Hillary Chidsey '21
Hillary Chidsey graduated in December 2021 and is currently working as an evaluation and research assistant and project coordinator employed by the International Development Group LLC (IDG). IDG is an international development organization that procures USAID and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) funded projects focused on promoting inclusive economic growth in developing countries. As a project coordinator, she coordinates financial operations, including managing project funds and international bank accounts, drafting monthly/quarterly/annual financial reports, reviewing invoices, and tracking consultant labor for international donor-funded development projects. She also assists with capture efforts for new business opportunities and facilitates new business proposal efforts including the cost and technical approach.
Chidsey’s long-term goal is to eventually go abroad and be based overseas. “I am in love with Africa. I did my Peace Corps there. I lived there. I have had multiple short-term positions there. So, for me, it’s finding a way to live sustainably in Africa.”
Chidsey says that the Patterson School was integral to her success, in large part due to Dr. Montgomery. She credits Dr. Montgomery for presenting her with the opportunity to intern at IDG. “Without Dr. Montgomery, I wouldn’t have gotten into this world or learned that USAID works through contractors.”
Chidsey says she draws on her knowledge acquired from Dr. Montgomery’s Africa’s Development and Trade and Development classes every day. Specifically, she found that a paper she submitted for her Trade and Development class served as a resource to use in her work at IDG.
When asked what advice you have for current and incoming Patterson students, Chidsey offered three important pieces of advice: “First, utilize your professors. There is a lot of advice around networking and using your professors and it really does work. Second, build your narrative. You have to be able to tell your story and why certain things helped you or impacted you and made you better for an upcoming position. Third, open your mind to more. People always have an idea of the job they want but open your mind to other paths and be willing to go abroad.”