Student Voices: 5 Great Things About the MIDP Program

by Mustafa Rezaie (Afghanistan) | MIDP '24

The Masters in International Development Policy (MIDP) program at Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy provided me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to shape both my personal and professional growth. With its world-renowned faculty, interdisciplinary courses, and customizable curriculum, the program empowered me to utilize my cross-sectoral expertise, align my efforts with my personal values and goals, and develop a clear roadmap for achieving my aspirations. Here are 5 things about the program that I treaure.

1. I gained what I was seeking

At the end of my journey, I gained exactly what I had been seeking: a comprehensive strategy to lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact. Today, I am proud to work as a Finance Manager at PartnersGlobal, a peacebuilding organization that promotes peace and advances democracy worldwide. 

2. I engaged in a lot of Experiential Learning 

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The MIDP program equipped me with critical research and policy-building skills, enhancing my capacity for leadership and decision-making. At Duke, I investigated how to bridge the gap between short-term humanitarian aid and long-term sustainability in Afghanistan, ultimately crafting actionable policy recommendations. I also published two articles in the Sanford Journal of Public Policy: one on promoting education in conflict zones, and another on participatory budgeting (PB) as an innovative approach to enhancing democratic citizen engagement and advancing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

3. the school helped me build Leadership and Career Strategies

The MIDP program offered me the chance to evaluate my strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations through structured self-assessments such as SWOT analysis. Courses focused on capacity building helped me refine my leadership goals, develop personal strategies, and create actionable career plans. Through this process, I unlearned outdated practices, built upon my existing expertise, and equipped myself professionally to achieve my career aspirations. 

4. Interdisciplinary Learning opportunities abound

The program provided the flexibility to select courses across Duke's various schools, allowing me to tailor my education to meet my interests and professional needs. In addition to courses at the Sanford School of Public Policy, I had the privilege of taking classes at the Fuqua School of Business and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, broadening my perspective and enriching my learning experience. 

5. I also had numerous Networking and Relationship-building opportunities

The MIDP program and the Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center provided a unique platform to connect with like-minded professionals, including Rotary Peace Fellows, from across the globe. Each of them brought diverse skills and experiences to the program. Before joining the MIDP, my network was limited to a few countries in Asia. Now, I am connected with future leaders from Africa, Europe, Australia, the Americas, and beyond. This global network for me, has been one of the most valuable outcomes of the program.

A native of Afghanistan, Mustafa Rezaie MIDP '24 is dedicated and results-oriented financial management expert with over 10 years of experience in financial analysis, budgeting, compliance, monitoring and evaluation, project appraisal, planning, and design. His expertise lies in strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, risk assessment, and team leadership. He has a proven track record in developing financial budget models, managing grants, implementing financial reforms, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring audit and compliance processes. He is skilled in data analysis, with a strategic mindset to effectively communicate information for informed decision-making.