By Fatema Z. Sumar
Students often ask me how they can build a career in international development, a field that offers vast opportunities to create meaningful change.
With recent shifts in US foreign aid funding and uncertainty surrounding the future of USAID, it may feel more challenging than ever to navigate the industry and chart a meaningful career in international development.
Over the course of my own career, I have moved between sectors and fields and traveled over a million miles to more than 70 countries. I started out in the US government as a diplomat with the , a policy analyst on , and a development official with the . I worked with INGOs like aԻ and community-based organizations like the which I founded during my time in college. And now, I’m here in academia at the Harvard Center for International Development (CID) and on advisory councils of other universities. I have seen a lot of jobs in action and know that skills are transferrable between sectors and places.
Get Ready to Adapt, but Don’t Give Up
I know this is a challenging time, especially for those affected by the USAID layoffs and stop work orders. Many are unexpectedly out of a job in the United States and in communities around the world. Don’t give up.
Even while the dust settles in Washington, the international development sector and our partners in the private sector and philanthropy will need top talent more than ever. State and local governments, regional institutions, and multilateral and bilateral agencies (outside of the US government for now) will benefit from your expertise and passion.
Think outside the box and be entrepreneurial. Consider skills that make you prepared for careers that will require AI and new technologies, working across cultures and silos, fostering cultures of creativity and innovation. Focus on your "hook" where you have expertise, and leverage that to support a move into a new sector or space. Pitch ideas to investors who see your potential.
The development sector is going through a massive upheaval – and with any crisis comes opportunity. Organizations, individuals, and nations around the world must reimagine international development. Be part of the future wave of talent that will help us build a thriving world for all – even if your next job sits outside the traditional development space.
Get Started by Focusing on Impact
There are many ways to think about career options, and no one right way. In my own journey, I focus on one thing - IMPACT.
How can you have the most impact as you build your career?
To help you think it through, I designed two “Career Wheels” to break down impact in the following ways: where aԻ how to have impact. Whether you envision contributing to economic growth, human capital development, gender equity, public health, food security, or other critical areas, the search begins with understanding your own passions and ambitions.
Discover Your “North Star”
Before diving into specific opportunities, reflect on what truly drives you. Think about your past experiences—internships, jobs, or projects—that left a lasting impression on you. What passions, themes, or roles stood out? Consider where you see yourself in five, ten, or even fifteen years. Where do you want to live? What sectors are you drawn to? What personal considerations do you need to prioritize? What is your “why?”
Identifying your personal "North Star" can help you chart a course and align your passions with potential career paths.
Where to Have Impact: Geographic Considerations
The first element to consider is where you want to work. International development operates in multiple geographic locations:
- Global Capitals:
Cities like Washington, D.C., Brussels, or Geneva offer opportunities to engage in work that affects global policies. These hubs are ideal if you aspire to influence development on a broad scale from an influential vantage point. - Regional Capitals: Consider locations like Nairobi, Mexico City, or Bangkok—cities that serve as regional leaders. Here, you're at the crossroads of national and regional efforts, making it a stimulating environment for enacting change.
- National Capitals: If national level impact appeals to you, look into opportunities in capital cities. These roles can provide in-depth engagement with a country's government tasked with specific developmental challenges.
- Local Level: At the village or city level, you can witness and contribute directly to community transformation. This choice is perfect for those who thrive in environments requiring grassroots engagement and local solutions.
Deciding where you want to concentrate your efforts can significantly streamline your job search and focus your career planning. Pick one part of the wheel and for now, discard the rest. For more insights on narrowing your choices, where I guide you through these considerations.
How to Have Impact: Strategic Focus Areas
Now, let's delve into how you plan to contribute within the development sector. Here’s a breakdown of key areas where you can leave 
your mark:
- Strategic Planning: Do you enjoy crafting overarching strategies that guide the direction and investments of organizations? Explore roles in consulting firms, donor agencies, or implementing organizations where strategic foresight is vital.
- Implementation: If project management and executing on-the-ground initiatives excite you, consider positions within NGOs, multilateral agencies, or local organizations tasked with bringing projects to life.
- Measurement and Evaluation: Love data and analysis? Focus on roles in oversight agencies, think tanks, or within implementing bodies that assess the effectiveness and impact of development programs.
- Reporting: Storytelling and communication are crucial in development. Engage in roles that translate results into narratives for various stakeholders—from politicians to the public.
- Funding and Philanthropy: Interested in the financial backbone of development projects? Work with donor agencies, foundations, or within philanthropy to allocate resources effectively.
- Research and Learning: Curious about the 'whys' and 'hows' of development outcomes? Want to contribute to the knowledge bank? Consider research-focused roles in academia, think tanks, or organizations leading innovative studies.
For more comprehensive insights into each area, that elaborates on each of these strategic domains.
Taking the Next Steps
Once you have narrowed down both where and how you want to have impact, it’s time to explore resources and build your network. Career services at your university, online job boards including Idealist and USAJobs, professional platforms like LinkedIn, and development news services like Devex offer valuable insights into the job market. Engaging with alumni and mentors who work in your fields of interest can provide guidance and open doors to opportunities.
At , we host numerous events throughout the year designed to connect students with leading practitioners and researchers. CID’s Speaker Series and Career Chats serve as platforms to learn and engage with those making waves in the industry. For those at the Harvard Kennedy School, check out this helpful of international development on how the sector works and skills you need to succeed.
You Got This
Embarking on a career in international development is not just about finding a job – it’s about aligning your personal mission with a path that allows you to make meaningful contributions. Reflect on your passions, target your search geographically, and focus on impact areas that resonate with you. Remember, your journey in international development holds the potential for lifelong learning and fulfillment.
Good luck – and when you land, remember to pay it forward.
Fatema Z. Sumar
Fatema Z. Sumar is the Executive Director of the Harvard Center for International Development (CID) and an Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School where she teaches policy design and development diplomacy. She has a distinguished career as a practitioner in the US government and civil society.
US Embassy San Salvador
