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• This page is intended to offer an initial summary of information and links to help guide INTD students in their thinking about postgraduate studies and work opportunities.
• The info collated here can serve as a first port of call—student should take their time going through the page.
• Once students have spent time informing themselves and preparing questions, they can email the jacob.blanc [at] mcgill.ca (I)DS diana.allan [at] mcgill.ca (Undergraduate Program DirectorÌýProf. Diana Allan), with any specific questions.
• Prof. Allan will be happy to chat about career opportunities and postgraduate studies, but she asks that students come to the conversation having already looked through this page and reflected on some of the more specific interests and goals that they would like to pursue.

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What career opportunities are available after completing a BA in IDS?

The Bachelor of Arts is a broad social sciences degree rather than a professional degree. Unlike programs that lead directly to a regulated profession, IDS develops analytical, research, communication, and critical thinking skills that are applicable across a wide range of sectors.

IDS graduates often pursue careers in areas such as:

• International development
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Non-profit organizations
• Public policy
• Government
• International affairs
• Advocacy and community development
• Research and consulting

Many graduates also continue their studies in graduate or professional programs.

Students are encouraged to explore the Graduate Studies and Career Opportunities resources and consult Â鶹Éç's Career Planning Service (CaPS) early in their degree.

The earlier you begin researching potential career paths, the more effectively you can plan your coursework and extracurricular experiences.

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ÌýIs getting good grades enough, or should I do more?

This depends on your personal goals and interests.

While strong academic performance is important, students are encouraged to complement their coursework with co-curricular and experiential learning opportunities.

Examples include:

• Internships
• Volunteer work
• Research experiences
• Student leadership positions
• Community engagement
• Exchange and study-away programs

A combination of academic achievement and relevant experience can strengthen applications for employment, scholarships, and graduate studies.

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Who can advise me about graduate studies after completing IDS as an undergraduate program?

There is no single advisor at Â鶹Éç who can provide detailed guidance on every graduate program available worldwide.

Graduate admissions requirements vary significantly by institution and program.

Students are encouraged to:

• Research graduate programs of interest early.
• Review admission requirements directly with prospective institutions.
• Explore career and graduate studies resources.
• Speak with professors whose research or professional experience aligns with their interests.

Faculty members can often provide valuable informal advice about graduate study and professional development.

Please note: Â鶹Éç does not offer a Master's degree in International Development Studies (IDS).

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Considering Graduate Studies

• Graduate studies in international development are one possible pathway after completing an undergraduate degree, but they should not be viewed as a mandatory next step. Pursuing a graduate degree involves advanced academic work, independent research, close collaboration with faculty supervisors, and the development of specialized expertise in a particular area.
• The INTD program is intentionally interdisciplinary, exposing students to a wide range of development issues, regions, and approaches. Graduate study, by contrast, typically requires students to focus on a more specific topic, discipline, or research question. As students progress through their degree, they often discover these interests through coursework, research projects, internships, extracurricular activities, and conversations with faculty members.
• Many students also find that their second major, Joint Honours concentration, or minor provides valuable complementary expertise that can shape future graduate studies and career goals.

Building Academic Connections

One of the most effective ways to prepare for graduate studies is to engage with faculty members whose research aligns with your interests. Through coursework, office hours, research opportunities, and departmental events, students can develop relationships with professors who may later provide:

• Guidance on graduate school options
• Advice on academic and professional pathways
• Information about research opportunities
• Letters of reference
• Mentorship throughout the application process

As your interests become more focused, faculty members can often recommend programs, institutions, and research opportunities that align with your goals and academic background.

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Examples of Graduate and Professional Programs

Students interested in international development pursue a wide variety of graduate and professional programs. Examples include:

• Public Policy
• Public Health
• Food Security
• International Development Studies
• Development Studies, Policy, and Practice
• Economic Development
• Global Governance
• International Affairs and Diplomacy
• Peace and Conflict Studies
• Peacebuilding and Peacekeeping
• Indigenous Development
• Environment and Resource Management
• Law
• Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability
• Business Administration (MBA)*

*Many MBA programs require several years of professional work experience before admission.

Program titles, admission requirements, program lengths, and areas of specialization vary significantly across institutions and countries. Students should carefully research individual programs to determine which options best align with their interests and career objectives.

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Is Graduate School Right for You?

Graduate school can be an excellent opportunity to deepen your expertise, develop advanced research skills, and prepare for specialized careers. However, it is important to carefully consider your motivations, interests, and long-term goals before applying.

When evaluating graduate programs, students should research:

• Program structure and curriculum
• Faculty expertise and research strengths
• Admission requirements
• Funding opportunities
• Career outcomes
• Geographic location and institutional fit

Ultimately, selecting a graduate program is a highly personal decision that should be informed by careful research and self-reflection.

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Suggested Pathway for Students Considering Graduate Studies

While there is no single route to graduate school, the following steps can help students prepare throughout their undergraduate degree:

1. Explore Broadly

Take advantage of courses, lectures, conferences, workshops, and campus events to discover issues, regions, and topics that interest you.

2. Develop Areas of Interest

Select INTD courses, electives, and complementary courses that allow you to deepen your knowledge in specific themes related to international development.

3. Research Programs Early

Begin exploring graduate programs well before your final year. Understanding admission requirements early can help guide your course selection and extracurricular involvement.

4. Build Relationships with Faculty

Enroll in smaller classes when possible, participate actively, attend office hours, and seek mentorship from professors whose work interests you.

5. Gain Practical Experience

Seek opportunities to complement your academic studies through internships, community engagement, volunteer work, field experiences, or other co-curricular activities.

6. Pursue Research Opportunities

Students interested in graduate studies should consider gaining research experience through independent study and research courses, including:

• INTD 490
• INTD 491 (Honours students only)
• INTD 499

These courses provide valuable experience in research design, data collection, analysis, and academic writing.

7. Develop Transferable Skills

Graduate programs and employers increasingly value specialized skills. Consider building expertise in areas such as:

• Research methods
• Statistics and data analysis
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Policy analysis
• Project management
• Academic writing
• Languages relevant to your region of interest

8. Apply with Purpose

When the time comes, apply to programs that align with your academic interests, career goals, and professional aspirations rather than pursuing graduate school as a default next step.

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Additional Resources

Students are encouraged to continue exploring graduate programs, professional opportunities, and research pathways throughout their degree. Careful planning, meaningful academic engagement, and practical experience will help position you for success, whether your next step is graduate school, professional work, or another opportunity in the field of international development.

There is no one advisor or one site that explains this process, however these websites are a start/help:

Graduate School - is it right for me?Ìý

Ultimately, the school and program you choose should be targeted, and then confirming with that school what the requirements for application are, should be thoroughly researched by the student. We have steps outlined below, however these are suggestions.ÌýUseful Website - not affiliated to Â鶹Éç - To help source the numerous options of Graduate Programs.

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Career Opportunities post BA in International Development Studies