Skip to main
News

Building an Impactful Career in International Development: Insights from Emiliana Vegas

Duke alumna Emiliana Vegas discussed her new book, "Let's Change the World," and shared insights from her more than two decades working in international development organizations.

Loading...

How can one build an impactful career in international development?

This question is explored in Duke alumna Emiliana Vegas’ book, “Let’s Change the World: How to Work within International Development Organizations to Make a Difference.”

In her book, Vegas pulls from her more than two decades of experience working in international development institutions to provide insider tips, best practices and targeted advice for changemakers.

Vegas returned to Duke to discuss “Let’s Change the World” and share career insights and advice with an audience of Master of Public Policy (MPP) students, Master of International Development (MIDP) fellows and undergraduate students.

During “How to Have an Impactful Career within International Development Organizations,” a fireside chat hosted by the Duke Center for International Development (DCID) on March 5, Vegas reflected on her path to international development, which began with Duke Sanford’s MPP program and her internship at Research Triangle Institute’s Center for International Development, and continued with roles as a leading economist at the World Bank, the division chief of education at the Inter-American Bank and co-director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution.

In the conversation with Edmund Malesky, a professor of political economy and director of DCID, Vegas noted her work called for strong skills in economics, data analysis, policy analysis, written and oral communication, and project management. She also highlighted the importance of understanding clients' needs, being reliable, setting high standards for work quality, and providing constructive feedback to support colleagues.

"Prof. Emiliana shared incredible insights from her journey in the international development space, especially her experience working with major institutions like the World Bank and development banks," Pragna Shekar, a first-year MIDP fellow, shared.

Shekar valued Vegas' advice on standing out in large institutions: 

  • Reliability in delivering projects on time and within budget is a key asset. 
  • Cultivating a unique skill that makes one indispensable adds immense value. 
  • Becoming the go-to expert in a specific area further enhances one’s ability to thrive.
Drawing from her experience balancing a career and family, Vegas stressed the importance of strategically managing time and workload. She advised setting clear boundaries and practicing self-care.
 
"Prof. Emiliana's reflections on her experience as a woman from the Global South working in these spaces was personally inspiring, especially when she highlighted the importance of not letting imposter syndrome hold one back," Shekar added.
 
In response to questions about the internship and job search, Vegas encouraged students to explore various sectors, regions and 'young professionals programs' to broaden their opportunities, noting the value of an open mind in learning and growth.
 
She encouraged students to apply, even if their background isn’t perfectly aligned with a role or program, emphasizing that they could develop the necessary skills over time.

 

Emiliana Vegas (EdD) has been highly recognized for her career working to inform education policy in the so-called Global South, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. She has been a leading economist at the World Bank, before joining the Inter-American Bank as the division chief of education and, more recently, serving as co-director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution. Vegas has served on numerous leading international education boards, including currently on the Governing Board for UNESCO International Institute for Education Planning and the Board of Directors for the Jacobs Foundation in Switzerland. In addition, she has served on numerous high-impact global councils and programs, including the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Education and Skills, the WISE Prize, the Future Global Leaders Fellowship, and Teach for All’s Global Advisory Council. Since 2019, Vegas has also served as a member of the Global Advisory Council for the Organization of Ibero-American States. She is currently a professor of practice at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Photo Highlights

Two women standing and smiling. The one on the left is holding a book.

Emiliana Vegas (right) with her faculty mentor Susan B. King Distinguished Professor Emerita of Public Policy Helen "Sunny" Ladd.

1 of 3

Four people standing together and smiling

Emiliana Vegas and students in the MPP and MIDP programs.

1 of 3

One person talking while sitting in a chair next to a person who is listening.

Emiliana Vegas and Edmund Malesky during the fireside chat.

1 of 3


Related