Melbourne School of Land and Environment





(Formerly The Faculty of Land and Food Resources)

Development Studies careers

A graduate degree in Development Studies provides an entry point to a career in government and non-government organisations associated with such issues as aid and development planning. It encourages the acquisition of skills and abilities that can be applied in a variety of careers. Some of our recent graduate students of Melbourne University Development Studies are now working in various organisations and agencies such as UNHCR, Geneva, UNESCO Bangkok, UNAIDS, Geneva, Concern Universal, Bangladesh, ActionAid Afghanistan, Integration Consultants, Belgium, SEAMEO, Philippines, AusAid International, and Concern Universal, Bangladesh. These graduates work in various capacities such as country directors, project evaluation and monitoring officers, information and education directors, policy and advocacy managers, and consultants.

The Internship Program consists of two subjects which offer opportunities for practical experience facilitating the transition from study to develop practice.

Every year we also hold a SSEE Career’s Day Conference designed to provide a broad range of information relating to seeking a career in development and offers students an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the desirable personal and professional qualities sought in the development profession. Among our guest speakers at this event are representatives of various government and non-government agencies and organisations as well as providing a platform for exchanging ideas with successful graduate students who are now working in the development profession.

 

Comments from participants in the 2006 Careers Day Conference:

I just want to congratulate you for the highly successful Career's Day conference. Quite certainly, it's the greatest thing that ever happened to Development Studies. Personally, I found it very useful given the phenomenal contacts and information available. Although the conference has been long overdue, you have skilfully and admirably set the ball rolling and I'm sure there will be more to come. Well done.

The conference was a brilliant chance to brush shoulders with professionals from the development sector and gain an insight about possible career plans. The breadth of organisations represented was great as was the chance to chat over (a sumptuous) lunch. More time to talk would have been an advantage, but time seemed to escape us during the day.

 

In 2005 Development Studies Graduates formed an on-line network group, called the 'SSEE-DN network' which current students are strongly encouraged to subscribe to. The SSEE-DN group circulate information about special events and job opportunities and generally serve as a platform for members to share ideas about their experiences of working in the professional development sector. We also regularly keep students informed of job opportunities in the national and international development sector.

 

An abbreviated list of Development related employment websites:

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