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Is majoring in International Development a good decision? Will it result in a solid career path or is it a waste of time?
I am a second year student looking for a future job likely for some governmental organization, I am not sure yet. I am double-majoring in International Development Studies and Anthropology so I will have more than srickly international knowledge.
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Anthony’s Answer
You should probably get a more specialized degree; if not, most times nowadays you will have to get a Masters or Graduate degree. A 4-year degree is not the same as it used to be. A Masters degree is usually necessary for a brighter future. It depends on the individual, but that is usually the case now. There are very few 4-year degrees that can make a person successful now.
Larry Siegel
Government Liaison, Non-profit fundraising, Non-profit operation
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Larry’s Answer
Charlie -- Majoring in International Development is a start toward a job with an international aid government agency or a non-profit that supports or undertakes development projects. Academic study, however, does not prepare you for the realities of the undertaking of development projects. For this, you need field experience. That can be accomplished by internships or by volunteering to assist with ongoing overseas development projects. Also, the Peace Corps is a terrific teaching experience for aspiring workers in international development.
There is a vast world of academic literature, conferences and workshops that touch on international development. They have their role in instructing in such areas as monitoring and evaluation, project planning and budgeting, and project execution. However, there is no substitute for actual field experience, where realities often conflict with project plans.
Finally, gaining advice and working with International Development mentors is important. These are individuals with long experience in international development. Two who come to mind are the Dutchman, Henk Holtslag, and the American, Jim McGill. Both can be accessed by Internet searches. There are others as well, who by virtue of long experience in field work have come to evaluate both their successes and failures. There are both in international development work, and both need to be fully understood and learned from.
There is a vast world of academic literature, conferences and workshops that touch on international development. They have their role in instructing in such areas as monitoring and evaluation, project planning and budgeting, and project execution. However, there is no substitute for actual field experience, where realities often conflict with project plans.
Finally, gaining advice and working with International Development mentors is important. These are individuals with long experience in international development. Two who come to mind are the Dutchman, Henk Holtslag, and the American, Jim McGill. Both can be accessed by Internet searches. There are others as well, who by virtue of long experience in field work have come to evaluate both their successes and failures. There are both in international development work, and both need to be fully understood and learned from.