r/InternationalDev • u/Jhalav • 9d ago
Advice request MsC Development Finance
Does anyone have any experience with this field of study? I find it genuinely interesting and would love to pursue it come 2028, but I’m afraid of wasting my time on this. My bachelor’s degree is in Journalism, and was not a good choice (I did it out of passion, thinking that I’d be among the few that actually make it- I didn’t) Thankfully I had some accounting certifications and have been able to work in a junior role in an NGO in the accounting department. I’d like to get into impact capital and DFIs. Is this the correct masters degree for me?
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u/districtsyrup 8d ago
Development finance degrees are just development degrees with a couple finance-y electives, not true finance degrees. Which doesn't mean they're bad; it means they're the same as any other development/public policy degree. You can still work at an impact fund or a DFI (which are pretty different career paths fyi) with this degree but it entirely depends on your skillset, networking, luck, etc. I have a development masters, but I had finance/economics background going in. If you need to build econ/finance skills, you should get an MS Finance or similar, not something in development.
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u/LivingPresence876 9d ago
I work in the sector and happy to answer any questions. I did a similar degree program that you’re looking at. What school are you considering?
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u/Jhalav 9d ago edited 9d ago
Omg, thanks! I’m considering Stellenbosch University in S.A. I’m from East Africa
Do you do similar work to what I mentioned? DFIs/Impact Capital institutions? Does the degree open you up to such work? What kind of work did most of your classmates go into?
Is it a very theoretical degree? Or does it impart practical skills. I have a B.A degree so I’d like some skills in financial modelling
etc
Was the degree worth it to you? Would you do it if you were in my position?
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u/Miserable_Career_919 9d ago
Hate to break it to you but the chances that you’ll be one of the few who make it even in this field is very low. Not trying to be negative, but it’s just simply not very employable at the moment, never was to begin with and probably will never get better!