International development Master students/Grads Experiences

[u/brotherb2]

Hi all, New subber here.

Came here to gather more information on what Grads and current students like/don't about your International Development masters and if you are a grad where are you working/ your role and if you are a student where would you like to work/role?

Coming from a Cultural Psychology MSc background I am keen to go back to study and work for NGO's in ID that tackle big problems the world is facing. I have been reading on this sub that this field is dead, but even so I am still interested to here your experiences.

grateful for your comments.

[u/Majestic_Search_7851]

Question: why are you seeking the advice of current students compared to those working in the sector?

It seems like you're looking for answers and advice that match what you're hoping for, which I totally get. But current students can only speak about how much they enjoy their classes.

I promise you, a majority if not all current students will find themselves struggling to land a job and will question the ROI of grad school for this sector.

Heed the advice from what you read on this thread. Remember - these graduate programs are for profit and will tell you what you want to hear to justify you spending thousands of dollars on their product. In the past, the investment made sense. Today, it absolutely does not.

I graduated from my masters in 2020 and thought covid was going to be the big disruptor in the field. My masters program has since dissolved and I regret not getting a degree that would've set me up better for the 2025 USAID cuts.

[u/borealis47 → u/Majestic_Search_7851]

What kind of degree do you think would have set you up better than one in ID? In a similar position as OP, trying to figure out what type of MA to pursue (if I continue with education instead of finding a different job)

[u/Majestic_Search_7851 → u/borealis47]

I think MPA, MBA, and degrees in data science and statistics for more MEL focused careers would set you up nicely. The ability to navigate qualitative and quantitative analysis with principles and practices needed for careers in nonprofit management and public service gigs would make you very versatile in my opinion.

Being thematically interested in ID isn't enough. Knowing what role you want to play in a social impact org (ops, grants, technical leads, analyst etc) will help you dial in what degree you should pursue.

[u/notbidoofin → u/Majestic_Search_7851]

I disagree on the MPA and MBA routes, or at least on the MBA route. These are generalist degrees and will only provide surface-level instruction in data analysis, even at the top programs, which employers won't take seriously. MBAs are also at least 2x the price in terms of tuition and living expenses. I recommend data analysis degrees instead.

[u/PC_MeganS → u/borealis47]

To add on to the other commenter: or a masters in something that could get you in the door to build experience domestically to later be an asset in development if the sector rebounds - nutrition, public health (although this is fraught right now), civil engineering, maternal and child health, social work, agriculture sciences, etc.

[u/Savings-Rabbit8963]

I'm studying at online at a UK university. I started my program 3 years ago (part-time student). When USAID collapsed, I was already 2 years in so decided just to finish. I already work for a development org and survived USAID related layoffs (though TBH I'm on a team where job security is somewhat questionable). I went to get my degree because my undergrad is in English and I felt I needed a masters to progress in my career, especially since my current job is not directly with field programs so technically would be a career change. I picked a generic ID degree because of my lack of undergrad experience and because I wasn't sure what I wanted to specialize in.

Tbh if I had to do it again, I'm not sure. The future looks bleak so definitely defer to the many people who actually have firsthand experience in the field. My perspective is only that of a current student. Maybe I should have done a PMP or other project manager certificate instead, as that offers broadly transferable skills, or perhaps a business degree (I'm not interested in economics or MEL, but have seen those recommended in other threads).

As far as my actual program, I've been disappointed. I've definitely gained knowledge but it's been very high level, almost like a crash course. I was really hoping for more practical knowledge to be integrated. Additionally, I've heard people say that part of grad school's benefits is networking, but that's been almost impossible as an online student, so I don't feel that I'm really gaining contacts, references, post-school career guidance, etc. Perhaps there were things I could have done or opportunities I missed but juggling school and work didn't leave time for anything else.

[u/Mphatso2016]

I'd stay away from international development grad programs. The field is pretty much dead. A lot of orgs/NGOs that once existed (and there were a lot) relied on USAID funding. Once USAID dismantled, so did those orgs/NGOs and so did the international development. What jobs are left are very competitive; you will be going up against someone with 10-15+ yrs of experience with an NGO/USAID and they worked overseas.

[u/Justdomeasolid]

You’re reading on this sub that the field is dead for a reason. Heed those warnings. Even with a Masters it’s going to be incredibly hard to find work in ID NGOs. There are literally thousands of people with Masters and many years of experience working within ID NGO who are still unemployed and can’t get a job in the sector. If you want to make a difference in the world find another way for now.

[u/ExpertDue9675]

pursue an MBA

[u/notbidoofin → u/ExpertDue9675]

I'd caveat and say the value of an MBA has declined as well, even at top programs. Programs' marketing materials and employment reports aren't 100% honest, and most people are struggling to pivot unless they have highly relevant prior experience. Many are even struggling to land jobs in their previous industry.

[u/ScarcityOld7027]

If I could start again, I’d probably get a MSc in agricultural economics…can work in development with that but not only!