International Development Studies (Arts) Major

• 0.5 credit as follows: IDSA01H3.
• Consider quantitative research methods courses such as GGRA30H3 or STAB23H3 to lay a foundation for courses next year.
• Explore breadth requirements and electives outside the program such as Natural Sciences or Arts, Literature and Language courses.
• Use Degree Explorer and UTSC Calendar to plan your degree.

• 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.

• 1.5 credits from the following: IDSB01H3; IDSB02H3; IDSB04H3; IDSB06H3; POLB90H3.
• 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.
• Use Degree Explorer.

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: utsc.utoronto.ca/experiential.
• 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; visit ISC for details.

PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER

• Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
• 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 the ALL-IN Leadership Program at the DSL.

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 (please check the UTSC Calendar for details).
• Start taking Specialized courses in the 6 areas of concentration.
• Take applicable prerequisites for D-levels next year.
• Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

• 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.

• 4.5 credits from courses listed in Requirement 5 of the B.A. version of the Specialist program in IDS with at least 1.0 credit from each of TWO of the clusters.
• 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.
• 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.”
• Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.