SAIS Perspectives Spring Career Panel
Speakers:
- Ashley Augsburger, Humanitarian Protection Advisor, USAID
- Marcus Holmlund, Senior Economist, World Bank
- Ridwan Sorunke, Senior Manager (Nigeria & Africa Expansion Markets), P&G
- Don Shin, Associate Director, US International Development Finance Corporation
The student-run publication, SAIS Perspectives, hosted a discussion with four alumni working in the field of International Development.
The event started with a discussion on the challenges related to today’s job market focused on International Development and the importance of students’ ability to build their network to advance their careers. The alumni then highlighted key skills for a successful career in International Development including writing concisely, listening and asking questions, being open to consistent travel, and skills in data science and analytics.
During the discussion, the alumni reminded the students to remain diligent, hopeful, and to not be disheartened by the scale or size of their first jobs. Instead, students should remain adaptable, motivated, and flexible in a field that is highly rewarding, but needs more diversity, of color, women, and experiences.
In closing, the alumni reminded the audience that real people are on the ground whose lives this work changes and stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy boundary between personal and professional lives, as change cannot completely happen alone.