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Working in Development
Our new booklet full of ideas on how you can improve your
chances to get your first or next development job has been
designed
specifically for career changers and new graduates.
Written by one of our experienced One to
One consultants and based on the most common questions we
have encountered from career-changers and job-seekers over
the last few years.
Working in International
Development
International
Development is a global industry that attracts the interest
of many people and therefore by its nature it is very
competitive to enter.
Here are some of the common questions we often encounter:
I am interested in working in International Development
Is it difficult to
get into?
What jobs are
there?
I am
interested in a particular field
How do I start my
career?
Do I need another qualification?
Are languages important?
What will help?
I am interested in working in International Development
Using the term International Development is too broad
and too vague to convey any real meaning; which area of development, or
which issues do you
find interesting, and why?
An 'interest' is not enough! For example,
if
you're interested in football, then you might
watch your team on TV, buy a team shirt, hold a season
ticket, even travel internationally to support your team;
that's an interest! So, what evidence can you give to
support your interest in international development?
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Is it difficult to get
into?
With
the prolification of university degrees specialising in
international development studies or similar there is strong
competition for every development focused job. For some
graduates, and a growing number of career changers, working in
International Development is the dream job; particularly in
today’s recession and economic downturn days; more people are
considering value-driven careers.
Unlike traditional professions, there are no apprenticeships or
normal entry routes into these careers. Agencies require qualifications, and professional expertise and experience.
It's very competitive but not impossible!
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What jobs are there?
There are many kinds of jobs with a wide range of
organisations. Most people focus on working with an NGO,
however there are many other alternative employers. The
range and type of jobs will depend on the employer who could
be an international consultancy, an overseas government
department, a commercial operation, all of these contribute to the economic growth and
strengthening of the county's development or infrastructure.
Generally, jobs could be broadly classed
as either technical assistance/training or management.
Most sites list the types of expertise
they need and the areas of their focus and you need to find
out where your expertise fits. Get to know the synergy of
the networks.
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I am
interested in a particular field
As a specialist you will need to identify the
key
networks, funders and stake holders in your area as these
are where to look for an opportunity. Policy and funding
priorities change. However, currently all major funding is
focused on the
MDGs and there is limited funding for other projects. As
a specialist with an interest in international development
you might not find a suitable opportunity.
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How
do I start my career?
For many this is the "Catch 22" situation,
especially for new graduates. Our response: if you have a
qualification, then you need to get
relevant work experience. There are many ways you could do
this. Probably the most common way is to gain experience via
volunteering. However, if you are a professionally qualified
accountant, for example, you would not need to volunteer. Simply apply for a finance job. Much depends on what you
have already done.
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Do I need another qualification?
First, you need relevant and practical work
experience. Depending on your expertise you may easily find
work. Many jobs require candidates to have a Masters Degree,
but before you spend thousands of pounds, look to see what
the job market is asking for.
If you are continually seeing your ideal
job asking for a particular level or qualification
specialisation then you will need to consider further study
as an investment for your career. Don't simply assume
gaining another degree will open the doors to employment.
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Are languages important?
Yes, of course, but language in
itsself is not enough to get a job. It is an important
additional skill. The common languages are French, Spanish,
Portuguese and Arabic and if you want to work within the UN
you will need to be fluent in two of their official
languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and
Spanish.
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What will help?
The basics that will help are: personality,
relevant qualifications,
skills and experience, signs of commitment and
understanding the issues.
Working in Development will ask you to consider what you are doing to increase your
chances and includes 10 suggestions you may not have considered.
You could talk over your situation with
one of our advisers in a
One to
One; in a tailor-made conversation you would gain
insight into your particular situation and what you need to
do.
You can find out more by reading blogs and website stories
from development workers.
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