practiced your intercultural skills, and working abroad is just one of those avenues. While international experience is the most directly understood by the IDEV community, volunteering or working for IDEV-adjacent organizations locally will also hone your language, listening, and collaboration skills. For example, working with refugees, volunteering in a community that doesn’t speak English, and supporting mutual aid networks can be compelling ways to show you know how to interact respectfully and effectively with culturally diverse communities.

Graduate school

The international development sector is filled with job descriptions requiring Master’s degrees,  and so it can be tempting to apply for graduate school immediately after college. Our experts uniformly recommend not going right to graduate school immediately in most situations. Not only is school a huge financial commitment, but the degree won’t be as useful in landing you a full-time role without compelling work experience. You need a necessary base of practical knowledge and hands on experience, ideally more than two years, before you will be able to extract significant value from higher education and see the relevance of the frameworks you are learning within the field. Though it can be difficult to get the jobs you want to in the field without a Master’s, you similarly won’t be a competitive applicant or student without prior experience.

At the same time, a Master’s degree serves as a promising ticket to higher level IDEV roles. Therefore, a graduate degree is generally quite helpful at some point for leadership roles in IDEV. A degree can also help you get more technical or higher-paying roles once you figure out where you want to focus (e.g., measurement, operations, program design, tech, health, etc). Depending on your focus, a Master's in Business Administration, Science, International Affairs, IT for Development, Economics, Public Health Health, Environmental Science, or Public Policy could all be useful credentials.

While most of the above are focused on applied degrees, another path is in academia, usually by getting a PhD. If you are really research, quant, and macro-level impact focused, this can be the right path for you. These spaces are typically very economics based. As with most academia, this route can be frustrating for people that want to see the direct impact of their work. However, if you are driven to understand and design interventions, there are many opportunities to pursue IDEV via a PhD and to influence the field. Be warned that it is often easier to get into a PhD program than it is to land a full-time role in academia after finishing the program. If interested in working outside academia, a PhD is often a requirement for certain roles with the US government and multilateral organizations. We recommend talking to several PhD students or graduates to learn more about these programs.

General advice

  • Do your research on your organization and the broader IDEV industry. This industry has done a lot of good and a lot of harm, and choosing to work in this profession means you carry the mantle of a legacy long before you. Make sure to thoroughly read and discuss the history of your specific organization and the wider industry, specifically through a lens of the communities impacted.

  • Do your research on the country and community you are entering, if working abroad. Put in the time before you arrive to learn about the history, customs, and current events of the community. When you arrive, spend time getting to know the community in a respectful and humble way. While this may seem self-explanatory, the white savior complex is still pervasive in the IDEV community.

  • Prioritize cross cultural communication in your applications, interviews, and skill development. You need to be able to collaborate across a diverse team no matter where you are based.

  • Be more than your passion. Passion to help the world is critical to IDEV, but it can also come off as an empty cliché. When applying for jobs, speak clearly to your skills, experience, and background that make you the best candidate for this work. There are so many people who want to help the world, but the world needs people with real skills and authenticity to help.

  • Demonstrate the knowledge you possess now during your interviews and while on the job. You don’t need to be an expert right away and experience takes time to build!

  • It is okay if you are not doing exactly what you want to do long-term right out of the gate. Starting in a more accessible entry-level role (like teaching English abroad) still allows you to learn the language and live in the country you’re interested in. There is not just one path for you, so be open minded!

  • Learn languages and gain global experience even if you are going to work domestically. It’ll help you distinguish yourself in this path and make you better at your job.

  • Be really mindful of work life balance. Have other things in your life where you are devoting time to keep you balanced. This work can get really draining really quickly.

  • Most roles at small organizations are gotten through word of mouth, so the best way to find out about these opportunities is to talk to lots of folks in the DC international development community to understand which LinkedIn groups to join and who may be staffing up a team in the coming months.

  • LinkedIn is big in the IDEV world. Get on there, and get active!

Exit opportunities

The IDEV world is massive, so there are many roles to leadership in the field. After your first job, it is relatively easy to move to a different specialty of IDEV (nonprofit to USAID, development consultancy to NGO, etc.). After a few years of working domestically and/or abroad, it is common for people to go to graduate school to narrow their focus and specialty. Another trend is trying to diversify your global experience一moving from a role in Brazil to a role in Cambodia, for example. Many IDEV professionals might transition out of the field or take a “break” by working for government, nonprofit, or social enterprise roles in the United States. There’s no straight path, but international experience is generally valued across a wide range of industries and professions.

Next three steps

  1. Reflect on the pros/cons of working domestically or internationally, and decide which option is most exciting to you. Focusing on one route will save you time, keep you focused, and make your job search more effective.

  2. Do your research and have informational interviews with entry-level folks or people 3-4 years in. Check your hypothesis from step one by asking these individuals about why they choose their path and what they wished they knew.

  3. Build your language skills. No matter the language, no matter your experience, it never hurts to practice, refine, or add a language to your toolkit.

Last updated: July 2021

Second Day
Previous

Local government (read time: 20 min)

Next

Impact Investing + ESG (read time: 30 min)