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Discover | International Development (ID)

Thinking of working in development? Whether you’re unsure what you want from your career, or you already have some ideas you’d like to explore further, our Discover | ID programme is designed specifically for any LSE student or recent graduate with an interest in the development sector.

In addition to the range of written and multimedia resources outlined below, the Discover | ID programme features several insightful careers events – from thematic panels with alumni working in pioneering areas, to opportunities to network with employers who are actively recruiting. These events usually run throughout Autumn and Winter terms, and you can browse upcoming events below.

Read on to find out more about the programme and how LSE Careers can support you.

What's on: Browse the full timetable of events

This year's Discover | ID events will take place throughout the 2025/26 academic year. Browse what's on below:

  • Discover ID launch event panel – An exciting panel event featuring guest speakers and LSE alumni who will share their insights on the future of international development. The event will begin with a brief introduction to the Discover ID careers programme, followed by a welcome address from the Directors of LSE Careers. Experts in the field will then deliver ‘flash’ talks on key themes impacting the development sector. After the talks, there will be opportunities for questions, discussions, and networking over drinks and light refreshments.

  • Discover ID panels – The Discover ID panel series offers students the chance to learn more about specific areas of work in development. Typically, there are four panels chaired by professors from the ID team, focusing on areas such as Consultancies, Humanitarian Aid, Financial Institutions, Government Aid Agencies, and Health Organisations. LSE Careers invites alumni to join the panels to share insights into their roles, careers, and organisations, providing top tips on navigating your career.

  • Networking event – A new networking event where current students with ID experience and alumni working in the industry gather to network with students interested in ID careers. The event will begin with panelists introducing themselves, followed by networking stations around the venue. Attendees are encouraged to read about the professionals beforehand.

  • Skills seminars – These sessions focus on developing the skills and technical knowledge needed for a career in ID. In partnership with ID organisations, you will have the chance to work with employers to understand their work and the critical skills required. Previous seminars have included sessions led by Shared Planet, a research consultancy working with NGOs to accelerate social and environmental impact. The session explored different types of consulting work and essential skills for research-driven consulting.

  • Employer recruitment and networking event – Our in-person, themed recruitment and networking events provide a relaxed and informal environment for students to meet representatives from various organisations. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions to gain honest insights into their organisations, opportunities, recruitment processes, and organisational culture. You'll also receive helpful advice, hints, and tips on entering the sector.

View upcoming Discover | ID events on CareerHub.

Organisations: Check out which organisations may attend this year's events.

Organisations who've attended Discover |D events in recent years include:

- United Nations World Food Programme  

- International Committee of the Red Cross  

- UN Environment Programme

- Asian Development Bank

- Integrity Action

- CDC

- Adam Smith International

- Genesis Analytics  

- Wellspring Development

- Tetra Tech

- Clinton Health Access Initiative

- GSK

- World Health Organization

- NHS Confederation

- Sangath  

- Relief International

- CARE

- Worldvision

Prepare: Browse our top tips for making the most of the events

Joining our Discover | ID events? Make the most of your time by following the tips below..

  1. Do your research
  2. Know what's on offer
  3. Ask questions
  4. Plan your environment and dress appropriately
  5. Take notes - they might be useful in future applications
  6. Update your CV
  7. Follow up after the events - follow speakers on Linkedin



Online tools, resources, and job opportunities

Check out other LSE Careers resources relevant to working in development

Found our Discover | ID sessions insightful and wondering what's next? Or waiting for next year's events?

Here are some related LSE Careers resources you might like to check out:

 

 

Talk to one of our careers consultants

Get confidential one-to-one guidance from one of our professional and dedicated team of careers consultants.

Our consultants can help with:

  • careers advice and planning;
  • CV, cover letter and application form feedback;
  • practice interviews;
  • specialist careers support for disabled students and PhD students.

Read about different types of careers appointments online

Book a careers appointment on CareerHub

Gain new skills at our career skills workshops

Throughout the year we provide a range of events to equip you with the skills to succeed including:

  • CV, cover letter and application workshops;
  • mock assessment centres;
  • sector insights;
  • seminars on case studies and psychometric tests.

Browse all of our events on CareerHub

Browse jobs and opportunities in development

 

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