Navigating Evaluation Careers – Wisdom from Senior Experts
This blog interview series was developed and is curated by Cristina Repede. It is an initiative of the Emerging Evaluators Thematic Working Group (TWG) of the European Evaluation Society (EES), published in partnership with EvalYouth Europe, and reflects EES’s ongoing commitment to spotlight diverse voices and experiences within the evaluation community.
Today we interview Anna Maria Augustyn, a senior international consultant specializing in evaluation and policy analysis, with extensive experience spanning two decades. Her multidisciplinary background combines social sciences, systems thinking, and natural resource management. She has evaluated numerous projects and programs supporting local communities in agriculture, climate, territorial development, research, technology, innovation, disaster risk reduction and transformational change. As an evaluator, policy analyst, and peer reviewer, she has worked on assignments commissioned by UN agencies, the EU, the World Bank, and national public authorities. Her geographic expertise primarily covers Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, with some additional experience in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. She has contributed to several evaluation guidelines in climate change, development cooperation, and research and innovation, co-authoring key handbooks for the European Commission (DG INTPA, DG AGRI) and the Adaptation Fund.
Anna Augustyn’s journey is a powerful reminder that meaningful learning often comes from beyond the expected. Rather than following a single path or mentor, she has shaped her perspective through a spirit of openness to people, ideas, and ways of thinking that stretch beyond the usual boundaries of the evaluation field.
Her reflections invite us to look outward and inward, to trust that insight can come from unexpected conversations, quiet moments, and the courage to explore differently. In this conversation, Anna shares how this expansive approach has shaped both her professional practice and her understanding of the world.
- Why did you choose evaluation as a career path?
This question is quite challenging for me to answer. During my university years, I studied interdisciplinary applied social sciences and was initially undecided about my career path. I pursued two areas of specialization: one focused on psychology and therapy, and the other on managing non-profit organizations. The latter included a dedicated course on evaluation, which sparked my interest. Additionally, I was deeply interested in research methodologies at the time.
By coincidence, my first jobs aligned with my academic training and involved monitoring and evaluation (M&E) tasks for projects implemented by well-known philanthropic organizations in Poland. I also participated in a two-year scholarship program that provided deeper insights into strategic planning for community development, including evaluation. Later, I lived abroad for many years and took on various professional roles, mainly in policy analysis, research, and assessing project proposals for different agencies. Over time, evaluation became an increasingly significant path of my career, allowing me to work on exciting topics across multiple countries.
- What are three concrete actions young evaluators can take to effectively break into the highly competitive field of evaluation and build a successful career?
Breaking into the evaluation field can be challenging, but it offers numerous opportunities. Evaluators can work in international organizations, research institutions, national governments, commercial companies, or as freelance consultants, among other options. However, if your goal is to become a billionaire, evaluation may not be the most lucrative path, as it primarily deals with public funds, which are often scarce and under pressure to maximize efficiency. That being said, success in this field is driven by passion and the desire to contribute to transformational change. To succeed in this endeavour, one needs to live this activity as liberating, rather than entangling.
Continuous learning is essential. Learn from all types of experiences – both successes and failures. As for the formal training, evaluation is an eclectic and interdisciplinary field, meaning you can enter it from various academic backgrounds, such as sociology, economics, law, geography, medicine, information sciences etc. Your educational background will help position you in certain thematic areas and projects, but staying open to new topics and perspectives is crucial. Bringing fresh, innovative solutions to old challenges is valuable. Additionally, field-specific training programs, such as those offered by evaluation practitioners and organizations like the European Evaluation Society (EES), can provide valuable knowledge. Engaging in professional conferences and knowledge exchange with colleagues is also beneficial.
Networking is the key. Building a network of colleagues and mentors takes time but is invaluable for navigating the challenges of evaluation assignments and beyond. The evaluation community is filled with supportive and like-minded professionals who share a passion for the field. If you naturally enjoy interacting with others, networking will come easily. However, it is also a skill that can be learned over time. Attending evaluation events, both in-person and virtual, and participating in communities of practice can help expand your network. Over time, these professional relationships may evolve into long-term collaborations and even lifelong friendships.
- Can you share an example of a mentor who significantly impacted your career in evaluation and the lessons you learned from them?
I have never had a specific mentor in the evaluation field. Instead, I have learned from many different individuals throughout my professional and personal life. Some evaluation colleagues have provided brilliant insights, and I always value their perspectives. However, I also seek guidance from people outside our “silo”. Since evaluation is deeply rooted in practical application, understanding different viewpoints is essential.
For instance, when facing problem-solving challenges, I often turn to colleagues and friends in leadership positions within corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not dealing directly with evaluation. Their advice, though unconventional, often proves highly effective. One message I received was to take a long walk, meditate and relax before taking a challenging decision. This really works!
More recently, I spent six months traveling in Asia, where I met many fascinating individuals who shared insights I would never have encountered in a traditional evaluation assignment. These fresh perspectives were incredibly valuable and some even profoundly changed my views on the topics I have been working on. Additionally, I find inspiration in learning from spiritual leaders, as their wisdom often provides a broader outlook on life and work.
- How long does it typically take to become an established evaluator, and how does an evaluator’s career progress over the first three to five years?
The timeline for becoming an established evaluator varies depending on individual circumstances. Generally, it takes close to a decade of experience to build the necessary expertise, networks, and confidence to be recognized as a seasoned professional. However, prior experience in a related field can accelerate this process. Some indications as to years of expertise can be also detected in Terms of Reference, when evaluations are commissioned, which also vary from case to case.
Professional growth in evaluation follows a trajectory similar to other careers. With time, evaluators develop technical knowledge, establish a stable financial situation, and build a reputation in the field. For freelance consultants or those running small firms, financial stability can be a significant challenge and this is often insufficiently understood by other evaluation players. While public recognition can be a marker of success, I approach it with caution. Many outstanding evaluators do exceptional work without being widely known on social media or in the public sphere.
- How do you stay updated with the latest trends and methodologies in evaluation, and what resources would you recommend to newcomers?
One of the best ways to stay informed is by attending events, both in-person and virtual. Professional organizations and communities of practice facilitate meaningful exchanges between evaluation practitioners, helping to keep participants up to date on the latest methodologies and trends. I actively participate in enthusiastic and insightful professional communities where experts share their knowledge on methodology and emerging topics. Additionally, universities and dedicated programs, such as the International Program for Development Evaluation Training (IPDET), offer valuable learning opportunities. Articles and news on social media and in thematic journals are very useful, too.
I am particularly pleased to see that younger evaluator networks are becoming increasingly active, fostering capacity-building for the next generation. When I started my career, social media was not as widespread as it is today, and I shared a single PC with my family. Smartphones had yet to exist. Today, there are significantly more opportunities for learning, networking, and engagement, but also an overwhelming influx of information, making it crucial to focus on what truly matters. I encourage newcomers to leverage these resources thoughtfully, not only to advance their careers but also to contribute meaningfully to transforming the world into a better place.