Education, training, and learning events

Building your skills in evaluation can take many forms, from formal academic programs to more flexible training sessions and workshops and conferences.

Formal education

One common way to build evaluation skills is through formal education, such as earning a certificate or degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate) in evaluation. This provides a strong foundation in evaluation theory, methodologies, and practical skills. When considering formal education, it's important to weigh factors like tuition costs, time commitment, career outcomes, and the missed opportunity to gain work experience during your studies.

Training and workshops

Alternatively, training sessions and workshops offer a more flexible and often affordable way to develop your skills. These range from short courses on specific methods to broader professional development programs. While they provide hands-on, practical learning and are designed to meet industry needs, they may not cover theory in as much depth as a degree. It can also be harder to assess the quality of these programs due to limited available information.

You can also explore region-specific resources, such as those offered by organisations like CLEAR Centres, EvalYouth chapters, and VOPEs. These groups provide training and capacity-building programs tailored to local needs and can be excellent support networks for developing locally relevant evaluation practices.

Conferences

Conferences are a great way to sharpen your evaluation skills. They offer opportunities to learn new methodologies, hear from experts in the field, and gain insights into emerging trends. By attending sessions tailored to your interests and skill gaps, you can build technical and soft skills that will help you advance your career in evaluation.

Tips from an emerging evaluator

Follow these steps to attend conferences with intent:

  • Be purposeful: Attend events with a clear intention—whether it’s learning, networking, or both. Ensure your actions during the events align with your intentions to make the most of those opportunities.

  • Choose sessions wisely: Select conference sessions that align with your interests and address competency gaps. Research session topics in advance and actively participate during discussions.

  • Apply what you learn: After attending sessions, allocate time for reflection and apply the knowledge gained to your evaluation work. Implement best practices, methodologies, or innovative approaches.

  • Share insights: Write social media posts, blog articles, or contribute to evaluation discussion groups. Share your conference experiences, key takeaways, and reflections. Writing helps you consolidate your learning and benefits others in the field.

Maria Montenegro

Resources

A few good starting points to find education opportunities and resources include:

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