Economic Development Field Guide

Overview

Economic Development is a diverse field that deals with both macroeconomic and microeconomic phenomena. The idea behind economic development is for incomes to rise. As a result of such a broad goal, experiences in this field can vary widely from research activities to hands on experience in the field. The challenge for the future of economic development is to develop new and innovative solutions and to add constant critique to already existing plans. Poverty is a complex issue that requires tireless effort as many plans fail to deliver the kind of development that is expected. Differing ideologies and perspectives make cultural issues even more important, and these differences can become burdensome in the fight to end poverty. Hence, innovation and strategic cooperation are big keys to the future success of economic development and will have to be embraced in order for poverty to be eliminated.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities can range from working in a Central Bank to a small microfinance institution (MFI) in the developing world. Both academic and professional opportunities are available, ranging from research at a university or think tank, to hands on jobs in MFIs. Within each subfield of economic development, job responsibilities can vary widely as well. One might pursue a route of field work within an MFI which involves large amounts of interaction between clients, whereas another job at the same institution might be centered on Information Technology, working to increase the network-ability and efficiency of this institution. Depending on the students’ desires, it is advised to gain experience in the specific field of interest, perhaps even in an alternate field with transferable skills. It’s common for many professionals to have gained experience in the private sector before moving to the public or non-profit sectors, or moving from the public to non-profit sector.

Types of Jobs

Research
Project management
Financial analysis
Consulting
Risk management

Qualifications + Skills

Experience in economics, finance, business administration or international development
International experience (especially in a developing country)
Research design
Quantitative analysis

PRO TIP: It’s important for potential candidates to apply to many different job possibilities in order to ensure maximum likelihood of entering this line of work. The other option is to enter through administrative positions, which are less competitive in nature, but still contribute to the overall vision of development institutions.

Sample Employers

Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)

African Development Bank
Asian Development Bank
Inter-American Development Bank
International Finance Corporation
International Monetary Fund
OECD
The World Bank

The Federal Reserve Bank of

Boston
New York
Dallas
Chicago
San Francisco
Kansas City
St. Louis
Atlanta
Richmond
Philadelphia
Cleveland
Minneapolis

Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)

Partners of the Americas

Development Consulting Firms

Development Alternatives Inc.
Ashoka
The Pragma Corporation
Third World Economics

Microfinance Institutions (MFIs)

Accion International
Grameen Bank
FINCA International
Kiva
SKS Microfinance

Foundations, Policy and Research Institutes

Bank Information Center
Brookings Institution
Research Triangle Institute (RTI)
Ford Foundation
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Rockefeller Foundation

Sample Maxwell Classes

Policy and Administration in Developing Countries
Economics of Development
Managing NGOs in Transitional and Developing Countries
Stabilization & Growth in Emerging Markets
Economic Dimensions of Global Power
Stabilization and Growth in Emerging Markets

Resources

International Economic Development Council
Microfinance Association
Microfinance Gateway
InterAction
The World Bank

Related Career Guides

Humanitarian Aid and Relief
International Finance and Institutions
International Development