How to Be Professor of Development Studies - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 28, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Professor of Development Studies is an important figure in academia, as they are responsible for researching and analyzing the causes, effects, and implications of international economic, social, and political development. Their work focuses on understanding the economic, social, and political factors that influence development and formulating policies to ensure equitable, sustainable, and efficient development for all societies. This includes examining the impact of global economic trends and forces on local communities, analyzing the effects of government policies on the welfare of citizens, and exploring how technology can be used to improve living standards. Such research helps to inform policy makers around the world and enable them to make decisions that lead to positive change.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a professor of development studies is to earn a bachelor's degree in a related field. Subjects such as economics, international relations, political science, sociology and anthropology are all excellent choices.
Earn a Master's Degree. The next step is to earn a master's degree in development studies, or a closely related field. Many universities offer master's programs in development studies.
Earn a Doctoral Degree. After completing a master's degree, students need to pursue a doctoral degree in development studies. A PhD program will typically take three to five years and involve coursework, research and dissertation writing.
Gain Teaching Experience. Most universities and colleges require that professors have teaching experience before they can be hired. It is essential to gain teaching experience during the doctoral program, and to build a portfolio of teaching materials.
Apply for Faculty Positions. Once all of the educational requirements have been met, it is time to apply for faculty positions. There are many universities and colleges that offer positions in development studies, so it is important to research the available positions and apply to those that best suit the individual's qualifications and interests.
Publish Research. A professor of development studies needs to stay informed about the latest research in their field and publish their own research. It is important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in order to provide the best education possible to students.

The lack of efficient and ideal development strategies can have a detrimental effect on economic growth. This can lead to a lack of investment opportunities, restricted access to resources, and reduced job creation. Consequently, individuals and communities suffer from diminishing incomes, limited access to basic services, and a decrease in overall quality of life.

As a result, poverty increases and the potential for sustainable development is hindered. To ensure successful development, efficient and ideal strategies must be implemented to create positive and lasting change. These strategies should include targeted investments in infrastructure, education, and health care systems; access to capital; and the promotion of entrepreneurship.

By taking these measures, societies can create conditions that are conducive to sustained economic growth, poverty reduction, and improved living standards.

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Job Description

Develop and implement research and teaching plans for Development Studies.
Teach courses in Development Studies and related fields.
Mentor graduate students in their research and course work.
Publish scholarly work in the field of Development Studies.
Engage in public outreach and engagement activities related to Development Studies.
Represent the university at external conferences and events.
Collaborate with other departments on projects related to Development Studies.
Advise university administration on issues related to Development Studies.
Develop curriculum and syllabi for courses in Development Studies.
Serve on committees and task forces related to Development Studies.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expertise in development studies, including theories and models of development, global governance and development policy.
Knowledge of international development issues, such as poverty and inequality, migration and displacement, health, education, food security, gender and environment.
Ability to apply theories of development to inform policy decisions.
Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods for conducting research in development studies.
Expertise in data analysis methods, such as econometrics, statistical regression and spatial analysis.
Ability to design and implement development projects and programmes.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to teach effectively at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including the use of technology in teaching.
Ability to develop and supervise student research projects.
Ability to collaborate with other departments, international organisations, NGOs and governments to promote and support development initiatives.

The ability to think critically and creatively is one of the most important skills for any professional in the field of development studies. Thinking critically requires the ability to analyze and evaluate information, identify potential solutions, and develop innovative ideas. Creative thinking enables professionals to identify and utilize untapped resources, explore new possibilities, and come up with creative solutions to complex problems.

Creative solutions can be a powerful tool in development studies because they often provide a unique approach to tackling a problem while also taking into account the needs of different stakeholders. Furthermore, the ability to recognize patterns, trends, and correlations can help professionals to better understand the root causes of development issues and devise more effective strategies for addressing them. Consequently, critical and creative thinking are essential skills for anyone looking to succeed in the field of development studies.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in teaching Development Studies?
How would you describe your approach to teaching Development Studies?
How do you engage with students to encourage them to be successful in their studies?
How would you integrate the latest research and trends in the field of Development Studies into your courses?
What challenges have you faced in the classroom while teaching Development Studies?
How do you ensure that all students have a voice in the classroom?
What strategies have you employed to assess student learning in Development Studies?
How do you incorporate current events and debates related to Development Studies into your courses?
What methods do you use to facilitate meaningful discussions about Development Studies in the classroom?
How do you promote social responsibility within the context of Development Studies?

Common Tools in Industry

Microsoft Office Suite. A powerful suite of programs for creating documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. (e. g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Qualitative Data Analysis Software. Programs used to analyze qualitative data such as interviews, focus groups, and surveys. (e. g. NVivo, Atlas. ti, MAXQDA)
Statistical Analysis Software. Programs used to analyze quantitative data such as survey results and numerical data sets. (e. g. SPSS, STATA, R)
Project Management Software. Programs used to manage projects and track progress. (e. g. Trello, Asana, Basecamp)
Research Management Software. Programs used to store research materials and organize references. (e. g. Zotero, EndNote, Mendeley)
Mind Mapping Software. Programs used to create visual diagrams of ideas and concepts. (e. g. MindMeister, MindMup, XMind)
Online Collaboration Tools. Programs used to collaborate with colleagues remotely and share documents and workspaces. (e. g. Slack, Google Hangouts, Zoom)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association for the Study of Development (IASD)
International Institute of Social Studies (ISS)
Association for Social Economics (ASE)
Society for International Development (SID)
World Bank Group (WBG)
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Center for Global Development (CGD)
International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
Global Development Network (GDN)
Overseas Development Institute (ODI)

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Common Important Terms

Development Economics. The study of how economic systems affect and are affected by development in an effort to reduce poverty, improve living conditions, and promote equitable economic growth.
Development Planning. The process of formulating plans for development of a society or an economy, often with the goal of making the society or economy more efficient and prosperous.
International Development. The practice of improving global economic conditions by promoting economic growth and poverty reduction in developing countries.
Sustainable Development. A concept that considers economic, social, and environmental factors when developing policies and strategies for progress.
Macroeconomics. The study of the entire economy, including the behavior of individuals, firms, and governments.
Microeconomics. The study of the behavior of small economic units such as individuals, firms, and markets.
Poverty Reduction. Strategies and policies aimed at reducing the prevalence of poverty in a society or economy.
Social Equity. The fair and equal distribution of resources within a society, regardless of race, gender, class, or other social characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Development Studies? A1: Development Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that focuses on the economic, social, political, and environmental aspects of development in societies around the world. Q2: What does a Professor of Development Studies do? A2: A Professor of Development Studies is responsible for researching, teaching, and writing about topics related to development issues in both developed and developing countries. They also work to promote development initiatives and policies to help achieve sustainable and equitable development outcomes. Q3: What is the salary range for a Professor of Development Studies? A3: According to PayScale.com, the average salary for a Professor of Development Studies is between $61,000 and $139,000 per year. Q4: What qualifications are required to become a Professor of Development Studies? A4: A successful candidate typically holds a PhD in Development Studies or a related field. They should also have extensive experience in the field, including experience with teaching, research, and policy work. Q5: What are some of the topics a Professor of Development Studies might research? A5: A Professor of Development Studies may research topics such as international development, economic development, environmental sustainability, poverty alleviation, gender equality, and global health.