As World Vision’s senior philanthropy director for economic development, alumnus Steven Waters ‘74 embodies the “worldwide sense of belonging” Messiah College encourages its students to pursue during their undergraduate education and throughout their career. In his current job, Waters engages donors and partners, to collaborate with World Vision as they strive to empower individuals and their communities by building creative economic solutions and providing services in disaster relief, healthcare, education, clean water, child protection, Christian witness, and economic development in the 100 countries World Vision serves.
The skills Waters developed as a history major formed the roots of the foundational skills he needs to perform his job effectively. He says, “The skills I acquired as a humanities student…have prepared me to work with donors who want to co-create solutions for eliminating extreme poverty. Critical thinking, creative writing, innovation and being able to clearly articulate ideas and concepts are foundational to my current position. A study of the humanities builds that foundation unlike any other.”
Throughout his career in executive management, sales and marketing, and while receiving his MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, Waters recognized the value of his history degree. He says, “The humanities student is exposed to so many powerful ideas and concepts that it forces you to think in ways that, perhaps, you would never have conceived.”According to Waters, that exposure prepared him for his career as he fostered skills in critical and quick thinking, and learned to communicate and collaborate effectively with others.