How to land a job at World Bank or IMF
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
This thread has derailed into a discussion of IMF benefits and whether they are cushy etc.
But to get back on track in case OP or others still want to know....: In reality, as a PP said, if you are passionate about international development, the World Bank is much more suitable for you than IMF. Both are heavily dominated by economists, but the mission of IMF is economics and it's the WB that has more scope for activities that are more generally intl development. Like you I was passionate about this field and found it hard to break into. I am now working there. My advice is to 1. do informational interviews both at the WB and other related organizations and 2. after you land something, keep networking to find a better next step. For 1., the short-term consultancies (STCs), as mentioned, are an easy way in if you can find them. Backing up a sec, for the regularly posted jobs (non-consultant), people from all over the world apply and they are ranked in terms of experience; from what I understand, nationality is not part of the ranking/long-listing process but will be a subtle factor. You won't be cast aside as a US applicant; rather, your challenge is to stand out among the pack of 100s of applicants with more experience. It's not impossible to land a job that way as a complete outsider and a US citizen--I know someone that did so, but you'd have to have a solid expertise in something that's not so common and core for the job. (A foreign affairs degree is not uncommon; instead, think finance/accounting, IT, maybe others). That will possibly get you on the long list but as you progress in the process, your nationality will then start to work against you as you will be competing against a small group of similar people but from non-US nationalities, and there are targets for staffing from certain developing regions/countries (and women, so if you are female that is OK). Also, they can take MONTHS to recruit for these roles. To find an STC position, set yourself a goal of having, say, 50 informational interviews. You'll need to look hard for these as these positions aren't centrally listed for the most part. There is a site (seems to be internal only) that lists these, but only a fraction are, and there are 100's of people using that site. Better to look for the ones that aren't on that site and are just word of mouth. Keep in mind that these STC roles offer no benefits and no guarantee that you'd be renewed the following year. That's the trade-off of these 'easier' openings (less competition, can be filled quickly). Are you willing to move/work abroad if the Bank offered you a position (they will work out the visa stuff in that case)? If so, indicate during these discussions that you are open to 'country offices'. This widens the options considerably and will give you field experience that you can later leverage. Fragile states are the 'in' places now, a priority for the int'l development community, so see if you would be open to those; they would likely have additional compensation like more R&R visits back home, and these places still need more people (lots of people don't want to go there; they've got families here or just don't have the interest). >>>(A reminder for people generally that when you request interviews, don't ask for it in the context of a job [don't say 'I'd like to ask you about potential jobs in your area']. Instead, indicate that you have done your research in X area and you are exploring this particular part of international development; and that you are interested in knowing how this area is developing/growing, how it might be a fit for you down the road, etc (you should be prepared to indicate which areas of the WB interest you and why. You will get helpful people who will tell you that but will also be open to sharing job-search suggestions as you conclude your interview. Ask if there are 2-3 other related/deeper areas for you to explore in X area and whom you might talk to, and/or ask where they see future needs emerging, either in their own area or others'.<< Also ask your contacts if there are other organizations that they suggest you explore. The WB is a nice global brand but a slow, bureaucratic place with limited upward mobility, and many roles very unrelated to impact on the ground. Don't overlook the potential of making a difference through the many other organizations working on this. DC is a great place to look. Approach the same way as informational interviews at the bank. Could you perhaps translate your experience to another non-profit that does more intl development? For 2., my suggestion on continuing to network....this is because of the limited upward mobility of World Bank positions. It's a huge bureaucracy as I've mentioned, and people tend to stay forever, making it hard to find openings especially to advance into. Don't turn into one of the dinosaurs. Keep yourself forward-looking and look for where the movement is, either in the WB or in others. You should aim to move externally so you can advance your responsibilities in less time (I've been at the same level for 5+ years, and it stinks since I'm ready to grow). Or so you don't get trapped in an STC position that leads nowhere. STCs can convert into full-time roles but it takes a while and isn't guaranteed. The benefit is that you are working 5 days a week at the bank and can meet many more people, and find out sooner about full-time jobs (and have an edge, as an insider). Finally, there are various events at the WB that are free and open to outsiders. There are also free/public events run by places like CSIS, CGD, USIP, and other think tanks where you could meet people. Look on the web sites of the WB and these other places (After you register for an event at a think tank, they will email you every time they have another event!). Hope you haven't given up on this thread and I hope this helps. You should follow your passion...but have a proactive plan to really map out the path you'll want to take. And be prepared to NETWORK just to meet people that can help you figure out how to navigate in. Aim for being targeted soon as you go about your search, but it's ok to be general now as you gather insight to refine your search. |
Anonymous
| Its not as great as you think. My husband works for the WB snd I am a consultant. Awful management, long hours, lots of pressure, corrupt govt clients, lots of travel. Depends on your team of course but i dont know a single employee who has ”gym” time. |
Anonymous
IMF is way better. Different mission, more banking than saving the world type mission. |
Anonymous
Well if like the corporatw world which i am not remotely intersted in. |
Anonymous
And not one mentions IFC! Although it is in fact, the coolest. |