Decrease font Decrease font
Decrease font Decrease font
Enlarge font Enlarge font
Enlarge font Enlarge font
International Development Association

Is your organization interested in attracting candidates dedicated to a career in International Development? Consider partnering with Thunderbird's International Development Association.

International Development Association

Mission & Purpose

Lisa Adams '09

"Joining the IDA greatly enhanced my Thunderbird experience by exposing me to the range of ID career opportunities available, as well as connecting me to a worldwide network of professionals. IDA speakers and workshops were extremely valuable in expanding my knowledge of industry trends, and allowed me to learn from industry leaders who inspired me to find innovative ways to utilize my skills and add value."

Lisa Adams '09

The Thunderbird International Development Association (IDA) is a student-run organization committed to engaging forward-thinking organizations and building student awareness of the dynamic economic challenges facing today’s leaders.

The IDA strives to prepare students for exciting careers in the private, public and non-profit sectors where Thunderbird's global business education can be leveraged to make a lasting impact on society.

Business, international development and social responsibility are converging like never before, and Thunderbird IDA students are prepared to embrace this evolving business environment. IDA members enhance economic value for organizations by understanding the importance of stakeholder relationships and the integral link between people, planet, and sustainable profits.

 

Opportunities for Employers to Get Involved

Companies can get involved with Thunderbird's International Development Association in a number of ways. Partner with us on these and other activities by contacting us using the information at the bottom of the page:

  1. Feature a speaker at an IDA workshop
  2. Host a campus information session
  3. Organize a company tour or on-site presentation
  4. Participate in the annual International Development TREK
  5. Sponsor an IDA networking event
  6. Offer international development internships for students looking to get unique first-hand experience in the field.

We are also open to any other ideas that might further the mission of the IDA while simultaneously promoting the goals of your organization.

Opportunities for Students

The global economy is changing, emerging markets are developing rapidly, and there is a trend towards a more multilateral approach to solving the world's challenges. The IDA works to promote understanding of these and other development issues through speakers, events, and community engagement.

Organizations who have come to speak at Thunderbird include:

  • Food for the Hungry
  • Global Heritage Fund
  • Grameen Foundation
  • Make a Wish Foundation
  • Meridian International
  • SpeakEasy-A Fair Trade Startup
  • USAID
  • U.S. Department of Commerce

Recent events sponsored by the IDA include:

  • ID TREKs to Washington, DC and New York
  • IDEO Workshop
  • Grameen Foundation Roundtable
  • Breakfast with Compartamos Banco

Contact Information

Jacqueline Lee
IDA president, summer 2010
jacquelinejl@global.t-bird.edu