Career Options

Consulting Firms

Many large consulting firms have groups dedicated to international development, while other consulting firms focus solely on this discipline. Consulting firms work with not-for-profit organizations, government and government-sponsored agencies, development banks, and foreign governments to improve the lives of citizens globally by applying management consulting expertise to implement change and strengthen developing communities and organizations. Firms who offer international development consulting include Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, DAI, ICF International, and McKinsey and Company.

Government or Donor Agencies

In international development, government agencies are donors on large-scale international projects. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and consulting firms bid for government financial support on development projects to implement abroad. Commonly, roles on the government side are in program and project management or procurement/contract administration. Within the U.S. Department of State, those with MBA's can pursue the Foreign Service Officer track. Through a highly competitive process, an MBA is selected to serve as a diplomat in countries outside the U.S. working on U.S. peace-related missions. Government/donor agencies include the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Non-Profit / Social Impact Organizations

In international development, non-profit organizations spearhead initiatives for positive change in developing communities and markets. Among these organizations are multilateral institutions, such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, which fund and implement international development projects. Other not-for-profits partner with foundations for project funding. Additional examples of these organizations include the Aga Khan Development Network, Catholic Relief Services, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Save the Children, and the United Nations.

Private Foundations

These privately funded philanthropic organizations function as donors for issue-based or regionally based causes. They engage with public organizations like the U.S. government or the World Bank in a private-public partnership to bring solutions to a particular issue. These public-private partnerships represent a cross section of social good and initiatives for economic growth, which is an ideal combination for business students who seek employment opportunities in social impact. Private foundations include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Ford Foundation, Google.org, the Grameen Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation.

Global Opportunities

International Development is an inherently global industry and offers a plethora of opportunities for employees to work in offices abroad and forge relationships between organizations, governments, and countries worldwide.