The past few years have brought a great deal of social, political, and economic turbulence across much of the world. From intensifying climate breakdown to growing geopolitical uncertainty, GDI academics have been working hard to conceptualise future threats and grapple with the implications of what has been termed the ‘polycrisis’. Recent cuts to aid programmes, for example, have sparked lively discussions about how we can transform creaking development paradigms, using the crisis to create more just, equitable, and sustainable frameworks through which to pursue progress.

Of course, our academics aren’t alone in this mission. Development practitioners – including many GDI alumni – are often at the forefront of acute crises, tackling long-standing challenges made even more complex by current realities. As with much of the labour market, the development space is also susceptible to forces that could alter traditional job descriptions. From the rise of AI to an increased emphasis on localisation strategies, today’s practitioners are adapting to new ways of working.

Such shifts are, inevitably, impacting the working lives of fresh graduates – a challenge compounded by job market uncertainty and increasing competition for roles. Given that our first cohort of Global Development undergraduates will be completing their studies at the end of the this academic year, we’re keen to equip them with the tools and knowledge they need to hit the ground running and make a real impact in their careers.

Over the course of 2025/6, we’ll explore some of the ways in which global crises are impacting GDI’s extended community – including students, academics, and various generations of alumni. As part of this undertaking, we’d love to hear from you about your experiences of working within the development sector, what needs to change, opportunities to do things differently, and where the sector may go next.

If you’re wondering what your contribution might look like, why not check out our recent alumni interviews on YouTube, such as our chat with UNDP’s Owen Edwards? There’s also a whole host of alumni stories available on the GDI website.

So, whether you’re a fresh graduate or seasoned professional whose student days feel like a distant dream, please do get in touch. We’re interested in hosting stories on a range of channels, including our blog, podcast, and YouTube. Drop an email to louisa.hann@manchester.ac.uk to discuss ways you may wish to contribute.

Image above by fauxels.

Note:  This article gives the views of the author/academic featured and does not necessarily represent the views of the Global Development Institute as a whole.

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