The issues with which international development specialists are concerned are very broad and include sustainable development, international trade and economics, Third World development, gender and development, foreign policy, and international and intergovernmental environmental regulatory policies. As an international development specialist, you may:

• Plan, implement and evaluate development projects related to social, environmental or human rights issues, such as income generation programs, health promotion, and community-based resource management.
• Conduct research on policy issues concerning international organizations and relations between developing and industrialized countries.
• Develop special programs to ensure the equitable participation of women in the development process.
• Work for organizations supporting refugees and other victims of disasters.

Where you could work:

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• International donor organizations
• International environmental organizations
• Federal government ministries and departments, especially the Canadian International Development Agency, Environment Canada, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Opportunities may exist within the BES program for students to do field work in other countries if this is consistent with their plan of study. Faculty members are involved in a number of overseas projects and many faculty members have international development experience. The ability to plan and manage projects is vital for this type of career, and students can pursue a specialized program in international project management. Also, the variety of courses and the multitude of perspectives presented in them allow students to become globally aware citizens.