Centre for Career and Personal Development Degree Profiles

Development Studies is a multidisciplinary field that examines social, economic, and political change. You will gain cultural understanding, practical experiences, analytic skills, and research capabilities. 

Communication - Intercultural communication and cross cultural relationships; Communicate clearly and persuasively in oral and written media; Explaining ideas, writing and presenting information succinctly and clearly; Public speaking; Compiling carefully reasoned reports and essays; Grant writing

Community development - Anticipate and plan for the effect of change on the development of a community; Incorporate understanding of past issues and events as well as contemporary issues to plan and anticipate future needs; Cultural awareness and sensitivity

Analytical/Critical thinking- Able to assess and evaluate issues and trends in international development; Knowledge in history, social justice and regional development; Understand economic development, power, and international relations

Interdisciplinary lens- Familiar with the deep roots of Western culture, with one or more non-Western cultures, and with the intersections of thought that knit together politics, science, religion, art and philosophy

Project management- Organization and planning; Identify the root causes of social problems and work towards solutions with people from diverse backgrounds; Adaptable, able to work in chaotic and unpredictable environments

Qualitative and quantitative Research - Monitoring and evaluation of processes and data; Subject analysis and synthesis

Please note some of these positions may require further training, certification or education. Check out the occupational profiles to review the full details for the occupations that interest you at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo

• Alternative: Action and Communication for International Development
• American Foreign Service Association
• Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development (AIARD)
• British International Studies Association
• Calgary Community Not for Profit Organizations
• Canadian Asian Studies Association
• Canadian Association for the Study of International Development
• Canadian Bureau for International Education
• Canadian Committee of the Middle East Studies Association of North America
• Canadian Co-operative Association
• Canadian Council for International Cooperation (CCIC)
• Canadian Crossroads International (CCI)
• Canadian Federation for Humanities and Social Sciences
• Canadian Institute of International Affairs (CIIA)
• Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
• Canadian Public Relations Society
• Canadian Society for International Health
• CUSO-VSO
• Development Studies Association UK
• Doctors Without Borders
• Economic Developers Association of Canada
• European Consortium for Political Research
• Global Development Network
• Institute Development Studies
• One World Centre
• International Centre at the University of Calgary
• International Development Research Centre
• International Studies Association
• Resource Alliance 
• Rooftops Canada
• The American Political Science Association  
• United Nations Association in Canada

Aligned Majors

International Relations

Psychology

Social Work

Sociology

Formal Career Assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator can be helpful tools for your career development.  These assessments have been used for decades to help individuals choose a major, explore career options during and upon completion of a degree and to further understand yourself in relationship to the world of work.  Inquire with Career Services if you are interested in these formal assessments.

Faculty Contact

Arts Students' Centre
Social Sciences Building, SS102
T: 403.220-6318
E: ascarts@ucalgary.ca
W: arts.ucalgary.ca/advising

Clubs on Campus: 

Development Studies Club 

Career Services

MacEwan Student Centre, Room 188
T: 403.220.8020
E: csstdnt@ucalgary.ca
W: ucalgary.ca/careers