Undergraduate and graduate students had the opportunity to hear from University alumni from the Integral Economic Development Management and Policy (IEDM/IEDP) programs offered by the Department of Economics about their work in international development during a panel discussion sponsored by the department in January. The event was part of the Leaders in Development Seminar Series, which provides students the unique opportunity to network and engage with industry experts from organizations like the World Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund, USAID, Catholic Relief Services, and others.
The January event included panelists who work for a number of different organizations, both public and private, in varying capacities, including The World Bank, Chemonics International, American Institutes for Research, and the Department of Labor. They offered advice for undergraduate and graduate attendees interested in careers in international development. Students had the chance to ask questions of the entire panel and speak with them one-on-one.
“It was great to hear from people who have graduated from the IEDP and IEDM programs and are doing really well in their careers,” said IEDP graduate student Kathryn Kroeker. “They confirmed that what we are learning in class is actually applicable in the day-to-day work that is happening in various international development fields.”
Opportunities like this to connect with alumni who currently work in the field of development are one of the benefits of the Economics Department’s IEDM/IEDP programs. According to chair of the Economics Department, Professor Martha Cruz, graduates of the program are always willing to help current students and those considering the program. The Integral Economic Development program is meant for students who seek to strengthen civil and social institutions required for sustainable development seen from the perspective of the whole human community. The program covers a range of topics and global regions. Diversity and inclusion are key aspects of international development, and this was apparent in the discussion panel, which included international members from Venezuela, Cameroon, and Bolivia.
“Hearing from the graduates allowed me to see my future self changing the world in an economic capacity,” said sophomore Sean O’Grady, “The panel gave me a heightened satisfaction in the fact that I am studying economics here at Catholic University.”
The Leaders in Development Seminar Series is open to all students, faculty, and community members with an interest in international development and economics. For more information, visit economics.catholic.edu.
