International Development Studies (Arts) Specialist

• 3.0 credits as follows: IDSA01H3, IDSB02H3, IDSB06H3, [MGEA01H3 or MGEA02H3], [MGEA05H3 or MGEA06H3], EESA01H3.
• Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
• Use Degree Explorer to plan your courses and program.

• Writing and reading support is available at the CTL Writing Centre.
• Attend IDSSA facilitated study groups.
• Sign up for AA&CC study skills workshops on CLNx (>Events & Workshops).
• Attend the annual Winter Critical Hope Lecture.

• Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities on the Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx).
• Attend the Fall and Winter IDS Potluck to observe the poster presentations from students returning from the field.

• Join the International Development Studies Students’ Association (IDSSA); attend their events and programs.
• Explore other relevant student clubs on campus and get involved.
• Volunteer in DSL’s Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development; explore other DSL programs.

• Volunteer with organizations to explore your interest within relevant industries; check listings on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
• Register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program.
• Research labour trends in development studies at idsemployment.weebly.com.

• 2.0 credits as follows: IDSB01H3, IDSB04H3, POLB90H3, POLB91H3.
• Consider which courses you would like to do for the Specialized Courses requirement in these 6 areas: Media & Development, Culture & Society, Environment & Land Use, Economics of Development, Gender & Health, Politics & Policy.

DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS

• Schedule an appointment with your program librarian for in-depth library research assistance.
• Explore Research Assistant opportunities through the Work Study program on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study).
• Contact Faculty members and inquire about research opportunities.

APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE

• Research about experiential learning opportunities on campus.
• Connect with like-minded local organizations and explore skill building Work Study opportunities on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study).

BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)

• Participate in initiatives planned by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and Oxfam at UTSC.
• Consider doing the ISC’s Global Citizenship Certificate to prepare for working and succeeding in a culturally diverse and rapidly changing world.
• Explore ISC’s Global Learning opportunities like a Summer Abroad.

PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER

• If you are considering grad school, speak to professors and program advisors early so you know what to keep in mind.
• Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
• Sign up for DSL’s ALL-IN Leadership Program.

CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY

• Methods for IDS: IDSC04H3 and 1.0 credit from selected courses; 0.5 credit in quantitative/statistical methods, and 0.5 credit in qualitative methods (check the UTSC Calendar for details).
• Start taking Specialized courses in the 6 areas of concentration.
• Take prerequisites for D-levels next year.

• Develop research skills by entering to win the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.
• Apply for the University of Toronto Excellence Award to conduct summer research projects under the supervision of a faculty member.

• Consider enrolling in IDSC20H3 and learn about the challenges faced by communities in their interactions with a range of development actors, including international development agencies, local Non Governmental Organizations (NGO), state actors and universities.

• Volunteer to be a First Year Peer Advisor in DSL’s First Year Experience Program.
• Intern with an NGO in Ghana, Malawi, Sri Lanka or Tanzania with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship; visit the ISC.
• Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair to learn about local and international opportunities.

• Attend CCDS networking events.
• Do informational interviews with organizations you are interested in.
• Plan a career path with an AA&CC staff member.
• Go to the UTSC Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
• Develop professional skills by joining a conference like TEDxUTSC or International Development Conference through the DSL.

• 0.5 credit from Research in International Development: IDSD02H3.  
• Complete your Specialized courses requirement.                        
• Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
• Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

• Apply for the CCDS Faculty Mentorship Project or consider completing a Supervised/Independent Research Project in IDSD14H3 / IDSD15H3.

• Consider participating in the International Development Conference at UTSC.
• Consider enrolling in IDSD19H3 and explore whether such engagements offer opportunities for effective social change and improved theory.
• Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers.

• Consider becoming a student member of a professional association such as Canadian Association for the Study of International Development and network with external IDS professionals.
• Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.

• Meet with your Program Supervisor/Advisor regarding applying to graduate studies.
• Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.
• Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
• Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course.”