Tim Derr graduated from Notre Dame in 2022 with dual master’s degrees in global affairs and business administration. In this conversation, he shares how his multidisciplinary education helped prepare him to make an impact in sustainable development.

As a senior associate with the Rights and Resources Initiative, Derr supports community-led initiatives that alleviate poverty, conserve vital ecosystems and advance the development priorities of these communities. He also supports the organization’s private sector engagement efforts.

Ultimately, his work enables him to organize multi-stakeholder dialogues and build mutually beneficial partnerships between the private sector and communities affected by business operations and investments.

Q&A with Tim Derr

What are your primary responsibilities in your role now? What are the best parts and what do you find challenging?

The most rewarding part of my work is visiting local communities, listening to their experiences, learning their cultures and supporting their goals. It is deeply fulfilling to work alongside passionate people on initiatives that have ethical, social, environmental and cultural significance.

I also enjoy creative problem-solving, particularly in finding ways for companies and investors to engage in rights-based, community-led collaborations that achieve business interests, improve local livelihoods and conserve nature.

One of the greatest challenges is aligning incentives among diverse stakeholders to catalyze collective action, ensuring that the communities we serve remain at the center of global sustainable development agendas.

What skills or knowledge from the Master of Global Affairs program do you draw upon in your current position?

I frequently draw upon my studies on the intersection of colonialism and climate change. Understanding this bigger picture is essential in ensuring that the communities I serve have equitable representation and decision-making power in policy and practice.

The interdisciplinary nature of the Master of Global Affairs program has also enabled me to translate complex ideas related to rights, power, and policy in the language of different stakeholders, from government officials to corporate leaders.

For example, I have coordinated a crucial community monitoring initiative. It uses a locally-led methodology that enables communities to monitor the adverse effects that businesses and supply chains have on their land. To maximize impact, we help communities align and translate their data with the regulatory and sustainability frameworks of government and corporate stakeholders so they can leverage this information to shift power dynamics in their favor.

Why did you choose the MGA / MBA program?

I chose the program because it provided me with the training and skills I needed for my sustainable development career. Addressing the complex environmental, economic and social challenges magnified by the climate crisis requires an interdisciplinary, multi-stakeholder approach. The next era of climate action requires bridge builders who can coordinate collective action across diverse actors and harness the power of the private sector.

The Master of Global Affairs program deepened my commitment to sustainable, rights-based development and equipped me with the skills to support these efforts, while the MBA program enabled me to craft business cases that engage the private sector in redefining economic models toward sustainability and responsibility. The MBA also helped me further explore creative problem solving, innovative business models, and strategic planning. Additionally, my Graduate Minor in Peace Studies provided a strong foundation in power and justice, ensuring that my policy and business approaches are grounded in ethical leadership.

Which aspects of the Master of Global Affairs program impacted you the most?

The most impactful aspects of the MGA program were the wealth of resources available, including the expertise of professors and practitioners. Melissa Paulsen was a great mentor during my experience with the school’s Integration Lab (i-Lab). She demonstrated how development professionals can leverage their business acumen to design elegant interdisciplinary approaches. Daniel C. Miller recognized and instigated my interest in environmental justice and integral ecology, connecting me with and recommending me to the Rights and Resources Initiative.

I benefited greatly from the experiential learning opportunities provided through the i-Lab. My team developed a go-to-market strategy in India for Corning, Inc.’s new outdoor air purification unit that not only made business sense, but also created social, environmental and societal value. Through this experience, I developed my ability to align incentives of diverse stakeholders across the private sector, government, philanthropy, research, civil society, and local communities. This allowed me to identify and catalyze opportunities for collective action. My i-Lab experience helped me become a better teammate and leader, since I learned to identify and embrace the skills and motivations of team members, putting us each in a position to succeed.

The Master of Global Affairs program provided technical tools and a supportive environment that enabled me to achieve my academic and professional goals. Its flexibility allowed me to explore diverse interests — from sustainable development to Russian language studies, Business on the Frontlines, animal welfare and more — all of which ultimately helped me discover my professional niche. This ability to tailor my learning experience was instrumental in shaping my career path.

What advice do you have for someone who is considering an MGA/MBA degree?

Take full advantage of the resources, experiences, and network available. While you may have a clear career vision, take the opportunity to explore other disciplines and interests, as doing so can broaden your perspective and enhance your ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

Challenging yourself in new areas can provide unexpected insights and skills that may prove crucial in addressing complex global issues.

Master of Global Affairs Program

The master of global affairs degree provides rigorous professional training, close engagement with policymakers, multi-disciplinary faculty and a network of students from around the world, alongside extended fieldwork with global partners working to address global challenges.

Learn More

Originally published by Josh Stowe at keough.nd.edu on February 18, 2025.