Five top reasons to study our Executive Master in International Development

3 min read

The Executive Master in International Development, in partnership with the UNSSC, is designed for working professionals with the drive to implement lasting change. In today’s fast-paced world, leaders in international development are in high demand across a variety of organizations. 

This program gives driven professionals a competitive edge, giving them the tools to stand out in the field. Here the top five reasons why you should consider the Executive Master in International Development:

1. Benefit from our partnership with the UNSSC

Thanks to our strong partnership with the UNSSC, the Executive Master in International Development gives its participants a competitive edge.

Participants are in close contact with top professionals from the UNSSC, boosting their professional network. Jafar Javan, director of the UNSSC, stated that, “there is no other international organization with the legitimacy, convening power and normative impact as the United Nations. This program will allow students to get firsthand insight, networking opportunities and projects that will expose them to the faculty of UN personnel, practitioners and academics who offer real life experience and expertise.”

2. Boost your positive global impact

The UN is heading into an era of actionable change, and encouraging organizations and governments to do so as well. Students in the program will follow the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as the five P’s of sustainable development—people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership. As Javan said, “This unique approach will allow students to be at the lead in the development of stronger capabilities on data Innovation, strategic foresight and behavioral science and results.”

3. Upskill your career with actionable knowledge

At IE University, we strongly believe in a hands-on approach to teaching and learning, which creates tools and skills that can improve students’ day-to-day professional lives. This program is no exception. Simona Costanzo Sow, portfolio manager at UNSSC, stated, “The master’s program is also designed in a practical way, combining lectures with case workshops, and collaborating with different international organizations and the private sector on capstone projects.” This methodology is also integrated in a hybrid format, allowing students to continue to work and use their skills in real time. As Ángel Alonso Arroba, vice dean of the IE School of Global and Public Affairs, explained, “Students will also have the opportunity to come together through a series of in-person sessions, one of them taking place in New York, which will have them visit the different UN agencies and institutions.”

4. Leverage the Quintet of Change to drive development

The UN 2.0 Quintet of Change is an important part of the UN Secretary-General’s “Common Agenda,” which has spurred the 2030 Agenda. This ensures students are up-to-date with important skills that are essential for international development. Simona continued that students need to be able to “analyze data to strengthen capacities in terms of behavior, science and foresight, and also to communicate more strategically in a language that a variety of audiences can understand.” This will be accomplished by learning from industry professionals, which ensures that students get a first-hand look at these global challenges, further strengthening their ability to move forward in their careers.

5. Implement system-wide solutions to complex challenges

There is an abundant need for experts in international development as global challenges, especially in sustainability, increase.

Simona echoed these sentiments, “The world requires solutions that are not just technical and linear, but that require political acumen. We need to be able to learn from each other to solve the challenges of our time.”