International Development

Interested in rural development in Kenya? Industrialization in Brazil? IT development in Taiwan? Sustainable development in China? Economic transition in Eastern Europe? Want to know how an MBA can help in these areas?

There is a great need for skilled International Development (ID) practitioners who can determine ways to solve complex problems and create growth. Thunderbird graduates like you have been part of the solution since 1946, pursuing ID career paths in multiple sectors.

Recent graduates accepted jobs at:

• Private companies like Deloitte Emerging Markets, IBM Global Business Consulting, and AIG
• International organizations including the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, and the World Health Organization
• Government agencies such as USAID, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency)
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including Research Triangle Institute, World Wildlife Fund, and CHF International (Community Habitat Finance)

Using your own experience and your Thunderbird education, you have the opportunity to solve real-world development problems in a range of fields, including political risk management, cross-cultural conflict management and governmental affairs.

To specialize in International Development, you must complete 12 credit hours, including a capstone course, Strategies in International Development. You also have access to a wealth of ID resources.

• Meet with companies recruiting in ID, who regularly attend Thunderbird on-campus career fairs and post career and internship openings on Thunderbird's Intranet, My Thunderbird.
• Network through the School's membership in the Society for International Development.
• Work with an ID Specialist in Thunderbird's Career Management Center. This dedicated specialist works with students and corporations to promote internship and job opportunities across a mix of ID industry segments.
• Take advantage of internship programs. Thunderbird jointly funds a series of paid internship opportunities for ID students. Organized through the Career Management Center, these internships provide meaningful graduate-level work assignments with key organizations that have multiple, recurring hiring needs.
• Network with Alumni. Thunderbird graduates have worked in the ID field for over 50 years. The School's intranet, My Thunderbird, highlights successful ID alumni holding prestigious positions, such as USAID Iraq Mission Director. Alumni frequently visit campus, sharing experiences and providing internship and hands-on project opportunities.
• Explore online resources through My Thunderbird. Access numerous ID career-oriented web sites including an extensive list of international job banks.
• Join an online ID discussion group for students, alumni and faculty in the field through My Thunderbird. Discussion topics range from sharing key ID business strategies to alumni-posted job opportunities.
• Read more about our international studies faculty and their extensive ID experience.