Development Studies - MA

ISS helped me to refine my research and writing skills as well as taught me to think critically and question why things are the way that they are. These skills are critical to be an Analyst as much of the position requires market research, surveying as well as data analysis. My masters research on micro-finance and poverty in the Philippines provided me the background and experience necessary to be effective in my current position where we are promoting financial inclusion through digital payment systems in the Philippines.

ISS was a very memorable experience for me where I learned so many different things from the professors and international student base. Working in international development it is great to have a strong network of alumni around the world that can help with local projects and provide country insights. I owe much of my academic and personal growth and maturation to ISS and the wonderful people who make it a very special and unique research and learning institution.

Studying in ISS inspired me to work in the development field and the coursework in ISS laid the basis for my current career as a consultant in this field

My study at ISS helped me to see things more critically as well as broadly, both macro and micro perspectives for development. To understand different culture and background is also great learning from a number of discussions, reading, and lectures with practical examples at ISS. Those things are effectively used for my work to manage projects.

You will study with people from all around the world. ISS is a door to the world, every day you learn something new from a different culture. At the end, you will end with a multicultural family and you definitely change the perspective of the world and leave behind silly stereotypes.