I know a lot of threads on this forum don't get many replies, but I would really appreciate the input of anyone here who has experience in the International Development field.
For context, I'm a current Peace Corps Volunteer interested in a career in International Development (specifically poverty-alleviation and migration) and I'm currently deciding between the following two offers:
American University SIS - MS, Development Management
Offer: 85% tuition scholarship + a Grad Assistantship that'll cover the remaining tuition costs (I think I could get them to increase the offer at least a bit if I tried)
Pros
It's a more practice-focused degree - as someone interested in going into project management/M&E at an NGO, I'm really excited about the curriculum here
It's a more well-known school in the development world vs. Fordham
DC is more of a hot spot for development jobs vs. DC
Offers a formal concentration in monitoring and evaluation
Cons
I'd be paying my own rent, fees, living costs, etc.
Doesn't have any professional experiences built in - I'd be looking for my own internships during the year and overseas summer placements
Fordham University GSAS - MA, International Political Economy and Development
Offer: Arrupe Fellowship. 100% tuition + $30k/year living stipend + placement as a program assistant at the UN Development Programme + $4k funding for overseas summer internship + easy path into CRS International Development Fellows program post-graduation
Pros:
Incredible amount of funding
UNDP placement seems like a huge resume item to have when trying to break into the development sector
It seems like Fordham really helps students get overseas placements in the summer, so I wouldn't have to worry about not being able to find a good internship
Cons:
It's a policy degree that's very econ-heavy. I was an econ major in undergrad and feel confident that I could succeed, but I don't think I would enjoy the classes quite as much
The fellowship is really designed to funnel people into Catholic Relief Services. While I recognize that CRS is a reputable aid organization, I am slightly uneasy about the idea of working (indirectly) for the Catholic Church, due to moral objections and worries about job culture
It's a small program, whereas SIS really seems like a well-oiled machine with a huge alumni base
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I'm so fortunate to have both of these offers on the table, but this feels like an impossible decision. I want to pick the option that will best set me up for an interesting, fulfilling career in international development that will let me conduct meaningful field work on a regular basis.
Some big questions I have:
How important is the UNDP internship on a resume, and how easy would it be to get a similarly impressive internship or job in DC without the institutional connection?
Are my worries about Catholic Relief Services unfounded? For someone who is generally unreligious (and sometimes anti-religion), is this still a good place to get your start in the industry?
Is the reputational difference between AU and Fordham something I should be worrying about? Will either one set me up for success better than the other?
Will the IPED degree, as a policy/econ degree, afford more options than the more specialized professional degree in development management?
I'm from the DC area and lived in NYC for the last 4 years, so location isn't a huge factor. It feels like an impossible decision, and I don't want to choose without all of the information I can possibly get. I really, really appreciate any help here.
