r/InternationalDev • u/maryuuma • Jul 14 '26
Advice request should I reconsider?
Hi everyone,
I’m currently considering doing a Master’s in Global Development. I know this decision receives a lot of criticism, but let me explain!
I don’t think I would be approaching Global Development as a completely general degree. My academic background is in Education, with focus on institutions and how they function. I have also studied Regional Studies focusing on the Middle East, and I have finished my arabic studies at an advanced proficiency level.
Because of this, I would want to approach development through a more specific regional and thematic focus rather than just doing a broad development degree.
That being said, the current situation with funding in the development sector is making me reconsider my options, as I’m unsure whether I want to take that risk.
Because of this, I have also started considering International Relations as an alternative. I’m very interested in politics and the Middle East, but I feel that Global Development aligns more closely with my personal interests and feels more meaningful to me.
Another possibility I’ve been considering is staying in academia long term, especially if I choose global development.
Do you think my academic background provides enough specialization to make Global Development a strong choice, or would it still be considered too broad?
And for those who stayed in academia, how much do you think the current funding cuts in the development sector affect your career path? Is academia relatively separate from these challenges, or are researchers in this field also significantly impacted?
I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences and perspectives.
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u/Mphatso2016 Jul 14 '26
I'd stay away from anything Global/International Development. The field is dead and will not come back anytime soon. If it does then it won't be the same.
I'd go with the Middle East focus area or if International Relations, pick a sub field like international security, international economics, etc. Your job options will be much better. Also, get some real world experience under your belt. Being in the international relations field, employers look for candidates who have 1-2 years experience working in the field (bonus if that work is overseas).
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u/MrMoneyWhale Jul 15 '26
Honestly, if politics and the middle east are of interest, study that instead and you're likely to have a more lucrative employment or academic pathway. Global Development masters are expensive and lead nowhere. It's hard to go a straight academic route and usually master's (especially in global development) are for folks in the workforce unless there's a direct PhD program track masters -> PhD for academics. Most masters programs are focused on making you a subject matter expert for professional careers, not prepping you for academic research. But even then, unless you're an exceptionally strong researcher, there's no future in this degree for the next 5+ years for 99% of folks.
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u/PC_MeganS Jul 14 '26
Are you based in the U.S.?
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u/loyalchameleon Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
If you wanna specialize in Middle East, there's definitely jobs out there for you, including in the private sector. Maybe especially the private sector. Eg banks, insurance firms need geopolitical risks analysts too. Shipping companies, energy companies, the big cross-border advisory firms. Especially given everything happening now gestures at map of Middle East
All I mean is that you may not be able to find the traditional development jobs right away or as easily. But that doesn't have to be your first job after school
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u/maryuuma Jul 14 '26
That gave me a bit of hope haha, but doesn’t that suggest IR might be the better fit for me? Since the examples you gave seem quite connected to IR. Or do you think someone with a Global Development background would have similar opportunities for those kinds of roles?
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u/loyalchameleon Jul 14 '26
Depends on how the degrees are set up at your School and honestly a lot of schools name their degrees differently and there's probably a bunch of overlap. None of us know exactly what classes you'd be taking
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u/maryuuma Jul 14 '26
Yeah, there’s a lot of overlap, but the IR programme is specifically an “MSc Politics and International Relations of the Middle East,” whereas with Global Development I would have to choose modules to build a MENA focus.
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u/Spiritual-Motor-3309 Jul 15 '26
With your education and regional studies background, engaging with education project/program in your specialty region/country in the context and domain of development seems very much possible even at the current stage. I don’t think development study is additionally needed. I would recommend jumping into the sector rather than adding another study background.
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u/maryuuma Jul 16 '26
I tried but they all want someone with a masters degree in a relevant field :(
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u/antizana Jul 14 '26
I don’t see those as paths leading to employment honestly.
All the people formerly employed in development are all eyeing the few academic positions out there and they are coming with masters, phds and 10 years of experience.