Public, Private or Non-Profit? How to Boost a Development Career

If you asked a group of students interested in working in international development what their greatest dilemma was it would be impossible to pinpoint only one. One of the biggest concerns, however, is the decision on whether to work in the private, non-profit, or public sector.

Many have questioned whether it is really possible to “do good”— the motto of international development – and take home a decent salary and benefit package. Furthermore, the challenges associated with securing a job in the development field and the realities of making ends meet do not always factor into the dream of finding a job that captures one’s passion, interests and career goals.

Graduating students share these concerns with many entry-level professionals, mid-career development specialists and career-changers. While consultations with friends, professors, alumnae networks, and career advisers are essential, the advice of professionals in the field are invaluable.

“It is more about where you can take the skills you think you have and apply them into something that you really care or are passionate about,” said Matthew Clark, director of global strategic accounts at Microsoft Corp. “That can be in a whole lot of different areas, and all leading in some shape or form to the betterment of social and economic development.”