Career prospects

On this page you will find information about possible career prospects for both academic and non-academic careers.
International Development Studies graduates typically pursue a career in public, non-profit, and the private sectors.

Academic careers

The Master’s programme in International Development Studies prepares students adequately for PhD research into development issues in the Netherlands and abroad. Many of our graduates were successful in attaining competitive PhD positions and research fellowships.

Non-academic careers

International Development Studies (IDS) graduates thrive in work fields that require understanding of global affairs, international experiences as well as analytical, communication, and project implementation skills. Following recent policy changes at national and international level, IDS graduates have increasingly found employment in non-traditional development fields such as the private sector. Job opportunities include:

  • Research positions: conducting applied research into development issues in the Netherlands and internationally.
  • Policy positions: preparing and coordinating policy, advising on, and planning international development cooperation (e.g. in UNDP, FAO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
  • Implementation positions: serving as local project managers and coordinators (in NGOs or the private sector, e.g. as corporate social responsibility or sustainability advisors).
  • PR/communication positions related to development issues.

Alumni stories

Our graduates have been successful in finding challenging and interesting jobs. Here are some inspiring examples:

  • Ama van Dantzig (graduated 2006)
    Co-founder Dr.Monk (international innovation agency), with headquarters in Amsterdam, Netherlands and Accra, Ghana
  • Maartje ten Brummelaar (graduated 2007)
    Policy Advisor - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands
  • Eliska Gerthnerova (graduated 2012)
    EU Development and Humanitarian Aid Policy Officer, Office of the Government of the Czech Republic
  • Thijs Rutgers (graduated 2010)
    Business Developer, Enviu – we start world changing companies.
  • Ilse Zeemeijer (graduated 2012)
    Editor and journalist, Het Financieele Dagblad

Career development

Academic and professional knowledge and skills

The central objective of the IDS programme is to equip students with conceptual and empirical knowledge as well as research skills necessary in understanding and analysing contemporary issues pertaining to international development in broad geographical contexts (local, regional, and international levels).
Upon completion of the Master’s programme International Development Studies, you will have acquired theoretical, methodological, and practical competency useful for your career in further academic research, development policy, and practice sector as well as other work fields that require understanding of world affairs, international experiences as well as analytical, communication, and project implementation skills. You will become part of a large, international, vibrant, supportive, and simply fun ‘IDS alumni and friends’ network.

Career support

Utrecht University has been teaching development studies for more than four decades. We have a solid reputation in this field and a very experienced staff. The IDS programme is embedded in an extensive network of partners and alumni working as development practitioners and policy advisors all over the world. We organise our internship programme through this network, and offer a wide range of research-oriented internships with local and international development organisations, the private sector, and research institutes in all macro regions.

UU Career Services

UU Career Services offers training related to career orientation and job application skills; examples include writing an application letter and CV and conducting a job interview. You can find more information about career support on UU Career Services for Dutch students or UU Career Services for international students.

UU Careers Day

Once a year Utrecht University organises a Careers Day. The Careers Day offers the opportunity to sign up for workshops and trainings, and to meet recruiters at the careers fair. It’s also possible to join a job application training or have your resume checked.